Random, Thrown Together.... Seniors, Families, and life.

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Anna Olsen

The Kind, The Smart, The Important

            This is more of a journal. WARNING: This will be fairly disorganized, but this is written as my thoughts come on this topic. I understand that much of this information may not be necessary. Please tell me how you feel about the compiled ideas and which are beneficial to making my point. Any feedback you can give will be great.

            I am a major quotes person, and I’ll probably use a couple. I absolutely love any little thought that can give me a little push to keep me going. One of my favorites is by Marianne Williamson:

“We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Today, there is so much going on that I’m not aware of. But what I am aware of is that every human being has feelings and an intense desire to feel loved, wanted, and accepted. Everyone came to this earth to learn, meet people, and change lives for the better. To me, this is everything. I feel like every person I ever meet will give me a piece of his or her life to learn from and appreciate. And in exchange, I give them a part of me. It’s better, to me, to be a person worth knowing than a person well known. I’d love to mean the world to someone. We are in this life together. And each other is really all that we’ve got. There is a little bit that you can do to make someone’s life easier and less stressful. Life is hard for each of us. And you may never know just what kind of an impact you have on those around you.

            This all started with a friend and leader of mine. She never once told me how to be kind. She showed me how to be kind. She paid enough attention to me as an entity. I knew that even if I didn’t matter to anyone else, I did to her; and for a while, that is all that kept me going in life. Without her, I might not have made it out on top. She listened to me. I was/am just another teenager with major drama and soaring mood swings. She is able to look past my many faults and show me all that I have going for me. This is someone that I will never forget. She has made an incredible influence on who I am and who I’m going to become. Her support is invaluable to me. She taught and is teaching me what being a friend and being kind is all about.

            No man is an island. Every decision you make will influence those around you. The littlest decisions may determine the big ones. If you set your priorities straight from the beginning, you are sure to keep them up as you practice living your values, thus affecting the decisions you make for the better. As you grow and learn your priorities will definitely change, but hopefully you will be more capable of understanding your potential as you experience all that life has to offer. If you make your decisions based on what others want for you, you’ll end up frustrated and unhappy. But if you use the influence that others have provided to make logical and correct decisions for yourself, your choices will impact your life so profoundly, that you can’t go wrong.

            The bum on the street didn’t wake up one morning thinking, “That is what I want to be when I grow up.” They never wished to be where they are. The turns that life handed them were unexpected and hard for them to handle. Their decisions played a big part in taking them there though.

Each of us is so different. But that’s what makes this life worth knowing and experiencing.

Now that you have a basis on where this thought process comes from: Here is my plan.

Children and Teens today don’t know what it means to be kind. And, this of course carries on into their adulthood. To many, the only person that matters is his/her self. They don’t quite understand that each human has a need and desire to feel loved. This is so important to me. I understand, in a small way, the impact that one life can have on another.  

I connect best with the elementary school students. I feel that their minds are pliable they can still be influenced. And, children can lead the way for the rest of society to understand the importance of kindness.

In presenting this topic to the public, I hope to be able to carry out

“Kind + Smart = Important” week. Here is a rough draft of how this week could go.

Monday: Present to the students the topics and activities of the upcoming week. Motivational type speech to get their thought processes turning.

Tuesday: Sticky Note Day!

Today is all about being kind. Each child would dress in yellow, like the sticky notes we will be using in our “kind” activity. Each child will receive a sticky note and write an uplifting, encouraging thought or draw a picture that can make someone happy. They will then place this sticky note in a public place where people will be uplifted by the small thought. This will teach students that the little random acts of kindness they perform can make a big difference. This will involve the individuality and creativity of each student.

Wednesday: Smart

I will invite the students to dress for success. Wearing skirts, ties etc. I will invite some individuals from the community to help present a career fair to get these creative young minds dreaming big. R.I.F. (Reading Is Fun) will be held this day, each child will practice good decision making skills by picking a good book.

Thursday: Important

Students will wear their favorite color/outfit and (celebrate each student)?

(Please give input on how I will be able to teach this principle effectively.)

Friday: You are Kind, You are Smart, You are Important.

Bracelets, coloring books, and bake sale.

To me, Each and every student counts. And as for the rest of the community, the children can lead the way to a better, more kind, and smarter world. Each child may not be important to the world. But to those that meet them, the will be important. Through my platform I hope to have each and every child realize his/her own potential, and that their future is in their own hands. No one can take that away from them. There is no circumstance too hard, no situation too captivating, and no obstacle too big for these children to conquer with the help of the amazing people they will meet in their life times.

“Finding Neverland” tells the story of how author James Barrie wrote the wildly successful play Peter Pan in 1904.

Well-dressed patrons who expected dignified and “important” productions dominated the culture of the theater in Barrie’s day. Barrie sought to re-inject wonder and awe into his plays, even though he knew the crowds might not be pleased. So when opening night came for his fantastical tale Peter Pan, Barrie helped the audience enter Peter’s kingdom of wonder by bringing children in to show them the way.

Much to the chagrin of the theater owner, Charles, Barrie reserves 25 seats for his “special guests”. Charles presses Barrie to tell him whom the seats are for and to give them up to paying customers, but Barrie will not relent even as the attendant rings the last call bell. As the grand doors begin to close, the camera pans from the glamorous theater steps to the darkened street where twenty-five children are being escorted by nuns.

Barrie says, “Charles, they’re here. Do forgive them for being a bit late—short legs and a long walk from the orphanage.”

“I’m not clear on what they’re doing here,” Charles replied

“They’ve come to see the play.”

Charles says, “Now my nightmare is complete.”

As the orphans take their seats, the disapproving patrons raise their eyebrows. As the curtain rises, the orphans let out squeals of delight, hanging on to every word of the opening lines. The tuxedoed adults, not quite grasping the wonder of the play, look askance at these ragamuffins, who have caught on immediately. And then, the adults look again ate the stage and their eyes start to bright and they begin to chuckle. Infected by the children, the patrons soon get caught up in the wonder of the play too. When the opening act closes, the audience roars in applause. The now-convinced Charles peers in from a side curtain at the exuberance and simply whispers, “Genius. ”

As is the case in real life, children bring the magic, wonder, and excitement to this world. You know this if you’ve ever experienced Christmas without a young child.

I think that once children catch on, adults will do the same. This is something so important to me, which I hope these children will be able to grasp and carry on into their unknown and promising futures.

2 years.

We've been here for two years. And what a great two years it has been! I didn't really know I'd make it on top! :) But I did. And it's been quite a ride. I wouldn't trade the people I've meet here for the world! I'm so glad for all that I've learned and to be able to trust in my Heavenly Father more wholly and purely. I'm thankful for those that I've met. One in particular has been my world. I wouldn't have known her if we hadn't moved. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to keep up my friendships from the other ward like I would have, but I love it here anyway.

Friends.

"One friend, one person who is truly understanding, who takes the trouble to listen to us as we consider a problem, can change our whole outlook on the world."

--President Uchtdorf

         Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters. Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific. Every person you meet has potential to be a friend. Friends believe in you: in your capacity to do great things. But, it all starts inside. It grows and develops with each precious moment of your life.

         I so often think to myself, ”Who am I to try? Who am I to be intelligent, stunning, clever, or remarkable?” I then must remind myself, “It’s my duty to try. It’s up to me to decide what to be. I was born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within me.” When you shine, you automatically liberate others to follow suit.

         Believe in yourself. Believe in your potential. Believe in your capabilities to do great and amazing things. Believe that a miracle lies within your spirit, within your heart.  Believe in the aptitude you carry inside to be nothing short of astonishing.

(STRENTH OF YOUTH PG 13)

         As a human, it’s your responsibility to love others. Not judge them. We walk this life together, continually finding a new part of ourselves we hadn’t grasped; losing our way and finding it again. I don't know where your road will take you, but one thing I know: the only ones among us who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to love.

         If I sincerely tell someone I believe in them, they have that assurance to lean on when they’re unsure if they can believe in themselves. Encourage those around you to try their very best and lift them to higher ground.

       As a human race, we face challenges together that take a world to solve. Sometimes the burden seems unbearable. Offer your hugs freely.  Your listening ear and quiet sustaining vote may be the answer to someone’s prayer. 

         When you have a friend, you have reason to believe you are good enough. When you are a friend, you give others a chance to believe in themselves.

         There is someone that will come into your life. They will need your help to get to where they’re going. If you’re not careful, you can miss your cue, and kill the chance. There is so much to live for, and so much to die for. Live for the moments you’re meant to experience.

Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

         At this amazing time of year, as the holiday season approaches, let’s not forget to love. Be grateful for those who have made you better.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity; it can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger to a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision of tomorrow.”

         Every moment you spend with someone takes a piece of their life, and gives them a piece of yours. The moment is precious. You can make it memorable, and worth the time, that changes you both forever, or it could be a moment that you regret for the rest of your life. There is so much you can do for others. Each person you meet is another opportunity to change the world.  Make sure that you’re on cue. Make sure that each moment is precious. You’ll make mistakes, but the messed up moment can be exchanged for a beautiful moment of apology.

         Content and contention have the same beginnings. Oppression and impression have a lasting effect. People change people. Negative things make a positive change in the person who knows how to love. Friends are a support system that last through the good and the bad.

Life As A Cake

A little boy is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong — school, family problems, severe health problems, etc.

Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks the child if he would like a snack, which of course he does.

"Here. Have some cooking oil."

"Yuck," says the boy.

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, Grandma."

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

To which the Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

       

Aspiring Higher

All the Places to Love.

 
Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters. Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific. Every negative experience holds the seed of transformation.
And with time, things change on their own. Time changes places, feelings, thoughts, and people. People change places, they change style, and they change each other.  In all of the mess, the people, the places, the things, and the thoughts, good can be taken and given to and from it all. There are many settings in this world that can undergo such an impact. To one, some places may be seemingly insignificant. To another, the places may mean more than the rampant facade.

The crucible setting is not idealistic. In my mind, Salem is dismal. There is always contention in the air. Selfishness leaving a prevalent impression. Almost like a disease. One's own self being the first on the mind. The time was a rough one. The fear of the future, struggle for a new colony, and the discovering of right and wrong a constant reminder of the past and present circumstances. The battle of the individual fought far too often. The fight against brother and friend, fought with too much ferocity. The war for hope and faith left behind in a distant past. Salem is far from the idealized home town. 

Of all the settings to love, picture this: you wake up. You're extremely excited. It's already 5:15. How could you have slept so late? You almost leap out of bed, then tip-toe into the living room. Peaking around the corner, your heart stops for a split second. The ornaments on the ever green: luminescent. Glowing red, green, and gold. Making your own heart warm with anticipation. Santa has been there. There, under the tree, many presents. If only there is one with your name it. 
This is Christmas. An experience viewed from the eyes of a child. Christmas is magical. When you defiantly plod of to bed, the trunk of the tree can be easily seen. The stockings hang limp over the fireplace. When you wake up, the tree trunk is no longer bear, and the stockings too full to hang on the mantle.
I'm told that one person made Christmas even more magical. I'm told that Grandma Shirlene knew how to do Christmas. They say there were always carols, cards, and stories, complete with gingerbread houses. No, not gram crackers, but, real ginger bread. She made a whole town every Christmas she could. The presents were present. Christmas with Grandma Shirlene was something to be remembered. She focused on the part that mattered. The love in the air could always be felt. Especially at Christmas with Grandma.

Content and contention have the same beginnings. Oppression and impression a lasting effect. Places change people. Negative things make a positive change in the refugee that knows what not to want. You make the best out of your circumstances before they get the best out of you.

Becoming.

Do you want to know what I've decided?

I've decided that somehow in the big scheme of things, my life matters. And, what I do with my life matters. No, I doesn't matter to everyone, but it will matter to someone. Maybe even a handful of someones. 

And you want to know what else?

I have a Heavenly Father who knows my whereabouts. What I'm feeling, thinking, doing and all the intentions of my heart. Righteous or otherwise.

And He cares. He cares about you, and me. And, I'm thankful. I'm thankful that He has a plan for my life. I'm thankful that He's the one in my driver's seat. I'm thankful that I'm not in charge. 

Catch the vision.

 You know where you are. And so does our Heavenly Father. He is watching out for you. He knows your potential. He knows what your feeling, thinking, and doing. He knows every intent of your heart. He knows where you can be, and what you can become.  

"In our customary Church vocabulary, we often speak of going to church, going to the temple. and going on a mission. Let me be so bold as to suggest that our rather routine emphasis on going misses the mark. The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshiping and renewing covenants as we attend church. The issue is not going to or through the temple' rather , the issure is having in our hearts the spirit, the covenants, and the ordinances of the Lord' house. The issue is not going on a mission' rather, the issue is becoming a missionary and serving throughout the rest of our life with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength."

~David A. Bednar

D&C 4:2

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Heart: Love unconditionally. Be positive

Might: Live the commandments. Be committed. 

Mind:  Actively engaged.

Strength: Perseverance with immense selflessness and love.

Working like everything depends on you, and praying like everything depends on God. 

He Loves you.