Lessons Learned

Today I have been pondering everything that has happened over the last few months. It has been quite the roller coaster—and at times I did not think I could even get out of bed, couldn’t go to work and couldn’t face the world one more time. While this has been a VERY difficult time in my life, I feel soooooo eternally grateful for all the lessons I have learned. It is true, it’s our trials that make us better people. It’s our trials that help us to UNDERSTAND, at a much deeper level, the principles that we are taught in the gospel. I feel soooo grateful for the things that our wise Father in Heaven has allowed me to learn—even knowing how painful it would be for me. I feel closer to him. I’m thankful for lasting friendships--- people who see me at my absolute worst and love me anyway. They have really taught me much about Christ-like love. And I’m so deeply thankful for the opportunity to grow closer to my husband!

Just A FEW of the things I have learned…

1. There is nothing more important than how you treat a person!
2. Always be proactive rather than reactive
3. Fully accept people for who they are and where they are at--- weakness and all!! Honor the journey they are on!!!!
4. Laugh OFTEN!
5. Work as hard as you can—DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!! Just roll up your sleeves and get to work!
6. Support others in the tasks they are working on. Help them to succeed and then take the back seat and let them shine!
7. NEVER GIVE UP!
8. Always be in communication with God.
9. Forgive NO MATTER WHAT—don’t be one to create pain
10. Be organized AT ALL TIMES!
11. Serve others daily. Celebrate life and things happening to them!
12. Help others to feel happy and good about themselves. Help them to always see the positive side of things.
13. Seek to understand—then be understood. There is power in that statement!
14. ALWAYS respond with kindness and compassion

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.” – Marvin J. Ashton

15. ALWAYS have others best interests at heart!
16. Never underestimate the value of a good friend
17. There is ALWAYS a blessing and lesson to be learned at the end of the “storm” (or during!! ) The trick is to be grateful when you see it and exercise faith when you don’t.
18. Nothing good ever comes from judging someone—nothing!!!
19. Smile constantly. If it’s not funny now—it will be later!
20. Find the JOY in everything!!!!!

Now I move forward in my life---hoping to always remember the lessons I have learned the last few months. I truly hope I can become the mother my kids deserve. I hope that I will teach my kids these lesson and be a perfect example to them. I hope to teach my children how these principles, when applied, can bring joy into their life, strengthen others around them and help them fulfill there calling here on this earth. And most importantly, I hope to have the strength that my Father in Heaven has and the knowledge to know when to step back and let my kids learn the hard lessons and when to step forward and help. For without the trials I have faced, I could not be the women I am now or the women I am to become.

LOL- I'm sure this is a fun post to read while listening to dance music in the background!!! :)