my focus | 2010

Before I begin I realized I didn't really close out my word for 2009, GIVE. I guess I mention it now because I want you to understand that picking a word to focus on isn't something I do passively. It's a process and takes time. The reason is, I've found in the last three years that I've done this, the word I decide on really does have an affect on my year. I think about it often and tailor goals around it. This past year was no exception. I did something things, which I choose not to share at this time, for those in my neighborhood and it completely changed the way I thought of service and love. It made me think about others more and gave me a desire to find more ways and opportunities I could give. I'm sad to move on, but all good things must come to an end.

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2010

I've been struggling to find this word for weeks now. Some times it comes easy...this one did not. I was beginning to wonder if I would ever find the connection when this morning I was reading the Sunday school and RS lessons using the scripture app on my phone and the word CHOOSE stood out to me as if it were in bold letters. I stopped and sat there a minute looking at it thinking, could this be it? How could it be? What does it mean? It's so simple.

Since then each time I say the word, hear, or see it I know that it's the right choice. It's perfect for me in many ways:

1) I personally prefer action words. I really need something that will motivate me to DO all year long.

2) Our agency is one of the greatest gifts God gave to us. I'm so grateful to Him for giving me the experience to decide for myself which path I want to take and what I want to do with my life. Each and every day I consciously choose His path and to follow His words. It's not always easy, but I know without a doubt it's where I'm suppose to be.

3) Choose and desire are so closely related and I believe if you desire something it becomes a part of you and you can't help, but seek it out. For example, I used to say to Adam all the time, "I wish I could do... or I wish I knew..." He would always come at me with, if you really wanted it then you would do it and immerse yourself in it. I think about that often as I've found it to be so true. If I truly want something I will think, do, and speak of nothing else.

4) Choosing is not a word that will let me live passively. I'm not the best at making decisions, but by not making a decision I am still deciding. I simple can't have that.

5) Like I said before, our agency is very powerful. If we wake up and choose to have a good attitude chances are our day is going to be vastly different then if we choose otherwise. In a sense, the choices we make each day effect the we live and who we ultimately become.

This year I want to choose to be positive, to spend my time wisely, to be engaged in meaningful work, to serve, to listen to the spirit more, to go to the temple, to use my talents, to be happy, to give more, to be healthy, to read good books, to open my heart to possibility, to have confidence and to not be afraid.


[because I couldn't go another day without a picture and I was having some fun in photoshop]

I really do think it's going to be a good one.
Have you chosen a word yet?