There are many things I have learned throughout my
life. This last few months have required
a lot of soul searching and pondering over who I am and where I am going. There
are no life-shattering truths that I learned, but many little lessons that can
make be a better person. Some of the key lessons I am still learning that are
worth sharing are:
- We must take care of ourselves so we are capable of helping other people. Our health – physically, mentally, spiritually – cannot be neglected. We cannot help fill other’s baskets if ours is empty. Be mindful of the choices we are making and the effects they will have now and in the long run. Create good habits now that can ensure you will be able to continue serving others.
- Find your gifts/talents. We are all blessed with talents that are meant to help bless the lives of others. We need to find those talents and learn how to use them. Turn to trusted friends and family members to help you find them. A sweet experience was hearing from each of my siblings what they saw as my strengths. Sometimes we don’t see our actions as talents because it comes without much effort. Knowing what those gifts and talents are can give you a focus on what to improve.
- Remember why we are here on earth – to help build the kingdom of God. Everything we do – even working to provide for our family – is working towards the eternal rewards the gospel has for us. Be aware of those around you and do what you can. Even a smile can lift someone’s day.
- Be patient – with ourselves and others. We are all on this journey together and we all make mistakes. Give ourselves and others a break. Learn from those mistakes.
- Be a good friend. Be the kind of person that lifts others. Be the optimistic person that others can trust to encourage and make you want to be a better person.
- Be the best you can be. Whatever you are doing, do your best. Whether it is collecting garbage around town or designing an advertising campaign, do your best work. Even in your calling at church, give it your best. Be the person that others can count on to do what is asked.
- Enjoy every day. Everyday has something to be thankful for. Note the highs, not just the lows. Look around and see the many wonderful things around you. Keep a journal to refer back to when overwhelmed by the lows. Creating a habit of seeing the good not only changes our attitude, but it also changes how we treat others and how we approach the tasks before us.
- Never be too busy not to notice those around you – especially your family. Time flies by and we don’t know how long we will be together. Take the opportunities given and help strengthen each other. Build memories that can guide us through the rough times.
- Don’t get so caught up in the grind stone that you forget to enjoy the journey. We are surrounded by a beautiful world created by the Master. If we focus so much on the end result of our labors, we may miss the pure beauty that is everywhere.
Life is good. Life is
a blessing. We are accountable for what
we make of it. Enjoy the journey. Appreciate life – even the rough spots. We chose to have this experience. It is the little things each day that will
guide us to the eternal rewards and get us to where we want to be - and we will still like ourselves when we get there.