Dreamer

Dreamer...

Sometimes I just feel like I am living a dream. Less than a half day drive and I am in the middle of Monument Valley in South East Utah. While visiting this dreamy place, I felt the vast possibilities that lie before me. At times I feel that my destination is prettier to look at from a distance, and doesn't seem all that real. It would be much easier for me to just set back and let life happen and enjoy the scenery. I can just stay here in my safe place and not venture beyond my comfort zone. After all dreams are only dreams... right?

 I realize from this weeks study that I need not be afraid to dream and that it is even better to dream big! Dreaming is different than just letting life happen. It adds purpose and direction. I mentioned in my class discussion that as I looked  at my life backward I realize that just about everything good that has happened began with a thought, a wish or a dream. In fact, it is during my dreaming or the pursuit of it that the unexpected happens. I may experience profound unexpected growth or meet someone that makes an impact. Sometimes it is in the quiet creative moments of life that the best ideas come. You may be on a leisure walk or vacation can get an idea that is worth exploring. Many times for me it is when I am cleaning house, shopping or sewing etc.

This week Bret and I went for a longer bike ride than usual. We didn't realize that it was the day when everyone would be looking for the "Summit Rock" along the trail. Tons of people, some with their family and some by themselves were looking, leaving no rock unturned. What is the "Summit Rock"? It is valued at $10,000 when found and is just a piece of sandstone with a logo on it that is hidden by the local fitness center, "The Summit" as a community activity and promotion. It is a big deal around here. They have been doing it for a number of years now. As we wove our way through all the people I had to stop and think of what it was that got them out here spending this beautiful day looking for a rock. I wondered if it was a way to get the kids out of the house or spend time with your special someone? For some it might be out of desperation. I mean $10,000 can add a great boost to the budget. Others I felt enjoyed being the sleuth ...the prize of finding it was more exciting than even the money. Whatever the reason, they each had their own dream and purpose for their quest. Not so different from any of us who dare to be a "Dreamer."

What I Have Learned...

"To take the challenge to become," In this talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, he teaches the valuable principle that "Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification is possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become." It is not about doing as much as it is about becoming. As a wife, mother. business person or employee, I can seek to become better at what I do but even more importantly, I can become better at who I am.

In "Think Big!" BYU-I online video, Taylor Richards says,"Do not overunderestimate yourself. You can do it, you can accomplish the goals and dreams that you set and if you involve the Lord, you can do the impossible, you can do amazing things, you can do great things...It's no harder to be great than to be good."

Tinacity...

• The quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip. 
• The quality or fact of being very determined; determination.
• The quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence.                                                                      

Feed the good in you...

Jim Ritchie shares an old Cherokee parable about a grandfather teaching his grandson that there is a battle which rages inside all of us between two wolves-- one is evil and one is good... The boy asks "Which wolf wins?"  The grandfather replies, "The one you feed." 

I learned that the entrepreneurial spirit can be a compliment to doing a better job in whatever we do. In our current job and in life as well as helping us find our dreams.

What I Have Yet to learn...

• To recognize my opportunities and capitalize on them 
• Know my resources and how to gain control over them 
• Learn more about structure, and what is the best structure? 

Spiritual insights...

Life is full of challenges. We have to be vigilant in keeping true to who we are and who we have the potential to become.

Joseph Smith was promised that ...

"thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high" (D&C 121:7-8) 

Goals...

• Still working on that contact spreadsheet!
• Meet with an advisor to figure out why my degree planner is weird and register for school
• Finalize plans for our trip
• Concentrate on eating whole foods!