true happiness.

i had an EXTREMELY enlightening conversation with some friends last night, that reallllllly opened my eyes....this is what i got from it. sorry if the thoughts are jumbled or don't really make sense..

the concept that in order to be 'happy', you must find yourself is a lie. as is the concept that you should do whatever makes you happy, regardless of the impact it has on anyone else. society pushes these lies, and so many more, on our children--particularly our little girls. as a child, or young girl/woman, i completely bought into these lies. not because i am gullible or stupid, but because these lies are so widespread, it was hard to realize how untrue they are. i believed that i needed to find myself, to do whatever made me happy. the entire world believed it also, so i felt pretty confident.

it's only lately that i realize how dangerous that lie can be, and how perpendicular it is to the teachings of the gospel. the gospel clearly tells me who i am, and how i can feel good about myself, and that's through service. the happiness i was seeking was earthly, and brought with it an expiration date. true happiness transcends time and space. it's eternal.

i have made a lot of decisions, taking into account only my own life. i thought that was one of the perks of being single; i only have to worry about myself. but, the conversation i had with some close friends last night changed that perspective. in fact, it probably put it into the proper perspective. i am realizing that this is a time where i need to dedicate myself to service. i need to give more than i am taking. that is the only way i can truly be happy.