Six weeks ago I returned from
Ukraine, where I lived for 18 months as a missionary for the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. I worked hard, slept little, and experienced much.
Most importantly, I learned lessons that I won’t be soon to forget.
One of those lessons came at a
particularly difficult point in my mission. I had every reason to be happy—my
companion was kind, we had people to teach, the branch was growing—but I
wasn’t. I was rather unhappy. And I
couldn’t figure out how to get out of that funk. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed
with people whose wisdom far exceeds my own, one of whom is my dear mother.
She’s the smartest woman I know. At one point during this trying time, I
received an enlightening email from her, which stated the following:
As I’ve seen tulips and thought of
you, I’ve also thought of the ways for you to feel joy. Perhaps it’s
about taking time for you. For instance, here are a few of the things
that I do. When I shower (hahahaha), I like to burn a lemon candle.
It’s just a little thing, but it brings me joy, and really is for me.
When I go to Deseret Book, I like to buy myself a mint chocolate truffle bar
and eat it. I like to go up to the bonus room, work on a project and
watch ‘Law and Order’…You’re not doing anything ‘wrong,’ but men are that we
might have joy. Find your lemon candles, mint truffle bars, and Law and
Order episodes.
Something in this letter clicked for
me, and from that moment on I have searched for my own “lemon candles.” They range
from dress store window displays to popcorn, and from runs with my best friend
to aromatic Kleenex, but the point is that each of my lemon candles is
something that is just for me and brings me a smidge of joy. Mom was so right.
Who’s ready to find their own lemon
candles?
Lexi, your mom has some great wisdom. I have never really looked for my own lemon candles. I always try to help others with their own lemon candles. I never once realized that to find happiness we must have our own lemon candles. The lemon candles I have off the top of my head are doing makeup (either on me or another person) and anything related to Disney.
ReplyDeleteI think even the small things, like a smile from a friend, can help us be happy. "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" Alma 37:6. I think the small and simple things in life are the lemon candles. I know Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. When we are happy we can reach our full potential. Our full potential is the greatest thing brought to pass. I will try to focus more on the lemon candles in life. Thank you for the great perspective.
Lexi,
ReplyDeleteYour blog layout is awesome. The first picture really draws you in and makes you want to read everything on the page. I love little lessons that we learn from our parents. When I was kid I used to think my parents didn't know a thing. As I age, I realize that they know more then I could ever imagine, and they are the smartest people I know. I enjoyed your mom's advice about lemon candles. She's right, it's not selfish to have little things that bring you joy. After reading your post, it inspired me to start looking for a couple of my own lemon candles.
Wow,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog, I realize that I need more of my own lemon candles, mint truffles, and Law and Order episodes. I can only think of one thing that I do just for myself and that is playing the electric guitar. It is a fantastic instrument with endless sounds! However, I am going to find one or two more things to do for myself. I report back on this blog when I find them.