Time, Priorities, and Saying NO!

Time for another entry.

Three things have come to my attention:
(1) I waste a lot of valuable time
(2) My priorities may not be in the right order
(3) I have a problem saying NO

Time is of the essence.  I have been trying to evaluate where my time is spent, and here is what I have come up with:

Can you see where things may be unbalanced or misplaced?  Good, better, best.  Can you see where I place my time?  I guess this goes along nicely with my second point as well.  I have been blessed with a great family, a wonderful job, loyal friends, a time-consuming calling, and those are all awesome and I am so thankful.  I really am.  But as this graph shows, I am not actually showing my Heavenly Father that I am thankful.  I am not focusing on the things that matter most.  (Not that work and "boy" are not important).  I need to trust in the Lord more; trust that he has a plan and knows what is going on; trust that my "plan" is not the best; trust that if I put the best things right now first, everything else (family, boy, sleep, leisure, etc.) will fall into place as it should.

And maybe it would help if I learned to say "NO" once in a while.  Honestly, I think saying yes shows dependability and builds trust.  However, it seems to be more of a weakness for me than that of a strength.  I never really want to say no (for various reasons), but when I know I should say no I can't seem to.  Sometimes in life though, it is time to say no, to put your foot down, stand up for yourself, say "I'm in control, not you," but also to show strength.  There is strength in saying no, I think.  I really shouldn't be blogging about this because it is a personal thing, but tonight I just needed to get that out there.  Say no, Ayris.  You can do it.  I know you love people and want relationships and friendships and all, but say no. No more.  

Anyway, my whole point in this was to get my head back on straight.  Not that I want to say no to anything right now, but mainly because I have my head on backwards in a way.  I try to take things into my own hands sometimes, and it never ends up how I want it to or how I think it should.  You think I would have learned my lesson by now, right?  "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."  I guess that's what I will say "NO" to - no to doing the same thing I have done my entire life.  I want different results in all aspects of my life!

Today was a wonderful day, one of the best days I have had in a long time - I definitely needed it and was very grateful to have had such a wonderful say (thank you!).  But it is time to get my head out of my butt, address that my life is moving forward without me, and make some minor adjustments.  Keep on keeping on.  Trust in the Lord  - He does know what He is doing.  I need to have stronger faith.  But let's be honest here...

My struggle is myself.  I have become my own worst enemy.  But "NO MORE."  Here is to another wonderful day tomorrow, and it will be a great day tomorrow - I know it!  Attitude is everything, right?

Onward and Upward

Since "The Walking Dead" has ended for a time, I have slacked on my blogging.  That must say something about how exciting my life is - or isn't.

However, life should be picking up for me now since I have been called as the Relief Society President in my singles ward.  What?!  Who would have seen that one coming?  I must admit though - I am more excited than I am nervous or anxious.

This calling has made me realize a few things:
1. I am kind of self-centered
I know we all can be at times, and maybe I am just being hard on myself, but I do feel kind of selfish.  I don't always know how to serve, be a friend, or make conversation - but I have a genuine love for people.  I want to be a friend.  I want to be someone people look up to.  I want to do well in my calling.  I want to lovingly serve those around me.  The trick now is to actually put my love for others into action.  Obviously it is not something that can be altered over night, but I do know that I cannot "run away" from my problems.  The only way I can be successful in this calling and in life is to get lost in the service of others, not dwelling on the problems of my personal life; the Lord has his hand in my life and will guide me along my path if I am doing my part.

2. I love to be in the "know"
Who doesn't like knowing what is going on?  The thing is, I get to know before everyone - which allows me to talk it up, plan it, and have a say in everything.  And trust me, my opinion (especially right now) matters a lot.  Ok, maybe it doesn't matter, but I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Just be prepared for some awesome activities...and callings.  Woot!

3. I like to be put to work and get things done
My parents have taught me many great things, but the quality they taught me that I am most grateful for (today anyway) is that of work.  I love to be given tasks or projects, anything that will keep me busy.  I like to get things done and do them with the highest quality possible.  Work is essential in life, and I am so grateful for my parents showing me its importance and for their good examples of work.  Trust me, I have my work cut out for me in this calling - sweet sauce!

4. I have zero girlfriends
So..  When Bishop interviewed me and gave me a list of girls and said, "I need names by Friday for your Presidency," I have to admit, I didn't really know anyone..  Sure I recognized the names, but if you lined the girls in my ward up and asked me to tell you who they were, I may have only really known 50%.  Anyway, my point is this: I need to quit hanging up with just the guys (plus it's not getting me anywhere - meaning guys suffer from "commitment issues" and just want to "hang out").  Now those aren't bad qualities, I suffer from commitment issues of my own and who doesn't like hanging out?  I am just at a place in my life where I want more than that.  That has absolutely nothing to do with my point.  I have no girlfriends.  I am just one of the guys - I always have been, and that is a comfortable situation for me.  But this is a calling that requires me to get OUT of my comfort zone and do something more with my life.  So girls, be prepared!

So there you have it.  I am the new Relief Society President.  Here I go, embarking on a new journey in life.  Wish me luck.  The Lord is on my side, He is on all of ours - I know that!  Trust.  Open up.  Step into the darkness.  Do something new for once!

As my father would say, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."  I want new results.  I want to be a good leader, friend, and example.  This is a new and improved time and season for me.  Here I go!  Press forward in Christ and all will be well.