Forget Not To Be Patient With Yourself

"The point of getting up every morning is not to rush through to the end of the day--or at least it shouldn't be. There are days like that, of course; we all have days when we get that first foot on the floor, and we feel like we've started a foot race that is not going to end until midnight. I suggest that when we are living our lives that way, we've lost track of...doing what we do, thinking what we think, saying what we say, experiencing what we experience with intentionality, with focus, with the ability to remember who we are and what God wants of us."  --Christine Durham

"I cannot go back. Neither can I make up for deficiencies in the past by wishing or guilt in the present."  -Emma Lou Thayne

"Many times we think we have to be perfect instantly and perfect in everything: that's what causes us to run faster than we have strength."  -Kathleen Bushnell Jensen

"We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection."  -Patricia T. Holland

"It is not always important to accomplish many tasks during the day. What counts is touching people around us."  -Karla C. Erickson

"We spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s okay that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself. Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself."  -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

These are thoughts that have helped me out today. I hope that they may help you out too.

Small and Simple Things #8: Tomorrows

Some days when the to-do list feels too overwhelming and all the crazy/perplexing/wonderful/confusing thoughts of life all come crashing down on you all at once and you wish you could just know the answers to everything but know that you have to wait and that you really should have been doing your homework for the past two hours but really haven't--on those days it's good to know that you can put everything on hold for a bit and wake-up to a fresh, new tomorrow. Heavenly Father knew we would need tomorrows. If it weren't for the need for sleep I think I would work myself nearly to death. But Heavenly Father, in His wisdom, figured out a way to make me have to stop, to calm down, and to start over on all the craziness with a fresh, strength-renewed, happier and hope-filled tomorrow. That's why tonight I can finish up this post, put my thoughts to rest, and get-up to face them again in the morning. I can have another try. Another chance. I'm so grateful for tomorrows.

On Writing an Analysis Paper

This image is in no way reflective of my current emotional state. Especially in regards to my adolescent lit paper.

Dear Emily, It was such a pleasant surprise to find myself exercising next to you this morning amid the fragrant smell of sweaty men and old rubber. I'm so glad that you're also committed to being determined to be responsible and follow through on goals even when it means leaving your adolescent lit paper sitting at home unfinished. Keeping goals, even at the sacrifice of a paper, is such a noble attribute, don't you think?

Dear Leg Of Mine, Please stop doing the whole "I'm-shaking-right-now-because-you're-freaking-out-about-life" thing. It makes me anxious. And slightly concerned for my well-being (Oh no--maybe I'm having a seizure! Maybe I'm going into shock! I clearly cannot work on my adolescent lit paper right now--I could be dying!). Chill.

Dear Roommates, You are some of my favoritest people to talk to. We haven't done so in a long. Time. (Like four days?) I think we need to remedy this dilemma. Tonight. (I mean, talking to you is obviously a lot more important/interesting/entertaining than writing my paper for adolescent lit, right?)

Dear American Literature Homework, Teaching Writing Paper (That's Due in a Month), D&C Test, and 420 Reading Journal, I'm so grateful for the opportunity which you present me with: widened horizons, an enlightened mind, the chance to become a better human being--these are all fantastic! My only regret is that attending to you will keep me from writing my adolescent lit paper that's due tomorrow. The once-in-a-lifetime chance you offer me, though, makes it worth it.

Dear Adolescent Lit Paper, It appears that, contrary to previous responsibly-and-in-my-right-mind-made plans, I may not find the time to spend with you tonight. Please, do not weep for me. Just know that the tears which stain my pillow on this night will be for you. Perhaps I can make amends with you tomorrow (or next week or year or century).

Dear Leg, No--really.

Patience

Rachel shared some quotes from this talk yesterday for FHE. What a fantastic reminder!