25 Things That Happened During My 40 Day Social Media Hiatus

1. My battery life last longer. The best night was when I looked at it at 9pm and it was at 89%!!?

2. I still have no morning ritual because I’m a night owl. But I now have more time for reflection before bed and created a better night time ritual.

3. I fell asleep quicker and easier.

4. I worked out more consistently.

5. I was more involved in conversation and had more intent when I was listening.

6. I was more creative on how I spend my time.

7. I planned better and was able to remember the plans I made.

8. I read 7 books (IN 40 DAYS?)

9. I read over 30 conference talks.

10. I prayed more often. I was more inclined to do it throughout the day even on the good days because I had more gratitude.

11. I had more gratitude!

12. I found new music.

13. I called my family more. This is a huge one for me since I live across the country from the majority of them.

14. I was more inclined to do service.

15. I was happier.

16. I wasn’t taking pictures to post them or brag. I just took pictures to have the memory. Wow. It’s like that’s why the camera was invented.

17. I got outside weekly if not bi-weekly. I also credit this to Mother Nature giving us warmer weather.

18. I went on new hikes.

19. I made new friends!

20. I painted more. Im not any good but it’s great therapy.

21. I hammocked about 4 days a week.

22. I cried quite a few times. A couple times for books, a couple for church and a couple for my job and general life stress.

23. I got adequate amounts of sleep. (Naps will never go out of style)

24. I decluttered twice (if you ever want help with this, I love helping people do it)

25. I took the time to plan some trips this summer that are much needed.

I set aside more time for me! I may have checked my phone 9 times on day one but I am so grateful I did this even though I had no desire to follow through with it. I was able to stay in my own thoughts, practice having a consistently balanced mindset and evaluate facets of myself on multiple levels. When you aren’t mindlessly escaping with technology it is refreshing to love yourself again. Sometimes you just need a pick me up and this was mine!

-HRJ

Positive vibes

I made this post a while ago but for some reason I never posted it. It is basically my highlights of 2016 with a couple from 2017. (The second picture is of a girl I nannyed in Park City. She now has cancer in her leg so send up prayers for her!)

I think memories are one of the biggest blessings and tools God has given us. Sometimes I think back on beautiful moments, worthwhile or heartbreaking, and find so many instances of gratitude for the experiences I have been able to have so far in my life. I know I am young and haven’t even left the country yet, but I have been blessed.

I have met extraordinary people, been to some breathtaking places, learned new skills and talents, and have found vast amounts of grace from my God through it all. Life is truly meant to be enJOYed not just endured. Find the joy even when life is slapping you around. It takes plenty of practice and heaps of learned patience, but looking back you will be glad you were optimistic and trusted God.

ALSO. Document everything. You will only regret the pictures you didn't take (or didn't ask someone to take).

Too many of my favorite moments from just the last year! Badger creek takes up most of it.

Lindsi and Sora came to Park City!

Jagger is obsessed with this bobsled at Olympic Park and it is adorable.

My brother is great.

Shannon hates this picture but I love these girls so much. Last ride at President Wilson's.

Erin climbing waterfalls.

Driving through Colorado on our way back from Thanksgiving.

Daniel took me to Garden of the Gods and it was gorgeous!

President Wilson took me on the best horse ride of the year.

Love these boys. Such a beautiful day.

The twins threw a massive bonfire and I look scary.

Dropping off Rachael at the airport after she came to visit me last summer.

Candid Alli got of me killing it and Rachael hating it.

Rachael being so graceful.

I can't even remember where we were going but I love them.

Impromptu lead ride and he looked mad! 

Annie and I pulled over to take pictures with sunflowers.

Solo ride and Critter is just so photogenic.

Helping fill in holes in a field for Hunter's horses and I was dying over these flowers.

The best sunset of the year and my kids playing with the horses.

Steve looking studly.

I made an "Idaho bouquet" during Christopher baring a beautiful testimony to our kiddos.

Birthday love notes on my tent. Week 3 with Jon? Pretty sure Kelsey did this. She was in the tent next to me.

Annie and I scaring away some brothers from Wyoming.

Random horse ride that got out of hand a few times. But so fun.

Double rainbow and all the kids were so shocked.

My favorite road sign ever.

First picture with Lia going whitewater rafting for the first time.

Josh drew the tetons and I thought it was beautiful.

Bitch creek train tressel. I love these people! 

The day before AFY started and I went to testimony hill to read and ended up just crying for an hour because I love God.

Fishing in Alabama with the Pauls.

She made it.

I love critter. It was raining this whole ride and I was in heaven. Scotty G came for this one.

What I did for 6 weeks straight.

One of my favorite places.

Came home from church to it snowing after everything turned green. I thought it was gorgeous.

The first time I wore chaps.

A gorgeous view on the way to Bitch Creek.

When I woke up with 7 snapchats that I was in the ensign!

Nat daddy after our ride holding a new baby lamb!

I'm obsessed with these mountains and determined to live here later in life.

After a run and the sunset killed me.

Trip to Jackson and GTNP. One of my favorite candids of all time. Jared, Becca, Merideth, and Bre.

I love selfies with the tetons.

When I was covered in sand but I got to say Goonies never say die where it all started.

Hiking in Pocatello with Sariah.

Going to I jump and I thought she looked flawless that day.

These 2 have the cutest friendship.

The baby curl never fails.

My room for 3 months!

Portland can't handle us.

Sneaking a picture of Zac Brown.

Spent my time in NYC with amazing women! Just missing Alex!

I just love her.

Dog sledding for the win!

One of the coolest places I've ever gotten to live. 18 weeks of it. I hated it in the moment but now I miss all of my time I spent with amazing friends in this one of a kind bedroom.