Today Arthur C. Brooks gave an excellent talk at our forum, titled "The Privilege of Giving." He told us about research he has been involved in that shows a strong correlation between giving (of time and money) and happiness, wealth, health, etc.
**Charity brings happiness and happiness brings success**
One reason is because we alleviate our stress by giving, and people who do their job with less stress are happier.
But the best thing he said was this:
When we give, we are helping other people, but we are also beneficiaries of our own giving. If you really want to help someone else, give the gift of giving. What can you do to help someone else give? He suggested that in thinking about this, we overcome the following myths:
1. Giving makes us poorer
2. People are naturally selfish
3. Giving is a luxury
4. Our nation can afford to substitute government for private giving
Just something to think about.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tamed
The Little Prince is a children's book, but contains many true principles. At one point, the little prince meets a fox he wants to play with.
"I cannot play with you," the fox said. "I am not tamed."
After the little prince asks the fox several times what this means, to be "tamed," the fox replies, "It means to establish ties. To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world."
Later on in the discussion, the fox says, "One only understands the things that one tames."
And when the little prince asks the fox how he can tame him, the fox replies, "You must be very patient."
Although I believe this story refers to all relationships, I thought it went very well with our Relief Society lesson today, in which the lesson was based off the following quote by Elder F. Burton Howard in his talk on eternal marriage:
"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and more precious as time goes by."
"I cannot play with you," the fox said. "I am not tamed."
After the little prince asks the fox several times what this means, to be "tamed," the fox replies, "It means to establish ties. To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world."
Later on in the discussion, the fox says, "One only understands the things that one tames."
And when the little prince asks the fox how he can tame him, the fox replies, "You must be very patient."
Although I believe this story refers to all relationships, I thought it went very well with our Relief Society lesson today, in which the lesson was based off the following quote by Elder F. Burton Howard in his talk on eternal marriage:
"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and more precious as time goes by."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
On Life
So, here's another update on my life for those who are curious. I decided to do it by different aspects of life this time:
Spiritual ... I've been much better at taking time to study my scriptures and read uplifting material every day this semester, and it has made a huge difference!
Social ... So I should probably make a little more time for socializing, but I have friends :)
Mental ... I like to think I'm getting smarter here in college.
Physical ... Going good. The sun is out today and I ran for almost an hour! Yesterday I swam laps!
School ... It's got its ups and downs, but fortunately more ups than downs.
Work ... I'm just a college student, but I have two jobs I adore where I learn skills I can actually use. Does it get better?
Dating/Love ... Did you really think I'd post that up here for everyone to see??
And some other thoughts - been trying to decide if grad school is what I really want and if it is how I can make it happen. Looking for an internship in DC for this fall. My best friend gets home from his mission on my 21st birthday. Going back to blonde. Wore flip flops today for the first time since I can't remember when. Get to dress up tonight. Just saw the movie Taken yesterday...disturbing plot line but good...until the end!! I think I could have dealt with it if it were based on a true story or had a realistic ending, but I just left feeling sort of depressed about not being able to save the world. Wondering if I should go on a mission. Just two more months of the semester. Miss the fam.
Spiritual ... I've been much better at taking time to study my scriptures and read uplifting material every day this semester, and it has made a huge difference!
Social ... So I should probably make a little more time for socializing, but I have friends :)
Mental ... I like to think I'm getting smarter here in college.
Physical ... Going good. The sun is out today and I ran for almost an hour! Yesterday I swam laps!
School ... It's got its ups and downs, but fortunately more ups than downs.
Work ... I'm just a college student, but I have two jobs I adore where I learn skills I can actually use. Does it get better?
Dating/Love ... Did you really think I'd post that up here for everyone to see??
And some other thoughts - been trying to decide if grad school is what I really want and if it is how I can make it happen. Looking for an internship in DC for this fall. My best friend gets home from his mission on my 21st birthday. Going back to blonde. Wore flip flops today for the first time since I can't remember when. Get to dress up tonight. Just saw the movie Taken yesterday...disturbing plot line but good...until the end!! I think I could have dealt with it if it were based on a true story or had a realistic ending, but I just left feeling sort of depressed about not being able to save the world. Wondering if I should go on a mission. Just two more months of the semester. Miss the fam.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Online Presence
So....in public relations they encourage us to have an "online presence." Since I no longer have a facebook, I think this means I'm supposed to use my blog more often. It's basically, homework, right?
Then I don't feel bad about procrastinating my English paper right now...somehow, when choosing my minor, I didn't put it together that being a good writer does not equal being a good analyzer of literature.
I can't wait until the weekend!!
Then I don't feel bad about procrastinating my English paper right now...somehow, when choosing my minor, I didn't put it together that being a good writer does not equal being a good analyzer of literature.
I can't wait until the weekend!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
25 Things
Since I no longer have a facebook, I decided to do the "25 Things About Me" thing on my blog. This way, fewer people will see it, but I wanted to be a part of it since I keep hearing so much about it...
1. I LOVE where all the freeways cross. This is a more common occurrence in California than it is in Utah, but that is why I love driving to Salt Lake. There is something thrilling about seeing where everyone crosses paths as they travel to different destinations.
2. I'm much better now, but I can be extremely shy. Most of the time, though, if I'm quiet it's because I am enjoying being an observer and listener. I like to absorb things that way.
3. I love the fourth of July. Last summer I made Carly while listen while I read the Declaration of Independence. When I'm older, I want my family to be patriotic. We'll play baseball, eat apple pie, and read about our history. I am so excited to one day meet our founding fathers.
4. Icees are my comfort food. Actually, they're good anytime, but I especially enjoy them when I'm happy, sad, or stressed out. Smoothies and ice cream are a close second and third.
5. When I'm really sad, I can't eat. When I'm really happy, I eat a lot. Is this normal? I think I might be programmed backwards.
6. I love to exercise, but I have to mix it up a lot or I get bored. I think I've mentioned on here that I enjoy running, TAE BO, jump rope, and other work out videos, i.e. dancing.
7. If you'll play Catch Phrase with me, I'll love you forever.
8. Hugs are my favorite...anytime! I love giving them and getting them! When I'm sad, I might not want to talk to you, but I'll usually welcome a hug.
9. I think anything is easier to do (and more fun!) when I'm doing it for someone else and not just for myself. I don't really like to cook for myself, for example, but I enjoy cooking for other people!
10. I have a knife collection, but I don't know anything about knives. I was jealous because Joey had one, so I wanted one too. I think Joey might have gotten into it because of Grandpa.
11. I'm a little bit superstitious.
12. I love Disney and all the Disney stars...until I find out they're not who I thought they were. I like them because they're wholesome.
13. I'm a dreamer. I love fairy tales and sappy stories. I love fantasy and playing pretend--anything where I get to be in another world for a little while.
14. Laughter may be the best medicine, but I think going for a long drive with the windows rolled down and loud music playing is a close second.
15. I've never been trick-or-treating. Most people think this means I was deprived, but the truth is, I never knew the difference. I still got candy and Halloween was just another family night with pizza from Little Caesers. And one of the few days of the year we got to drink soda.
16. I LOVE meeting random people and finding things we have in common. But I think it's more fun meeting random people and finding out something about them I never would have guessed. I'll ask them a ton of questions. I think the best way to learn about life and the world is to hear other people's stories.
17. I think a picnic is always a perfect date (as long as there is good weather). Inside or outside, on the roof, in the park, near the railroad tracks, in the middle of the forest, homemade food, fast food, store-bought food...the list goes on and on. Picnics are the best.
18. I love love LOVE being outdoors, but I'm definitely a beach girl, not a snow girl. I love hiking, swimming, sports, running, bike riding, rock climbing, boating...the wind in your face is one of the best feelings. In fact, I love water in all forms...waterfalls, water under bridges, swimming pools, rivers, oceans, etc.
19. Two of the things I miss most about California are palm trees and the fog.
20. I'm a huge bargain shopper...at least when it comes to clothes. I'm working on being a bargain grocery shopper, furniture shopper, etc.
21. The only reason I carry an umbrella in the rain is to keep my backpack/laptop dry. I love being rained on, and thunderstorms are the best! I take that back...I love being rained on in the SUMMER, when it's warm rain.
22. I fall asleep during late-night movies without fail. I think I got this from Dad.
23. I won the science award in 8th grade. Ender inspired me to learn everything I could about the world around me!
24. It's one of my life goals to solve a riddle. I always give up before I get it!
25. I have a secret wish to go dog-sledding one day.
1. I LOVE where all the freeways cross. This is a more common occurrence in California than it is in Utah, but that is why I love driving to Salt Lake. There is something thrilling about seeing where everyone crosses paths as they travel to different destinations.
2. I'm much better now, but I can be extremely shy. Most of the time, though, if I'm quiet it's because I am enjoying being an observer and listener. I like to absorb things that way.
3. I love the fourth of July. Last summer I made Carly while listen while I read the Declaration of Independence. When I'm older, I want my family to be patriotic. We'll play baseball, eat apple pie, and read about our history. I am so excited to one day meet our founding fathers.
4. Icees are my comfort food. Actually, they're good anytime, but I especially enjoy them when I'm happy, sad, or stressed out. Smoothies and ice cream are a close second and third.
5. When I'm really sad, I can't eat. When I'm really happy, I eat a lot. Is this normal? I think I might be programmed backwards.
6. I love to exercise, but I have to mix it up a lot or I get bored. I think I've mentioned on here that I enjoy running, TAE BO, jump rope, and other work out videos, i.e. dancing.
7. If you'll play Catch Phrase with me, I'll love you forever.
8. Hugs are my favorite...anytime! I love giving them and getting them! When I'm sad, I might not want to talk to you, but I'll usually welcome a hug.
9. I think anything is easier to do (and more fun!) when I'm doing it for someone else and not just for myself. I don't really like to cook for myself, for example, but I enjoy cooking for other people!
10. I have a knife collection, but I don't know anything about knives. I was jealous because Joey had one, so I wanted one too. I think Joey might have gotten into it because of Grandpa.
11. I'm a little bit superstitious.
12. I love Disney and all the Disney stars...until I find out they're not who I thought they were. I like them because they're wholesome.
13. I'm a dreamer. I love fairy tales and sappy stories. I love fantasy and playing pretend--anything where I get to be in another world for a little while.
14. Laughter may be the best medicine, but I think going for a long drive with the windows rolled down and loud music playing is a close second.
15. I've never been trick-or-treating. Most people think this means I was deprived, but the truth is, I never knew the difference. I still got candy and Halloween was just another family night with pizza from Little Caesers. And one of the few days of the year we got to drink soda.
16. I LOVE meeting random people and finding things we have in common. But I think it's more fun meeting random people and finding out something about them I never would have guessed. I'll ask them a ton of questions. I think the best way to learn about life and the world is to hear other people's stories.
17. I think a picnic is always a perfect date (as long as there is good weather). Inside or outside, on the roof, in the park, near the railroad tracks, in the middle of the forest, homemade food, fast food, store-bought food...the list goes on and on. Picnics are the best.
18. I love love LOVE being outdoors, but I'm definitely a beach girl, not a snow girl. I love hiking, swimming, sports, running, bike riding, rock climbing, boating...the wind in your face is one of the best feelings. In fact, I love water in all forms...waterfalls, water under bridges, swimming pools, rivers, oceans, etc.
19. Two of the things I miss most about California are palm trees and the fog.
20. I'm a huge bargain shopper...at least when it comes to clothes. I'm working on being a bargain grocery shopper, furniture shopper, etc.
21. The only reason I carry an umbrella in the rain is to keep my backpack/laptop dry. I love being rained on, and thunderstorms are the best! I take that back...I love being rained on in the SUMMER, when it's warm rain.
22. I fall asleep during late-night movies without fail. I think I got this from Dad.
23. I won the science award in 8th grade. Ender inspired me to learn everything I could about the world around me!
24. It's one of my life goals to solve a riddle. I always give up before I get it!
25. I have a secret wish to go dog-sledding one day.
Friday, February 13, 2009
It's Good to Be Home
I really like to be on my own because I like being independent and I think I do well that way. But it's really nice to be able to come home to a PEACEFUL house, WARM shower, HOME-COOKED meals, parents and friends.
Tonight I got to hang out with Kellie and Brent...two of my best friends!!!!!!! I last saw Kellie over Christmas, but I haven't seen Brent in 2 WHOLE YEARS so it was awesome. When I download our picture from Cold Stone, I'll post it :). We all got more ice cream that when needed it and SADLY, none of us could finish.
Well, I have a little while before I need to go to bed and I have a bunch of homework to do tomorrow (on Valentine's Day, of all days! :). Maybe I'll watch an episode of Psych...
Tonight I got to hang out with Kellie and Brent...two of my best friends!!!!!!! I last saw Kellie over Christmas, but I haven't seen Brent in 2 WHOLE YEARS so it was awesome. When I download our picture from Cold Stone, I'll post it :). We all got more ice cream that when needed it and SADLY, none of us could finish.
Well, I have a little while before I need to go to bed and I have a bunch of homework to do tomorrow (on Valentine's Day, of all days! :). Maybe I'll watch an episode of Psych...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tender Mercies
I love those days when you notice the Lord in the details of your life. For example, I've been feeling like I have an IMPOSSIBLE amount of things to do lately, but have amazingly been able to keep my stress to a minimum and not miss out on relationship-building opportunities. I have to add a prep class this semester for the Washington Seminar and I thought it was going to be a 2-credit class, but it's actually only 1. It's still the same amount of work, but the fact that it's only 1 credit just makes me FEEL better.
Also...something I was working on for my dad was pushed from August to next May, so that relieves some pressure. AND for my new job, I only have to commit to 4 hours a week (sounds like a little, but this is in addition to my current job, and I'm not one of those students who can work 20 hours a week) instead of 5!
I know, I know...that sounds lame, but anything I add right now feels like a lot, so that one hour makes a huge difference. Yay for tender mercies!
Oh...and I get to go HOME this weekend, even if I will just be doing homework for most of the time.
Also...something I was working on for my dad was pushed from August to next May, so that relieves some pressure. AND for my new job, I only have to commit to 4 hours a week (sounds like a little, but this is in addition to my current job, and I'm not one of those students who can work 20 hours a week) instead of 5!
I know, I know...that sounds lame, but anything I add right now feels like a lot, so that one hour makes a huge difference. Yay for tender mercies!
Oh...and I get to go HOME this weekend, even if I will just be doing homework for most of the time.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Serendipity
Those of you who know me well know I have a fascination with this concept...and this word. It just rolls off the tongue, don't you think?
Anyway, Serendipity is commonly and simply defined as "a happy accident," but I don't feel like that definition encompasses enough of the meaning. Some people think it's the same thing as fate...but it's not. The original definition of the word is "the quality or faculty, through awareness and good fortune, of being able to find something good while seeking something else." Serendipity has everything to do with being in the right place at the right time and living the right way so you can make the right choice that will have the biggest impact.
I think it has a lot to do with being flexible, too. For example, I have the next three years of my life pretty planned out, but I have learned from past experiences that life doesn't always respect my plans. The best I can hope for is that I will make choices that will lead me to be in the right place at the right time so that I will find the best things in life and help the most people, whether I'm looking for those specific opportunities or not.
Right now I'm reading a book called Spiritual Serendipity, by Richard and Linda Eyre. It's not quite what I was expecting, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I kind of think it's a lot of words for what I think is a simple concept...even if it is difficult for me to explain.
Anyway, Serendipity is commonly and simply defined as "a happy accident," but I don't feel like that definition encompasses enough of the meaning. Some people think it's the same thing as fate...but it's not. The original definition of the word is "the quality or faculty, through awareness and good fortune, of being able to find something good while seeking something else." Serendipity has everything to do with being in the right place at the right time and living the right way so you can make the right choice that will have the biggest impact.
I think it has a lot to do with being flexible, too. For example, I have the next three years of my life pretty planned out, but I have learned from past experiences that life doesn't always respect my plans. The best I can hope for is that I will make choices that will lead me to be in the right place at the right time so that I will find the best things in life and help the most people, whether I'm looking for those specific opportunities or not.
Right now I'm reading a book called Spiritual Serendipity, by Richard and Linda Eyre. It's not quite what I was expecting, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I kind of think it's a lot of words for what I think is a simple concept...even if it is difficult for me to explain.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
La La La
Friday I went to visit the school (yep, that's a link in case you want to check it out) I'm working with for my Public Relations Writing and Productivity class. It is a nonprofit PRIVATE school for children with autism where my cousin teaches. I was only there with the KIDS for about an hour...they are SO CUTE and sweet! Then I got to talk with the guy who will be taking over the BUSINESS side of things at the school about some public relations stuff. It's hard to give it the TIME I would like to since I have so many other things going on and it's just one class, but I've been getting really EXCITED about it!
Saturday was spent doing HOMEWORK...no surprises there! The highlight of my day was going grocery shopping with Joey and Katie because it's ALWAYS NICE to just get out of the apartment. Oh, I guess RUNNING was nice too. I look forward to going running more when I only go once or twice a week because then it's like a TREAT, rather than a chore. Don't worry, I exercise the rest of the week too; I just like to do more inside activities during the winter time like TAE BO, jump roping, and belly dancing :).
THEN at night I got to see my old FRIENDS, Darin and Aaron!! We've been friends since I was 15, but this is the first semester they've been up here with me. It's kind of cool having people up here that know me from my HIGH SCHOOL days...not that I'm much different, but I can just be NORMAL because they already know me and not have to deal with any awkwardness because they're BASICALLY my brothers.
Saturday was spent doing HOMEWORK...no surprises there! The highlight of my day was going grocery shopping with Joey and Katie because it's ALWAYS NICE to just get out of the apartment. Oh, I guess RUNNING was nice too. I look forward to going running more when I only go once or twice a week because then it's like a TREAT, rather than a chore. Don't worry, I exercise the rest of the week too; I just like to do more inside activities during the winter time like TAE BO, jump roping, and belly dancing :).
THEN at night I got to see my old FRIENDS, Darin and Aaron!! We've been friends since I was 15, but this is the first semester they've been up here with me. It's kind of cool having people up here that know me from my HIGH SCHOOL days...not that I'm much different, but I can just be NORMAL because they already know me and not have to deal with any awkwardness because they're BASICALLY my brothers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)