A jumble of thoughts

I've had many occurrences in the last few months that have led me to ponder. I tried to blog about one of them after it happened, but try as I might, I couldn't express the thoughts and the feelings that I was experiencing at that time. Since then, I've had other instances happen again and again that have made me wonder repeatedly if I'm living my life the way I really want to be living. And by that, I think I mean "Am I living so that I will have no regrets?"

At a training I went to in September, we discussed value wheels and filled out what was most important to us (or so we thought) and then how much time we spent in each different area of our life. It was interesting to see what did or did not match up from what I believe are the most important things in my life and where I spend my time.

Then at another conference a couple weeks ago, we heard a presentation on "Get Up Out of Your Seat". I wish you all could have been there. It was deeply moving and inspiring. By Get Up Out of Your Seat, the speaker talked about how too often we sit back and basically let life pass us by. Whether from wrong priorities or thinking that someone else will do what needs to be done. We need to be up and doing and looking for opportunities to bless the lives of those around us. He stated it well when he said, "The journey is not about you. It's about those you come in contact with". He also talked about how you never know how much time you have. I think this was brought back in force again at work today when my co-workers niece was hit by a truck and is not expected to live due to the extent of injuries. And I thought, "What if this was one of my nieces or nephews or good friend or family member? Would I be caught in that moment saying 'I wish I would have....?'" I hope that never happens.

So I'm trying to make a goal. I hope that I don't forget it soon. That happens far too often. I'm going to start trying to live each day on purpose. I'm going to try to put people first. I'm going to try to make a difference. I have seen opportunities to do something around me. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has pointed some of those out to me a couple of times because I might have missed it. So now I'm working on those things. And I'm going to try to be aware of others.

I know my thoughts are probably a jumbled mess, but I hope that something made sense. I think I wanted to share this to make more sense of it in my own mind and to further commit myself to the changes that I want to make. Feel free to join me. I think we could all find one thing each day to better help someone around us or to show our love. Quite often, the best thing we can actually give anyone is our time. Maybe we can watch a little less tv or spend a minute less on the computer (I know, I'm on it right now!) and instead call someone to just let them know that we're thinking about them or appreciate something they did. It could even be something as little as letting the dishes sit for a minute so that you can spend that one extra minute giving a hug to each of your children. Or let your spouse or friend tell you about their day. I can't help but notice everyday what a difference a little more love would make in this world. And besides, we're starting into the holiday season so there's no better time, right?? :) I know that I've been very grateful lately for many many things, and I'm going to try to show that gratitude by doing what I can to help someone, somewhere. Lets go get up out of our seats.