My Journey To a Degree: A Mid-life Crisis

Memorial Day and week 6 equals a light week in the assignments. I am in the process of moving and packing and this week was a much needed break to help get some of those things done. Moving across the country is hard work! This week we read articles/talk and watched videos centered around self mastery. This is an essential skill to learn - one that we are constantly striving to perfect and one that helps us in all aspects of our lives. The talk we read by N Eldon Tanner was given in 1975 but the principles are still as relevant today. He suggests 2 things to help on our journey to self mastery. The first is to determine our course and the second is will power. We must first know where we are going and what our purpose and objective are. If we don't know this it is too easy to flounder and lose our way. Will power is a little different. It is a constant trying to overcome carnal desires and live to be more spiritual and Christ-like. Sometimes will power goes against our very natur...

Week 10 is in the books. This semester is flying by. I've been so busy but I'm glad I decided to take a couple classes this semester. Without  this time that forces me to sit down, I wouldn't take a break all day. This has been a blessing in disguise - I actually look forward to doing my homework so I can sit and take a "break" without feeling guilty. We had another week of great videos and talks. One of the things I liked most about Taylor Richards video was that he didn't even know where he was ranked in his industry. He was busy running his company and not focused on where he stood among his competitors. He was so surprised to learn that he ranked 11th the first year. This is a testament to drive and commitment to his business. He spends his time invested in it rather than what anyone else is doing. I also really liked Elder Oaks talk this week - Challenge to become. It reminded me to strive for more than I am and continue to grow and learn and reach new ...

Week 9 is finished. It has been quite the week. I started it in North Carolina and ended it in Utah. It's been a long, busy, emotional and exhausting week. I enjoyed re-reading the disciple leadership again. I read it in Pathway and really enjoyed it then and again this week. I love the idea of the lower case l leadership. We need more people who quietly lead by example. The world only needs a few leaders at the top level but many at the lower levels. There is only 1 bishop in a ward but it takes many people to make it run smoothly. We need to just notice what needs to be done and do it instead of waiting around to be told what to do. I also liked the videos this week. The idea of trusting others and then they will trust you is interesting. I never thought of it like that before but I think it is spot on. Sometimes we need to trust first and be open before others can trust us. We tend to want others to trust us before we are willing to give our trust to them. I loved this concept...

This is the week! I been talking about moving for 7 weeks and this is the week. Saturday was my youngest daughters last dance recital and she danced 8 danced and cried all night. Sunday was seminary graduation. Wednesday was high school graduation, Thursday was a graduation party for my son and three of his friends. Friday was saying goodbye, packing up the truck and today we left. It was an emotional busy bittersweet week. As far as school it feels like so long ago because I finished my work so early in the week. I enjoyed the talks this week. Overcoming challenging is part of the process - in life and business. I love Elder Holland and the story he told in this talk. I've used that quote at the end in a talk and it really inspires me. It makes me want to keep pushing forward regardless of the circumstances and never give up. I have found that if I persevere and be obedient the blessings do come. Sometimes not in the way I thought but if not, they are even better. I appreciated t...

Week 7 was a stressful one. With my kids last week of school, one child graduating, one who a dance recital and 8 dances, still packing to move and my parents coming for a visit, it was too much! This was the week I asked myself why I decided to take classes this semester. I'm sure it won't be the only week I ask the same question! The material was good this week. I read Covey's 7 Habits a long time ago so it was good to refresh, I think the most powerful for me at this time in my life is seek first to understand and then to be understood. Long term relationships take a lot of effort and sometimes we forget to really listen. Many times I just wish my spouse would listen before interrupting. and listen without offering advise. Sometimes I just need someone to listen and be a sounding board. It is important to really listen to what someone is saying before not only responding but also from formulating what you are going to say before they have even finished. I find myself t...