My Life is Changing Again

You guys, I've noticed a pattern in my life. Maybe it applies to all lives, I'm not really certain... let me know if you've experienced this pattern too.

It goes like this. For a while I go through something very difficult and challenging, where in hindsight I usually can call these 'growing periods'. It's the type of time period where I'm usually struggling with something or another and don't really see the purpose or light of the tunnel while I'm in the thick of it, but when it's all said and done I can look back and be grateful that it all happened. (or at least grateful for what I learned from it all).

Then, after this 'growing period' occurs, I have what I like to call a 'honeymoon period' where life is GRAND. Typically I have very minimal struggles, worries, demands on my time during these periods, and usually these are a lot shorter than my 'growing periods' (sadly).

When I become conscious I'm in a 'honeymoon period' and realize life is pretty easy at that particular moment I also realize that usually means something difficult is about to happen (i.e. a 'growing period' is about to occur, very soon). I'm in the calm before the storm, so to speak.

So, in list format:

GROWING PERIOD:

-a time of trial, difficulties

-significant life lessons usually learned

-becomes valuable/appreciated in hindsight

-significant period of time

HONEYMOON PERIOD:

-only brief in duration

-life is 'easy'

-very happy, easy going time period

-calm before the storm

Anyone else experience this phenomenon?

I feel like right now I'm in the middle of a honeymoon period. Life is pretty awesome right now. I graduate from my RN program this coming friday, only working suuuper part time right now (like 14hrs a week, like nothing, people), and have two weeks worth of vacation planned coming up!

It's a great time of life. But it also leaves me with a sense of foreboding because I know what this all means.

It means something difficult is about to happen!!!

I know as soon as I pass my boards and start a hospital job as an RN life is going to be really difficult again. If it's anything like my first year working as an LPN I know I have some rocky times ahead of me.

I'm sooo excited to start working at the hospital, but I'm also scared to death of it. I know it's the challenge that awaits me after this honeymoon period finally comes to a close.

I know I can do it though. I've survived my life thus far, I think I can make it through this next set of challenges. Especially since I know I have Heavenly Father working on my side.

A wise man - Thomas S. Monson once said:

"Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks."

I love that.

Don't shy away from difficult things. They're scary, they're rough, they're exhausting. They may cause you to lose 15lbs in one month and go on antidepressants but you can make it through, haha!

Some other person also said "comfort is the enemy of progress" and I've also heard "there's no comfort in growth".

All true, true, true.

So while I may be in the calm before my own next personal storm, I feel like I am ready to face it. For I know I will come out the other side a better person.