Why Not Today?

"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death." I'm not sure who said it, but it's too often that we all have something we fear. I have discovered some I never thought I had. After my snowboarding accident in November that caused a lacerated kidney and bruised lung my fear was to get back on a snowboard. I know it was my parents' fear also, but in March I conquered it. The key? Don't be a speed demon on the mountain, but take it easy and be cautious. That's a lesson I've found in life, too. One step and one day at a time. Since the accident, I have faced fears I realized I'd had for years. Last May I graduated from SUU, took a trip to Alaska on my own and worked there for five months. I faced a fear of going somewhere brand new to a job I'd never done while working and living with people I'd never met from all different backgrounds. To those who know me well I'm very outgoing and make friends easily. Those close friends and family say, "Holly knows everyone." I served a mission in Montana 5 years prior and being a journalist should scream complete confidence and social person! However, Alaska was still a different and growing experience. It was the start of finding and becoming who I am. My next experience following my accident was my new job in my career. I have been a reporter, editor, broadcaster and producer all while in school, but the real world is different. The job is more serious. Getting into it made me question if I was sure that is who I really was and it was time to find out. Prior to my accident I had been on a struggling path with some things in my life. The day after the accident as I lay in the hospital and months following, I've felt the miracle that God had given me. I often reflect back and know that I've been blessed. I know my Heavenly Father was telling me he needs me here for some special reason. I think a lot of all our fears is realizing our potential. God knows it and he wants us to know it, but we have to have that faith and trust in Him to help us find it and become it. I've seen what I can become and I admit it does scare me. I have feared having the ability to achieve it, but there have been so many inspirational people who have helped build me up to remember that I CAN become who God sees me to be. One person who has touched my life recently is Local Country Singer Eric Dodge. A short background on how Eric got started was an experience he had on a cruise ship on September 11, 2001. Fear struck people on the cruise ships that they could be the next for a target attack. Eric was encouraged by one of his brothers to sing Garth Brooks' song "The Dance." After he got up the courage and sang it, a woman gave him a hug and told him he should become a singer. Being on stage in front of people and singing had been Eric's fear for most his life, but he knew after that experience that that was what he was meant to do. Since then he has written and sung so many inspiring songs. Every performance he relates all inspiring stories that have led to writing a song, wearing dog tags to remember a solider and many more things he continues to do to serve and inspire others. On Saturday he dedicated his song "Life Is For The Living," to a dear friend of his, Ralyn Carter, who had suffered internal injuries after a motorcycle accident. As I felt a similar connection with Ralyn and Eric's message I was given an extra boost of confidence to what I know God has in store for me.  A few of the lyrics to this song I want to share are 'life is for the living if you're not embracing every moment you're wasting precious time. This ain't no dress rehearsal our time down here on earth.'  To me, the songs have related to me in so many ways including this portion from "Why Not Today?" 'This day I've been given is my day to start living so why not today? My past is behind me, tomorrow cant find me until I live today why not today while my heart is ready...'  God has sent angels to help us and I know Eric is one for many here. I am so grateful for his example he gives to others and me. He encourages his fans to wear a wrist band that says "Be a STAR- Why Not Today?" Star is an acronym meaning Smile, Talk, Accept and Reach Out. 

(Eric and I after the show)

In addition President Gordon B. Hinckley tells us "life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." and a quote "Happiness is an attitude not a destination." It's not always about us. To become who we are meant to be we help others on their journey as well. I know I have been guilty of wanting to be somewhere else or in some other job, but also after hearing Ann Romney speak at SUU's commencement and her saying we should be our best at our current job, I know that I am to be where I should be, currently. I know if I aspire to be the next Katie Couric, I can do it, but it takes time and experience. If I seek another dream to become a mom to amazing kids and a wife to a country boy or whomever else I fall in love with, it will happen. God knows best and he has sent people in our lives to help us enjoy our lives. Eric Dodge's mother, Laurel has also inspired me in many ways. She decided one day she was going to work on living a healthy life and lost 115 pounds in the process. I had the chance to read her beautiful blog about her journey. I was so happy I had the opportunity to give her a hug and talk to her on Saturday after the concert in Zion at the OC Tanner Amphitheater. I am truly grateful to the angels in my life.

(Hanna and I watching Eric Dodge's concert)

My best friend, Hanna and my roommates are some of them while Jesus Christ is my biggest example. I thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of His son's atoning sacrifice everyday. I am always continuing to learn more about it each day. It was His gift of love to us. I strive everyday to live up to who He is.  I continue to thank and send my prayers to those who have always prayed for me continuously through my recovery and life. You know who you are. I love you all and for your support.