Self-report

Gorgeous day! I had the best blood sugar level this morning that I've had in years. I have put some tools in place to help me with my quest, so I'm ready for the day. In the book I'm reading it talks about listening to our bodies to recognize the dynamic rhythm of activity and rest. It says that it is essential in our stress filled world to identify what our body needs. Many of the medical maladies that afflicts our generation are related to our inablity to rest and restore energy before moving on. I believe this is true for our spiritual needs too. It says, "Remember, you want your life to be a marathon not a hundred-yard-dash, so pace yourself." If your body is a temple, begin treating it like one. I know I need to do that. I need to take a daily survey of how I'm feeling each day and recognize when I can step up and when to back off. If I keep progressing forward then that is enough. May you each have a day of peace and plenty and treat yourself as the royalty you are.

Daily Writing

I am really enjoying writing every day. It helps me process my thoughts and clarify what should be my focus. This morning I was reading a book on how to make our life more productive and be aware of happiness in our lives. She recommends that you write every day for 15-20 minutes. If you only get rid of "garbage" that is bugging you, it is worth the time. She said that you will begin to write things that will help you focus on the priorities. Wow! I could have written that book! I had trouble finding things to write about at first, but now I have a whole list of ideas. I have some new challenges to address with my health after visiting the Diabetes educator. I am increasing insulin by 2mm, beginning thyroid medication, and learning how to count carbs. Next week I meet with the dietician and get more specific instructions. I'm excited to press forward and gain control of this disease instead of letting it control me. Anyone for a walk?

Peaceful Silence

It is SO quiet in my home right now. Most of the family are asleep between Conference sessions. I am enjoying this because too often we don't get very much quiet in this busy world. I have an opportunity to review my blessings and ponder what I need to do to meet the priorities in my life. I know I have physical and health challenges, but I also need to be strengthened spiritually. Sometimes I feel extremely weak in that area. Then the Lord blesses me with something that I never expected. I know he hears and answers my prayers. That brings great comfort. So I'm quietly reviewing my goals and challenges for the coming week, and putting the priorities in my schedule. I have a few "frogs" to eat and a few joys to anticipate. That sounds like a good balance. Conference is a good time to renew the spirit and move forward to make our priorities become realities. Onward with good cheer as the Prophet counseled.

Gratitude Day

Today I'm looking for the things I have instead of the things I "wish" I had. There is no sense in wishing away our life waiting until something happens to come along. No more "things will be better when summer comes"; I'll be happy when.....; When I lose weight; When I am on vacation; or someday..... to make me happy. I am going to enjoy what I have now. I have a sweet hubby, six wonderful children, six special children by marriage, eight fantastic grandchildren, four granddogs, and marvelous extended family. I have a warm, comfortable home, and a car that runs. I have special, dear friends that brighten my day and excellent neighbors. I know that my Redeemer lives and I love the callings I have to serve Him and others. I have good, caring doctors that are helping me make some much needed changes. I have beautiful mountains that are always magnificent. I have lotions, water, TV, scrapbooking, newspapers, libraries, sudoku, the Wii, popcorn, fresh fruit, places to go, restaurants to go with loved ones, and the scriptures. I can walk, see, hear most things, use my hands, brain, and heart and serve others. I can keep busy and yet take a nap when I want to. Life is GOOD! Hope yours is too.

The 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule states that 20% percent of the tasks set before us are vitally important; the other 80% are negotiable. Each of the ten tasks we have may take the same amount of time to accomplish. But one or two of those tasks will contribute five or ten times the value of any of the others. If we work on the priorites, we will reach our goal. Rich DeVos said, "The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it and the faith to believe it's possible." Iam actually looking forward to eating my Frog today. I can't remember when I've actually exercised five days in a row. But this week it has become something I look forward to. Soon it won't be my "Frog" anymore and I can choose a new one to work on. Now my challenge is to do as well next week. If I do it one day at a time, I can make it. I had my diabetic eye exam this morning and things looked pretty good. However, he could see signs of beginning diabetic eye hemorrhaging, so I need to go in six months to see if it is progressing or not. I hope my choices will help prevent further damage. That knowledge makes my choices even more important to my future happiness. More motivation!

Commitment 100%

It has been said that there is a remarkable difference between a commitment of 99% and 100% (Vic Conant) and I am going to try to find that difference. As we set our goals we have to figure out what needs to be done to accomplish them. If we build on this plan every day, we will be moving us forward to accomplish our goal. That means we need to have 100% commitment. With this decision we will find that all sorts of things occur that would never otherwise have occured. Commitment brings action. Goethe said, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Sometimes your action might be a phone call, or creating a game plan. I have had FUN moving forward this week. The week has gone so fast and I'm looking forward to enlarge on my plan. I had been going to "take a day off" today, but as I write I have developed a desire to "eat my frog" and push forward with greater commitment. Wow! This writing has power to! Go for it!

Eat That Frog!

Today I will Eat That Frog. That's the title of my other new book. I talks about procrastination. Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that it is probably the worst thing that will happen to you all day long. I have so many ideas in my head that I decided I would do my writing first and then "eat my frog". Because of our fears (see March 31 entry) we often postpone things we don't want to do for some reason or another. If we get busy and face that challenge, we gain control. So that is my decision for today--eat the frog.
It is April 1st--April Fool!!!! When I changed my calendar and then looked outside I could swear that it is January. OHH Well!! Onward. Today I slept in--but I really didn't want to. However, my son-in-law had cooked breakfast and they were ready to leave to take their two-year old son to his play and learn group that he attends twice a week. They took both boys and left me and the dog home alone.. So I have some quiet time all my own to choose what to do. That's why I decided to write first to figure out what my frog was today. I'm being pampered by my s-i-l as he has taken over the cooking and shopping for me this week. He has worked as a chef and is an excellent cook. They decided to do the grocery shopping while they waited for their son to finish his class. So I'm off to eat my frog....do my exercising for the third day in a row. I hope I can do it with enthusiasm---just like the dog when she goes out in the snow to do her thing. She jumps into the snow and runs all over the yard. She loves it. So...Here I go!!! YES!!!!