Finding Ourselves In This Journey Called Life

I've been doing a little soul searching lately. It seems that we all go through this from time to time. Wondering if we're fulfilling our purpose, or living up to the expectations of motherhood. Are we making each day count? Are we sharing our time and talents with others? Are we working hard to DEVELOP our talents? Are we using our talents for the purpose of serving others, or for the purpose of serving ourselves?
I know what OUR purpose is, but I also know that each one of us has something extra special to offer the world, and whether or not we choose to fulfill it, is up to us.

In hopes to shed a little light on the subject, I started going through some of my old journals, studying my patriarchal blessing, and even reading my horoscope. By the way, what is your opinion on horoscopes? Do you believe in them? I'm still not sure if I really do. I would LIKE to, it would sure explain a lot about myself, which seems to be something that I'm constantly trying to figure out.  Perhaps it will ALWAYS be something that is not so clear. I guess it's all part of this journey we call LIFE.

It's funny, because everything that my horoscope told me, seemed to be VERY comforting, and in fact answered many of my questions. My NEEDS as a Pisces, is: A purpose, so as to focus thoughts and avert boredom. Quiet intervals, to foster a sense of identity and peace. To feel ENCOURAGED, trusted and loved. Pisces needs to stick to a schedule or they'll get lost in their own dreams. Too much regimentation, however, will crush their creativity.

"THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE" John 8:32

Horoscopes and patriarchal blessings are very interesting. If you choose to believe them, it unwraps the truth about ones self, and in a sense, setting us free to do MORE with the gifts/ talents we've been given. It enhances faith in our own abilities, giving us the reassurance that, YES, we are special, and even GOOD at certain things. It gives us affirmations of what we can ultimately become, and perhaps unveiling the hidden obstacles holding us back.

RISING ABOVE 
I laughed when I read in my horoscope that I NEED to feel encouraged :) I've noticed that about myself and I believe it's a weakness. It holds me back a little in life, provoking me to second guess myself A LOT!  I remember when I first started telling people I wanted to serve an LDS Mission. People literally laughed, thinking I was joking.  This caused me to really doubt my abilities and think maybe I was fooling myself at thinking I could ACTUALLY do something like this. I knew I had to rise above the negative comments and go forth with my endeavor. It's not easy for me to ignore the nay sayers, but I know it's the only way to succeed.

COMPARING OURSELVES
I think it's human nature to compare ourselves with others, and in so doing, we tend to compare our weaknesses with others strengths. Why not be happy with who we are and what we have been given? I ask myself this all the time. It's hard to always be aware of the unique abilities we each have, and not be jealous of others gifts. I'm always doing this to myself, not realizing at the moment the harm it's doing to my self confidence. I read other blogs and I'm completely blown away by the talent these other women have. I can't help but feel less as a person, completely inadequate in every way. Comparing yourself to others is guaranteed to bring you down and make you feel worthless. Therefore leading you in the opposite direction of finding true fulfillment in life.

HURRY LESS

In a world that's ever changing and clocks that seem to be going 100 miles a minute, it's hard for us to take time to relax and enjoy the little things. Maybe I should just speak for myself. I'm constantly trying to remind myself to slow down and relax a little, always feel like there's something more I should be doing,  like there is never enough time in a day to accomplish it all. I'm reminded of the quote by President Ezra Taft Benson, "When we put God first, all other things fall into place."

Hurry Up and Slow Down

SEASONS OF LIFE
 I know I'm in the season of motherhood and that in itself is something to be grateful for and proud of. I also believe very strongly that it's so important for us mothers to have other hobbies that don't include wiping bums and making bottles. It's important for us to set aside time for ourselves to refine our minds and develop talents.

"Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard

I want to try harder to fulfill my purpose by allowing the truth to set me free, rising above the negativity, quit comparing myself to others, and hurry less in my season of motherhood.