Blast to the Past

This past Saturday I went to my 20th high school reunion. I had worried about it so much (anxiety is not a pretty thing) that I wondered if it would even be worth the stress. I'm so glad I went because I thoroughly enjoyed it. One of my really good friends Trina, summed it up very well when she said, "It's been 20 years...it is what it is!!" Of course she looks great and has a beautiful family and she is just as outgoing and fun as ever. It was fun to sit and just pick up where we left off. I've known her my whole life and I have so many memories growing up in the same ward in Orem. It was also fun to see some of my friends from the seminary student council. I had fun talking to Jeff, Richard, Shane and Chelle. We were missing Brian, Patty and Julie. They were some of my best friends in High School. I respect them so much. I think Richard and Chelle convinced me I need to come to the annual Christmas party. It was also neat to catch up with Jennifer. Even after the reunion we went back to her house and still talked for another hour! Visiting with everyone was so much fun that I really don't know why I have anxiety about it. I think life experiences have changed how I react to some things and that frustrates me. About 5 years ago I went through some really tough trials. I gained a bunch of weight and went through a bad depression because of it. I thought I would never get passed it. I should listen to the Book of Mormon when it says, "And it came to pass...." because it did pass. I'm off all the meds I was on (which was a big deal because I needed more meds to counteract the side-effects of coming off the meds....aaghhhh!!!) I don't have panic attacks like I used to, and I would have to say I am genuinely happy (which I didn't think I ever could be). I've only lost 20 pounds of the 60 I gained (of course I posted my skinny picture on my profile). I'm still working on losing the weight. And I still have anxiety when it comes to stuff like 20 year reunions. I even was stuttering some at the reunion (frustrating!!!). Life experiences have made me so different than I was 20 years ago I wasn't sure how it would be to see old friends. I feel like my life is richer and has so much more meaning. I don't take little things for granted. My love of the gospel and of the Savior has grown significantly. I can't really say that I am grateful for my trials, but I am grateful for where I am because of them and the person I've become. I just feel different. Okay, I've got to quit before I start crying. I'm really glad I went to the reunion because it was fun to see people who I really, genuinely care about. It's comforting to know that after 20 years, some things never change.