Want is such a funny word too. I feel like what I really WANT to do is probably the LAST thing I do and the last thing that takes priority in my life. I want: to scrapbook my children's lives, to work on my family history and attend the temple weekly, to sell my baked goodies, to play tennis, to relax and go on a vacation, to eat whatever I want, to have a clean house, to sing anywhere I can, to take dance classes, to write more, to decorate and fix up my house...so many things I WANT, but really all I want is to live a simple happy life.
How about should? I know what I SHOULD do. I don't always want to do it though. These are the things that basically keep life running around here. I should: pray more and study my scriptures more, cook healthy dinners everyday, keep the laundry pile from overrunning the basement, plant my garden, spend more time with my kids, spend more time with Kirk, keep up on the budget, exercise every day...this list could go on FOREVER!!! The "shoulds" are the hardest ones for me because usually they really do need to be done.
And what about could? I could do a ton of things. This is what gets me in trouble. I am very in tune with my gifts and abilities. When something needs to be done I always think, "I could do that." I say yes to so many things without thinking if I really should do it or even if I want to do it. Just because I think I could do a better job than someone else doesn't mean I'm the only one who could do it. If I say no, the world just keeps on turning. I worry so much about it though. I worry if I say no to something what other options are there? This just tears me up inside.
As I'm writing this, I am reminded of the Brave Girls class I took called "Life Restoration" It was amazing. I can't believe I forgot about this project we made. It's called "My Decision Maker" They explained that before they make any decisions about their company they ask certain questions. They gave us a list of questions and we picked the ones that spoke to us. We made a simple little book with the questions on the pages.
Then whenever you were faced with a decision you could look at it and read the questions and feel better about what you are deciding and feel more guidance. These are the questions mine has:
Will I have time in my life to rest and recharge if I make this decision?
Am I rushing into this decision before the time is right?
Have I thought through all of the consequences of making this decision and am I willing to take responsibility for every one of them?
Will this help me to become my highest and best self, centered around all of my most important values?
Will I feel like I have to hide this decision from anyone who I love and respect?
Am I doing this from my own heart and gut or am I trying to do this for someone else?
Am I settling for second best for my unique and individual life by making this decision?
Can I joyfully and thankfully work with the people who would have to be involved if I made this decision?
Will I be able to be exactly who I am, and feel appreciated and accepted for being exactly who I am if I make this decision?
Am I making this decision from fear or from faith?
Is this what I really really want in my life?
Will I have to go into debt in any way if I make this decision?
Will this hurt my family in any way?
Would I be ok if young people that I love followed in my footsteps as I make this decision?
Will this decision bring me bliss or stress me out?
Will I be able to keep my promises to those I love if I make this decision?
Am I going to enjoy the results of making this decision, is it going to be fun?
Is this decision causing me to give up anything that is more precious to me than this decision is?
Does this decision support my highest spiritual beliefs, values and promises?
Will this choice result in the kind of result, reward or gratification that I am truly seeking and yearning for?
Will I be taking the best care of my body and soul if I make this decision?
Will this choice help me move forward into the life I want to live, or will it keep me stuck where I have been?
I think this will help me a lot to make wiser decisions about what I could do. I hope maybe it helped you too!! Beth
PS Two other things that I thought of as I wrote this are these talks: Good, Better, Best and Of Things That Matter Most.
No comments:
Post a Comment