Updated May 23, 2024
Hey! My name is Kyra Marie. I am the oldest of 6 kids, and I am 21 years old. I love to play games—seriously, any type! I love sports (especially Spikeball), being active, board games, card games, etc. I am a game-playing machine! I am also very competitive.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’m so thankful for this in my life. I know it is true. ❤️
I am a huge reader. I love books so much!!! My top love language is words of affirmation, and when I read a good book, my life feels complete!
I feel there are lots of reasons for the title of my blog, but one of main reasons is because I broke my arm in half in March of 2019. It was devastating and one of the hardest things I’ve survived and accomplished! I started this blog in June of 2019, when I was in the middle of that whole ordeal.
I gave a lot of thought into what it would be called, and it felt right to accept that although I felt broken (and was quite literally), I could still find meaning, satisfaction, and joy from the journey.
I have always been an avid journal writer. I started writing in my journal when I was 9 years old and in 3rd grade. Since then, I have filled multiple journals, but I switched over to a digital one around 2019, so my physical journal count has stopped at six. (The sixth one isn’t full yet, and occasionally I write in it. I’ll finish it someday!)
The Joy of Journaling talks about my journal more in depth, and I encourage you to go read it.
One of the reasons I find journal writing so rewarding is represented by the picture below. Because I wrote my feelings down about starting a blog, I can look back and with confidence and gratitude say that I made it! That I’ve done well! That my writing isn’t 5th grade level that is cheesy and garbage. (Okay maybe it’s cheesy sometimes, but that’s on purpose.)
And someday, if I ever become a motivational speaker and author, then the page below will mean even more to me.
When I was little, I wanted to follow in my mom, grandma, and aunt’s footsteps and become a nurse. That all changed when I went to efy in 2018 and had a life changing experience. I realized I wanted to follow in one of the teacher’s footsteps, to get a degree in psychology and then move into therapy.
When I was little, I also wanted to be an author. I remember loving writing creative stories in 4th grade and having a ton of fun telling them.
In 2019, a year after the life changing experience at efy, my occupational therapist (someone specialized in getting movement and mobility back into my arm) asked me if I had ever thought about starting a blog or something. I think he found my stories amusing and thought I should share them.
Thanks Steve!
I find meaning, satisfaction, and joy when I connect with people. When I am able to share what’s important to me with them. When I am able to use experiences from my life to give them a little more hope in theirs.
On January 2, 2017, I started an lds instagram account in hopes of connecting to and helping others. It was originally called @lds.make.a.difference but I changed it to include Christ after President Nelson encouraged us to get rid of “Mormon” and make our focal point Jesus Christ. We are not Mormon (though I’m sure he was a good looking guy), we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is now called @make.a.difference.with.Christ but I wish it would let me make it 4 character longer to say @making.a.difference.through.Christ
Change comes from Him. Hope comes from Him. Joy comes from Him.
If all my wishes and dreams come true, I want to make a living off of telling stories. Whether that is being a motivational speaker (ultimate goal), becoming an author, or making money off this blog. (That will never happen because I refuse to put ads on it. It will ruin the tone I’m trying to set.)
I tried being a seminary teacher and was even chosen for the practicum, but they didn’t choose me. I thank Heavenly Father everyday that not every prayer is answered in the way we want it to be. It didn’t seem like the right fit. I want to just tell stories and not have to worry about lesson prep or what questions to ask to get the most participation (whether that’s pondering or sharing or writing down thoughts).
One job that has changed my life has been being an FSY counselor. Efy was so fun I had to go back and do it again and again, just on the other side of things as a counselor!
My blog has been more recently dedicated to the things I’ve learned while being an FSY counselor and experiences I’ve had that I just HAVE to share! They’re crazy and were life changing. I will never forget the miracles I got to witness and take part in. They are a part of me now.
I am known to be outgoing and very extroverted. However, I do love my time to myself! I love to talk and connect with different people, but most importantly I love to laugh. I’ve been told people like my laugh which is good since it is something of its own. 🫣🤪😂
I started a podcast in October of 2022, but I didn’t post my first episode til November because I was so scared. My podcast has become something that has brought my life so much satisfaction, meaning, and joy.
Do you recognize that phrase from above? I’ve used it three times now on this page. My repetition is purposeful since it’s something I say at the end of every episode of my podcast. 😉
I graduated from SUU in April of 2024! This fall, I’m applying to graduate school. Again.
All in all, I feel so blessed and grateful. Thank you for sharing the meaning, satisfaction, and joy from my journey with me. Don’t forget to find meaning, satisfaction, and joy from yours.
