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.
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
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.
Great post. Enjoy every moment of motherhood. Don't wish it away or hope your kids will grow up fast. It passes all too quickly.
On another note, I enjoy horoscopes for their entertainment purpose.
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for coming by my blog and for the great information! I've been asking myself a lot of the same things lately. My trainer always says, "Passion over profit," and he tells me that it's not work-related, necessarily, but since I work outside of the home, that's where it hits me first. I'm trying to reassess things right now and figure out what's most important and get realigned with those things. 🙂
Natalie
Great post – we sound a lot alike! 🙂
I am drawn to periods of introspection as well and I'm a total 'words of encouragement' gall.
I'll bet you'd enjoy a study on the temperaments – I blogged a bit about them a while back…
http://www.wonderwomanwannabe.com/search/label/temperament
As I sit here in the hospital this is what I needed to read. It gets lonely here and you start contemplating how everyone's worlds continue on and you feel less a part of reality. But I loved this post for the very reason we are all so different, we are called for different trials, we achieve different goals, and what is hard to one person may not be hard to another person. Through my own experiences having 2 children undergo major surgery I have never gone the self pity route. It's a situation that is unique to our family and has given us defining moments we wouldn't have otherwise. Great post Crystal!
What a great list of reminders! And that pic of you and your munchkin is presh!
It is not always easy to appreciate the small moments and savor time with your kids. I definitely need to slow down.
I suppose I "believe" in horoscopes, to a degree. I'm definitely a libra: friendly, easygoing, indecisive, and lazy. All my best friends have been aquarius, and both men I've loved are picses.
That said, I believe in patriarchal blessing more. :o)
Wonderful thoughts. I so agree. It's so hard in this mad dash of mommyland to take the time and enjoy. It goes so fast and I applaud you for bringing this to light.
I'm wishy washy on the horoscope thing. I must admit. But I do get a kick out of them.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
What you said about comparing ourselves- I never thought of it that way, but that is exactly what I do- compare my worst with someone's best. Eye-opening.
I love that last pic.
I love this! Its true when you put God first things do usually fall into place…although that isn't always easy.
I am writing a guest post for a blog in a few weeks about trying to be perfect…mommyhood is hard, the hardest job I have ever done.
Great thoughts to ponder, life is certainly a journey to be discovered. I especially like the part you mentioned about comparing ourselves to others. Since you asked-As a Christian, the horoscope part hit a nerve. I know some people personally who have dabbled in it and it did not serve them well. I don't even read them out of interest when they are presented in magazines.
As you are wondering about it and are a woman of faith yourself, you might find this website helpful/interesting. 🙂
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-occult.html
I especially liked this summary and scripture:
We should never trust in astrological beliefs or predictions. Astrology is an ancient, heathen practice that leads to disaster. Our lives are not determined by the stars or movement of planets. The Bible warns against the false predictions of astrology (Jeremiah 10:2; 27:9-10; Daniel 2:1-4; 4:7; 5:7-9) and repeatedly condemns the associated practice of worshipping the sun, moon and stars (or “deities or demons associated with them”) (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3, 5; Zephaniah 1:5; Job 31:26-28; Jeremiah 8:1-2).
While our God is a loving God, In Isaiah, He sarcastically rebukes Israel for practicing astrology,
…For you have trusted in your wickedness… Therefore evil shall come upon you… trouble shall fall upon you… Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame…
-Isaiah 47:10-14a
It's always important to remember that temptation is a trap into darkness.
Thanks for sharing such an open post.
Warmly,
Karla
i have never found the horoscope stuff to be at all accurate for me. I'm also a Pisces, and I'm not the creative dreamer at all.
Crystal Lynn, you ARE most definitely fulfilling every part of your purpose and I'm not just saying that. Just that fact that you are consciously working towards goals, dreams and aspirations means that you are improving and making a difference. It's funny that you posted this because I teach a lesson this Sunday on "Patriarchal Blessings," and I have not looked at mine in some time. you are making a difference in my life daily and I look up to you as a difference maker. love xoxoxoxo s
Good for you for ignoring the nay sayers… We grow only by taking risks and following our hearts. It sounds like you live a very fulfilling life & I admire all that you've accomplished!
oh my gosh I so love what your hubby said…what a sweetheart!!!
Great post Crystal! No wonder I enjoy your blog so much, I'm a pieces too! And that totally describes me also. It is so true about not becoming an empty vessel. But sometimes kids can be so needy it's hard to find time to do anything to "fill" our own vessel. I did get a great tip from a MOPS meeting over a year ago…Spend 30 minutes "filling up" your children in the morning, once their love buckets are filled, they will be less needy and then it's easier to do other things throughout the day. You are an inspiration to other moms for fulfilling their purpose and being balanced, so that must be a sign you are fulfilling yours.
What a fantastic post! I love that saying , seasons of life. Our youngest son graduated from high school last week so my season of life with an empty nest is beginning. I also compare myself to the many amazing ladies I read about on their blogs.
You are one of them! ( :
Have a pretty day,
Kristin
I haven't read my horoscope in a while, but I enjoyed reading it because I could always find a coincidence to make me reflect upon or giggle about. I've been finding life is just flying by and I spend so much time reminiscing about time I can't get back that I really didn't appreciate when I was living it (which causes the same cycle of not appreciating my right now).
I got the shake today and I can't wait to try it out. LOL @ the post title/blog title synchronicity. Thanks for stopping by today. Yup heels since 11, I can't imagine having to give them up.
You are precious thru and thru.. my grandmother use to say, "Pretty is, is pretty does" If you want to be beautiful on the outside you must 1st be beautiful on the inside, something that comes naturally to you. What wonderful thoughts, I am 52 years old, and NEVER stop learning from you.. hugs sweetie, you are an amazing person in every aspect of your life <3
What a beautiful post! I so need to do the same, I have the hardest time doing that.
Absolutely.
This is a great reminder for me to read my patriarchal blessing. Excellent tips.
This is a great post, and one I think I needed to read. I compare myself to others a lot, and usually come away from it feeling like I'm not good enough. It's nice to reminded that we all bring something unique to the table. And that I really should read my patriarchal blessing more often.
From one Pisces gal to another…I can totally relate to what you wrote here, which is an amazing post btw! As I'm getting my faith in Christ renewed I try to stay away from horoscope although I do think they explaines about my personalities to the dot!
Great post. COmparing myself to others is a huge burden for me, so this was a nice reminder for me!
It's true when they say a little encouragement goes a long way. Don't feel too badly, my family members laugh at me all the time when I come up with things I want to do. Ignore the naysayers.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mmmhmmmm….some of these really hit home. My life right now is all about trying to stay in the moment and feel what I feel and think what I think and just be present! (Oh, and being from Santa Fe, NM I love horoscopes! I'm a total Virgo. 🙂