On Sunday, I had a ward mission meeting. During some down time, the second counselor in the Bishopric asked me, "you struggle with anxiety, right?" I replied, "yeah I do." He then said, "then why are you like the most personable person ever?" Wow, am I really? I've been a very shy person in my life. I haven't always been talkative or outgoing or even personable as the second counselor put it. It gave me an opportunity to look back and think of what changed me. Why am I not shy anymore? I mean, it used to be that once I got to know you, I loved you instantly, but now, I don't have to get to know you in order for me to be real and open with you.
After thinking about it, I changed a lot on my mission. I went from being the guy who didn't talk much to being the guy who was the loudest in the room all the time. What an incredible realization that was for me! Yeah, I suffer from anxiety, but that's just a minor bump in the road now. It used to be huge, but we've moved past that and things are different. Of course I still have issues with it at times, but they don't define me like they used to. You want a moral from that story? Go on a mission! You're missing out on something that will make you SO much better. Maybe it will make you more outgoing or social. Maybe it will make you a more spiritual person. Maybe it will help you budget or manage your time better. Whatever it may be, a mission will change you!
With that new-found openness and ability to be more social, I love BYU-Idaho. I've probably said it a million times, but I do! We went sledding last night for Family Home Evening. Being from Arizona, I may have gone sledding 2, 3, maybe 4 times in my life. Afterwards, I had snow in my face, my hair, down my pants, in my shirt, and everywhere in between, and it was a BLAST!!! I've made great friends here. I sure do miss the friends that aren't here in Rexburg with me, but life is good and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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