A Thought on Thursday: Have a Plan

More and more I find Benjamin Franklin's words, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” to be so very true. I can recognize times in my life when I have spent adequate time planning and times when I have failed to plan at all. My overall pleasure with life is much higher when I have a plan. 

What are we planning? Well, it comes down to what is important to you. A good place to start may be looking back at your mission statement and identifying what has the most value to you. If it has value to you, then plan to make that a priority in your life. For example, I have young children that I want to spend specific individual time with each day. Now, I can just say that I'll fit it in somewhere in my day, but I know from experience that other tasks will inevitably arise, and I will find myself lying down at night (full of guilt) not having spent the individual time with them. Can you relate in some way? 

Another big one for me is meal planning. Now, I don't mind cooking, so long as I know what I'm making. Therefore, I try to have a menu written out. This allows for less confusion when meal times roll around, and also allows me to be sure that I have all the ingredients I'm going to need when it comes time to shop for groceries. A little planning in this way saves both time and money on trips made for an ingredient here and an ingredient there. 

Am I a perfect planner, well no, but I'm working at it every day, and I think that's one big key to a happier and more fulfilled life. The boat gets rocked a little as our family grows, as life brings change, as my goals and priorities evolve. It's simply because change requires, even demands, a re-evaluation of plans. During these times things will likely feel more chaotic than planned at times (ok, maybe even most of the time) trying to fit in new priorities, but systematically it will work out if you keep at it.

And, while I know that life never goes completely as planned, I also know that there are many more opportunities that can be seized when we know what our priorities are, and are at least trying to plan accordingly.

Best Wishes!
~Jen

A Thought on Thursday: Simplicity and Love

Thinking the past while about my goals, I want a word or two that encompass the overall intentions I had when I first forged my goals. I wanted words that encourage mentally reviewing and renewing the goals that I have made. Words that quickly ignite intention and meaning; those words are Simplicity and Love.

I'm not going to go into detail now about what my specific goals are, but I firmly believe that in order to live deliberately, you must have a firm understanding of the difference between a want and a need. When we fill our lives with too much, be it with items in our homes, over-extending our time, or budget, something else is suffering. Thus my word Simplicity. I want the peace that comes from simplifying the items in my home.....everything has a place, contained withing a space......knowing what will be of most value for my time, energy, and resources. Maximizing what is truly needed and meaningful in life.

My second word is Love. There is a lot of perspective that comes into someone's life when you raise a child with special needs, and you watch her pass away......and then that opportunity comes into your life again. If you allow it to, you learn a lot about what it really means to love, but sometimes it gets a little difficult not to be bitter. (Yep, another thought for another Thursday). Not to overlook the great and important role of being a parent to any child. My goal, one of them anyway, is to watch where and how I choose to focus the love that I am giving, especially when I'm feeling just plain worn down and tired.

I, also, want to reach outside myself to show love. A wise woman once said something to me in a conversation we were having that has stuck with me since. No matter who you meet, we all have our individual problems and concerns. "We all walk a little wounded," she said. There is always a kind word that can be said, a service done, a note left. I want to be that person that intentionally blesses the lives of others, that remembers important dates, such as birthdays and various kinds of anniversaries. I'm seeking not just love, but charity. For what hath a man if he hath not charity?

Just a Thought

~Jen

Who Am I: A Mission Statement

The last several months I have done a lot of reflecting; on life, goals, purpose, ambitions, dreams. I have read books, written in journals, created brain storm maps and really tried to pinpoint even more what I want in life; and what I want to bring to life. Essentially what it came down to, is that I really want to live a more deliberate life. From there the name of my blog came to be.

Blogs definitely aren't new, but there is much to blogging that is new to me. Therefore, blogging in and of itself will be a grand adventure! I could just write another journal to record my experiences, but I wanted a way to both record and share with others. This, added to my other ambitions, goals and plans, will also allow for the increased opportunity to be stretched outside of my comfort zones. 

As a brief introduction of myself, I've drafted an ever evolving mission statement, so without further ado, my  mission statement:

 I am a woman of faith, direction, and purpose. I stand for truth at all times, in all things, and in all places. I live and strive for faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity, virtue, and charity. I value traditional family values, and the privilege I have to be a wife and mother. I teach my children correct principles daily; including faith, obedience, sacrifice, and charity. I support Andrew (my husband) in his responsibilities. My life is deliberate and meaningful.

Our home is a place the Spirit abides. It is a refuge from the world for all who enter. It is found presentable most of the time and lived in all of the time. Love is always found there.

I am a good neighbor and citizen. I find ways to benefit my fellow men daily. I am involved in local and civic affairs. I live by the belief that every individual has something beneficial to contribute, and seek to help them achieve their full potential. While I am a friend to all, I have the courage and strength to say and do what I know is right, even if I stand alone. I am a teacher and an influence for good upon those with whom I associate.

I seek counsel, direction, and advice from my Heavenly Father and move forward with faith. My testimony of my Savior grows daily. I listen to and follow the counsel of our living Prophet. I willingly pay tithes and offerings. Temple attendance is an important part of my life. I value and honor the Sabbath day. Health is important to me. I plan and prepare healthy meals. I observe the Word of Wisdom, get adequate rest, and exercise regularly.

When mistakes are made, I repent quickly and forgive often. I grow and learn from opposition and adversity, and by doing so, develop great wisdom, understanding, and insight. I seek daily to make life pleasant and beautiful. I appreciate my life.

I value education and put action into growing physically/economically, mentally, socially/emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. I seek out the best mentors and learn from others. I value both time and money and what I can do with each. I budget both time and money according to my values and goals. By doing so, I do good in grand measure.  

Do you have a mission statement? If not, I challenge you to take time to think about what is most important to you and create one! One of the greatest things we can do for ourselves in living a more deliberate life is to know what is most important to us.

Deliberate Living!
~Jen