Self-pity doesn't work. I tried it.

The first two weeks of this semester were extremely overwhelming.  Probably the most overwhelming since coming to BYU.  I was pretty miserable, but then I found a quote given to me in Relief Society a couple weeks ago.  I'm not sure who said it, though, whoever did is a very wise individual (it was probably a General Authority)

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have ever experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75 percent of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top eight percent of the world.

If you can read this message...you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

I woke up this morning with good health, I've never experienced battle, I am free to attend church every Sunday, I have a bed to sleep in, I have money in my wallet, I am receiving a priceless education, and I have the ability to hold my head up with a smile on my face.

My life isn't looking so bad anymore.