BRANCHING OUT

As women, we tend to take on far more than humanly possible and often punish ourselves for not completing the 110th item on our list in less than a twelve hour period.  I use to believe that everything began and ended with me.  Today, I remind myself that I am not Wonder Woman and the entire weight of the world does not rest upon my shoulders.

I believe as women we are much like trees in the forest.  Our long branches are continually reaching for the heavens while our strong roots, just beneath the soil, are hanging on for dear life!

For many years, I thought I was directly responsible for my actions, as well as the actions of my children, and their children throughout the eternities, but that's just not true.  I now have a much simpler understanding.  I know that I am only accountable for my actions and directly responsible for my own happiness.

I've learn many valuable lessons in life and I have incorporated a few simple rules to secure a more comfortable journey.  This self actualization has made a difference in my happiness and also in respect to how I treat others.  The first lesson applies when conflict is involved. I begin by asking myself this question, "Do I solve the problem, am I creating the problem or am I the problem?" Its important to be truthful with yourself.  In other words, I evaluate if I am standing on two feet or in hot water?  The answer to this question can disclose important information about oneself.

If you're constantly finding yourself in hot water, work harder to improve yourself and spend less time worrying about changing others.  You can't wish, plead, beg, borrow or command someone to change.  Change is a personal commitment that comes deep within an individual, but you can certainly strive daily to perfect your own life.  Learning how to solve problems quickly and effectively improves ones self respect and confidence.  Well balanced and happy people are exceptionally good at avoiding the pitfalls.

The second important lesson I learned is that the world will not rotate off its axis if I say, "NO THANK YOU" to someone's request.  Today I am free, I don't take on assignments that will strap me with burdens.  I don't attempt to solve anyone else's problems or take responsibility for anyone's happiness except my own; however, I will be a good listening ear for someone who needs an honest and loyal friend.

Experience and dedication have taught me that I can do anything in this lifetime, but 'today' I cannot do everything!  I have learned to know my limits and I desire to respect and preserve my own personal boundaries.

Thirdly, I strive to maintain three things: a wishbone (the dreams of what can become), a funny bone (not taking life too seriously) and a backbone (the commitment to stand in high places).  We are given one chance at life and how we choose to spend our time is our own personal crusade.  I have chosen to live life with a spiritual direction and purpose.  I have chosen to live life with the clearest intentions of bringing light, creativity, brilliance and joy into my surroundings.  I have chosen to live life with the confidence that even challenges and disappointments can eventually bring about success and happiness.

As women we are often like the trees in the forest.  Our tender influences stretch in every direction and we are constantly reaching for the sky.  Our branches are strong enough to hold those who desire to be lifted up.  The power of our presence can protect others from the harsh elements and provide great comfort to weary souls.  Our roots go deep into the soil to create a solid base and strong foundation.  The fruit that we bear is part of that great plan in the chain of life, and much like the trees in the forest, we stand tall enough to occasionally gaze into heavens.   Written by Linda Sumner Urza for onefineday11.blogspot.com

*&@*^%$#(*&@^%!

Last week I was out in my yard working in the beautiful spring sunshine. There is a new house being built next to my home, with construction workers constantly coming and going.  It wasn't difficult to overhear the workers using profanity  as a form of expression. Usually I would have ignored them, but after an hour and an ear full, I took the liberty to say something.

"Excuse me, would you mind toning down your language?  Your voices carry throughout the neighborhood."

One of the workers replied in angry rebuttal, "Well, we're just uneducated construction workers and we don't know better, it's just the way we are!"  His reply was rather crass and lacked any sensitivity or respect  toward my request. 

I was surprised in his response and my face showed an expression of complete and utter shock, but my words came swiftly, "I don't believe that foul language has anything to do with the level of ones education, but I do believe it has everything to do with ones level of self respect and integrity."  

At that moment, another construction worker spoke out, telling him to knock it off.  Not another word was said as I walked back to my house.  I thought about this experience the rest of the day.  I was so appreciative and grateful that this young man had the moral integrity and respect to come forward.  Often we wander if one person can change the world for the better... this courageous young man had certainly made a difference in mine. He spoke out and was firm in his principles.

When we have a desire to become something better, that desire creates actions that produce powerful results.  I learned years ago that playing it small doesn't magnify my potential, nor does it serve the kingdom of God.  There's nothing good or enlightening about shrinking beneath ones spiritual stature.  

We are given opportunities everyday to elevate ourself and the lives of those with whom we associate. As Latter Day Saints, we know through our spiritual actions and deeds we can become disciples of Christ.  The best rule to live by, "If everyone does what I do, would the world be a better place in which to live?"  If so, than you can rest in peace knowing that you left an indelible impression that even time cannot erase

I believe in the final hours, most mortals are clinging whatever legacy they created throughout their life.  Whether good or bad, their legacy lives on.

. Written by Linda Sumner Urza for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

JUST BE THERE

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her, "Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed. I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name? "

The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, "Mr. William Grey........."

The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.

( The author to this story is unknown, but the spirit behind the story needs to be known.)