Week 1

Reading and understanding is one thing, but putting it into practice is another.  Through this week's lesson I loved the message that life is hard, but you can still be successful through hard work and perseverance.  Too often I can hit a rough patch and think that it is just too hard, why even try?  Focusing on things pointed out in this lesson makes me feel like I can do it.  I even found things that I am already doing.

The suggestion to look for your talents or things that you enjoy and setting goals that align with them is something that I am blessed to be able to do.  I remember a time when I first started out on something I felt prompted to do and years later I realize that I was given the talent to succeed, so of course I did it well, and at the same time enjoyed doing it (even though it was hard and scary at first).  Looking back I also see instances where doors were opened because I worked through hard times.

The one area that became apparent that I need to work on is keeping myself focused on my purpose here on the earth.  I can be successful in my job, but I need to take the time to study and live the gospel to its fullest.  I need to be more mindful that all that I have and am is because of a loving Heavenly Father.