Finding Joy in the Journey

I have really been reflecting lately on President Monson's talk last conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey." The basis of his talk is about relishing in the today. He tells us, "This is our one and only chance at mortal life - here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone." He further says, "My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today." "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows." What I have been pondering the most about his talk, is the fact that I do find myself always thinking about tomorrow. I'll be happy when my debt is paid off... I'll be happy when the sun finally comes out... I'll be happy when... Why do we do that? Why do I do that? That is the question I have been wondering about so much. Why is it so hard to live each day to it's fullest without looking forward to tomorrow?

I think the main reason that I do it, is so I don't have to think about the stress I am feeling right then. I look forward to the day when that stress is gone, and it is always tomorrow. But the matter of the fact is, stress is a natural part of life. It will never really be gone. I don't want to pile up enough of tomorrows, to find I've collected a lot of empty yesterdays. I know I want to change my attitude so that I can really enjoy each day, but I'm not quite sure how? I often feel that I am just barely keeping my head above water as it is.

This talk gives me something to ponder. I want to live my life enjoying each day, even the tough ones. I appreciate this talk from President Monson and I will take his advice to try harder at not putting off happiness, and live each day fully.