A Life of Integrity

I learned a lot this week about integrity and doing things for the right reasons. Our integrity should be our number one priority and it is the foundation for all other virtues. I really liked the quote from our reading, “Integrity is the foundational virtue upon which all other virtues are dependent. It is the first rung on the character ladder. Where there is integrity, other virtues will follow. Where there is no integrity, other virtues have no chance of developing.” This to me was a powerful testimony of the importance of integrity. It has always been an important principle in my life but now my desire to live a life of integrity has only been magnified. My goal this week is to evaluate my personal integrity, look for ways to improve and then hold myself accountable every night. I believe that as we live lives of integrity, blessings follow and good things come. My goal is to be honorable in all things. It’s not something I’m perfect at but I definitely want to work on accomplishing and doing what I say I will do. The hardest thing for me is remembering what I said I would do. In order to be honorable I will have to be organized and plan things better that way I can follow through with what I say. 

Dare to Dream

Randy Pausch had a different upbringing than most children. He had a childhood full of, not only dreams but realities. For example, his parents did not stop him from painting his own walls when he wanted. His parents didn’t put the same limitations on him that many parents put on their children. I think that’s why he was able to accomplish so much and realize so many dreams. Of course if he had never dreamed, he never could have accomplished those dreams. Dreaming brings a sense of purpose to our lives and is so important. I remember dreaming of being a writer. Since I was in second grade I wanted to write and I wanted to change the world with words. My dream has changed a little. I realize now that I won’t be able to change the whole world with words, but I’ve realized that I may be able to change a few people’s world with not only words but actions as well. I want to keep writing and I now have a new found love for public speaking but I also want to do something with humanitarian and social work. I have no idea how I’ll relate those three things but I have felt that they are gifts and interests the Lord has blessed me with in order to bless others. Although I still have many questions about my life, I have more direction because I took the time as a child to dream but I also continue to take the time to dream about what lies ahead and set goals. Some of those will never come true but at least I had the guts to think they might! It is so important that we, like Randy Pausch’s parents, do not put limitations on our ability to think and dream!

Finding Me

I am most excited for the task of finding myself. I guess that's somewhat a quest of a lifetime, but every step closer helps. I am excited to learn new things about who I am. Test my limits, work hard, try new things, be humble and discover. I am excited to find ways to make a difference in the world. So this is the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. I have no exact directions to follow, and I don't know where the road will lead but I am certain that it will all be worth it. My dream in life is simply to make it a little better than I found it. To add something of value, something of worth, even if that comes simply from kindness and compassion. I am excited to gain the skills and tools I need to become a better version of myself and to help others do the same. I have faith that while I work hard and persevere, all things will be possible with the help of my Father in Heaven. I know He has a plan for me and I am so grateful and excited to be living it. Life is a journey but one that’s full of joy. I can’t wait to help others realize that too.