Pride... Is it Contagious?

Things are always an adventure here! We are doing very well as basketball has now come to a close. Myles got to work all the way up to a first round play off game on his birthday! His next task is to bust out his hours at the Boys home for his internship class. In addition to that, he will soon be added on to their paid staff. That is exciting for us, because we like to be comfortable in the savings account but hold onto the pennies that leave. haha Myles has taught me well. I really had no idea how to budget until he came along.
Today I am feeling especially blessed and proud to be who I am. I am proud to be the wife of Myles Maxey. I am proud to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and to belong to his restored church. I am proud of the family that I was raised in. I am proud to be an american, even if sometimes I don't agree with the leaders of this God-given nation. I am proud of the friends I have made and held on to. And even when it is tough, I am proud of the curves I have inherited that make it ever so hard to wear clothes correctly.
I am learning to celebrate my daily victories, and not dwell on the shortcomings of the day. I mean, as long as I make each day better than the one before, I should be good, right? I am doing my best, and some times it is good enough, and some times it isn't. The end result of every day is up to me. Of course there are always things you cannot control, and we must accept that. Acceptance of those uncontrollable things will make our lives so much more peaceful. When things don't go our way though, do we give up, or we work harder to help them go in our favor? The best things in life are things that have to be worked for. Family relations, friendships, schooling, careers, love, strong testimonies, clean houses, etc. We are rewarded what we work for. But is it really a reward, or following through on the things you start? Take cookies for example; When I make cookies dough sometimes I want to just eat it uncooked, as is! Sometimes that is not the case, either way, I have to put those cookies in some pretty tough heat in order to become something "better". (I only put it in quotations because, like I said, sometimes just the dough is best) We all know diamonds are the same. Very few things in my life go exactly as I plan them, so I must learn to roll with the punches, and become better through the heat of each day.
Now, is pride contagious? We all know the haughty, bad kind is, but I'd like to think the accomplished, humble pride is too! Being proud of who you are and who you become every day is something to take joy in! And joy is indeed something that spreads! Each of us can affect the lives of those we come in contact with by being happy and proud of who we are. Humility is true joy.
We all need improving, myself included, so why not decide everyday to be better? Allow yourself to roll with the punches that life involves. Be who you are and take joy and pride in YOU! Let go of the things in life that serve you no positive purpose. I am glad to have these thoughts on my mind lately, and beyond thankful for the person I become everyday with the help of my Savior.

Joy! Being proud of my current family and the family I came from!