Marissa's 10 Things

Sunday, February 27, 2011

"... cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."

-Thomas S. Monson

(The Divine Gift of Gratitude: October 2010)

Posted by MBooth at 4:39 PM

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Labels: Gratitude

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10 Topics

Faith (6)
Gratitude (10)
Honesty (10)
Love Everyone (13)
Love Myself (11)
Moving Forward (16)
Objectivity (16)
Optimist (13)
Other (6)
Prayer (14)
Service (10)
Simplicity (10)

Practicum Project

Elder Maxwell taught, "Deeds not words - and becoming, not describing, are dominant in true discipleship... Otherwise we may be doctrinally rich but end up developmentally poor"

As part of the class, there will be a Practicum Project that helps you deepen your individual discipleship. The project will consist of identifying 10 topics that re important issues facing you at this time in your life. For each topic identified you will collect 10-15 statements, of counsel and words of divine wisdom, from the living prophets. These are statements that help you better understand what the Lord and His servants know concerning the identified issue, as well as possible ways you can more fully submit to God's mind and will.

My Focus...

For this Practicum Project we were asked to pick one topic and work on improving it throughout the semester. I have chosen to focus on moving forward with my life and not looking back - to be decisive. I personally struggle with this topic more than anything else. I always worry about the future and wonder if I'm moving in the direction that I'm supposed to. In my patriarchal blessing it states, "...you will not be intimidated if you will be determined to move forward without fear..."

I'm a pretty bold person. I've made it far in my life, and i credit that to the Lord and his blessing that I won't be intimidated if I'm determined to move forward without fear...

My 10 Things to Improve...

-Sincere Prayer

-Have gratitude

-Love everyone

-Be an optimist

-Have objectivity

-Move forward with life

-Love myself for who I am

-Service to others

-Be more honest with myself and others

Blog Archive

▼ 2011 (121)
- ► April (1)
- ► March (79)
- ▼ February (37)
- ► January (4)

Serve Others

I always appreciate the service of others; I need to be on the lookout for those in particular that I can serve myself. I hope that I can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.

This semester I feel like I've been served more than I've served others. But I'd like to tell you about my experiences of being on the receiving end of service. This has been a tough semester. A lot of life-altering decisions had to be made and I don't know how I would have gotten through it all without the roommates that I have and all the friends I've made. One friend in particular. She does me the service of being the only one of truly knowing what all is going on in my life. Just to illustrate, I work two jobs, have been taking 15 credits, have been copyediting for the campus news station, and have been preparing to move to NYC. She has been amazing by just being there for me every step of the way. Thank you, Alyssa.

Always be moving forward

Along with being caught up with the less important things in life, I think it’s important to always be moving forward. While the past is certainly important, don’t let it weigh you down. Let it accelerate you forward, help you progress. I also need to learn to take chances and step into the dark. I think some huge life decisions are ahead of me this semester…

I was right. A lot has happened this semester. And I don't know how I'm getting through it all. But I know that everything good that has happened this semester has been a result of correct choices I have made in the past. I have built off of these experiences and have moved forward and made it to where I am today.

Have Objectivity

This really is very similar to the goal before this one, but I’m taking it in a different direction than you may think. I think sometimes, figuratively speaking, we stand way too close to the photo of life. We pay attention to the smallest flaws of the masterpiece of life and forget to step back and see the entire, beautiful picture for all it is. It’s important to take a step back from life and change your perception about what is going on. Get a new perspective – see the beauty in a situation. Be objective.

Being objective this semester? It's been a challenge, for sure! How I could have done it without the Lord's help, I'm not sure. I haven't always been objective, but after a little R&R and some DQ ice cream, a new perspective on life always came. :)

Love Everyone

This is something that I’ve found particularly difficult lately. Do you ever find yourself getting annoyed at the little things that people do? I am determined to see the good in everyone! I want to be known for my good traits, so why shouldn’t I show the same courtesy to others that I come in contact with?

Wow, once you start to focus on something is when the Lord REALLY tests you. I haven't dealt with the easiest people this semester. And I have to admit, I haven't done the best at improving on this topic. But I am getting better I think. I gripe and complain about someone, but I'm getting quicker at changing my attitude!

Sincere Prayer

It’s so easy to get into repetitious prayer patterns. And what good do they do us? Not very much I have to say… I want to build a more meaningful relationship with my Heavenly Father this semester through sincere prayer. I want my prayers to mean something and really put some thought into what I am asking for and what I am grateful for.

It's hard to offer a great prayer when you're tired. So I've done something a little different this semester. With my usual morning and evening prayers, I've tried hard to keep a prayer in my heart as the day goes on. I have found that this keeps me closer to the spirit and I get through my days easier.

Be more honest with myself and others

I’m not quite sure what I mean about this one, but honesty is the best policy. I consider myself a honest person, but there’s always room for improvement. I think Heavenly Father wants us to be honest with ourselves as well as with our fellow man. It’s important to realize and admit when we mess up in life. Being honest with myself I think will help me learn more about myself and how I deal with everyday life.

I've found that I've really grown from this topic this semester. I've found it easier to realize and admit that I've messed up. The more I practice this, the easier it has gotten.

Love myself for who I am

I seem to have a theme going on here it seems like… I struggle with self-image and being self-esteem. Anyone who knows me probably doesn’t see this. I have a lot of self-confidence, just not so much esteem. I need to learn how to love myself for who I am. Once I do this, I know I will be happy no matter where I end up in life.

This is still a struggle, but I have improved greatly. It's important to remember that I am a daughter of God and that I have friends and family that love me dearly. I have realized this semester that I have a HUGE FANBASE rooting for me to succeed. And I can succeed at anything I put my mind to.

In high school, I set a goal that one day I would end up in NYC working downtown. Well, guess what? I am working at one of the most prestigious PR firms in downtown NYC (that's in Rockefeller Plaza) this summer for the duration of 4 1/2 months. And I COULDN"T be more excited. I have wanted this all my life, and know I am DOING IT!

Live in a simplistic way

This last conference when Uchtdorf started talking about slowing down and simplifying life, my mom looked right at me and said, “Marissa, this talk is for you. Listen up!” It’s true, it get caught up in the thick of things and get going so fast that it’s hard to slow down. I need to simplify – get rid of the unnecessary. Enjoy what I’m doing and do what I love. Don’t get caught up in the unnecessary things of the world. They will only weight you down.

Well, I don't think I've unnecessarily complicated my life this semester, but it definitely hasn't been easy! I think one crucial thing in keeping things simple is always remembering to take time for yourself. I try to do this every day. Whether it's taking a quick nap or going to visit with some friends. Simplicity is BEAUTIFUL.

Be an Optimist

It’s so easy to get down on life and discouraged about what is going on. I think it’s important to keep a positive outook on what is going on and be happy about where I am and what I am doing. My mom always gets after for me than this. She tells me, “Marissa, you are so incredibly blessed! Quit complaining.” Okay mom, I’ll quit complaining. :)

I am a definite optimist. (However, not sure about this week - FINALS!) Life has been so good this semester. I have made so many good friends and have improved so much as an individual. I just hope I can keep this positive outlook on what I'm doing.

Have Gratitude

I think of myself as a pretty grateful person. But I know what it feels like to take the time to do something and not have someone say thank you. I want to be more grateful towards my friends, and especially my family. I want to express my daily gratitude to them for the little things they do for me.

My heart is full of gratitude every day. For my parents in particular. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be able to make this big chance and move clear across the country for 4 months. My parents are the greatest gift in my life at the moment and words cannot explain how much I appreciate them.

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