Lesson 5: Do What Makes You Happy

            Big Dude,

I can’t remember a single day when you let me wallow in self-pity or whine about how hard life was. Even though it’s okay to not be okay, it’s not okay to make myself more miserable. Even during my worst days, you gave me a minute to bitch and moan, and then reminded me that I needed to get up, move on, and remember what makes me happy.

This Spring Break, I came home for a few days. While I was home, you insisted on going to Best Buy and purchasing my graduation gifts early – a high quality camera and an action camera. Because you knew that videoing and editing makes me happy. And even though I was down about a lot of things at the time, you always encouraged me to do what makes me happy.

And I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about what makes me happy. My family. Cheer. Music. My friends. Videography. Manis/Pedis. My dog. So now I remember what you taught me so long ago: treating yourself when you’re down isn’t wrong.

It’s actually fantastic. I have to remember what makes me happy when I don’t feel that way. I feel guilty about spending money on getting my nails done when we’re dealing with much bigger issues at home, but I shouldn’t. That’s something small that makes me feel better. And when I feel better, I can better help mom and Mo feel better.

“The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regret.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

So I’m going to treat myself. I’m going to do what makes me happy. And I’m not going let anyone tell me different. Because I know you wouldn’t.

Love, Bubba