Category: Uncategorized

For youth today the ability to overcome trials is becoming a more regular occurrence. These trials or challenges can be as simple as not making sports team or the lead role in a play to losing a loved one or finding out that a terminal disease has been discovered in close friend. It can also be having to deal with bullying, either directly or indirectly. Our ability to develop an inner strength that allows us to move forward in a way that shows courage, determination and faith will help make life manageable and ultimately enjoyable. There are many ways for one to develop inner strength; over the next couple of weeks I will share with you the seven that have helped me throughout my life, especially while a youth.

2. Only look back to learn, not to live

The purpose of a rear view mirror is simply to see what is behind us, it won’t ever show you what is ahead of you. You    could not get from point A to point B with the car in Drive using just your rear view mirror.

This is just like those times of trials and challenges in our life, we can’t allow ourselves to only focus on what has happened in the past, we must look to the future in order to be able to move forward. The key about what has happened is to learn those things that can help make you and others stronger.

You will always be an example to someone, especially during tough times. People always area amazed when a person goes through a traumatic experience in their life and they seem to somehow smile and take the good from the situation.

Does it mean that they did not feel pain, loss, frustration, anger, sadness, depression? No, not at all, on the contrary, they may have felt all of these emotions but their inner strength allowed them to focus on those values they hold so dear and find a way to move forward, to learn and to live.

Youth can often have many mixed messages being sent to them from many sources. This confusion often causes poor decisions to be made. As you learn to develop your inner strength by looking to the future with hope, passion, determination and openness, you will know exactly what it means to only look back to learn, not to live.

You Are A Hero!

How can you take this concept of only looking back to learn, not to live?

Who are the people who have influenced you, do influence and/or you want to influence you? What are the reasons and how are they influencing you?

I often think of these questions because I firmly believe that who we are is shaped in large part by those who influence us. The majority of the time we can pick and choose who influences but there may be other times when we have less control. The key is to identify the reasons someone might influence you.

I can remember the influence as a teen from some of my church leaders. They really reached out to me and other teens to be sure we were okay. They cared about us, they served us, they made sure we had activities to participate in and they loved us. I get chills today thinking of the time and effort they took out of their lives to help me. I was truly touched and influenced by them and their actions.

I learned trust, honor, ethics, dedication, integrity, service, unconditional love, and many other characteristics from these leaders.

I feel fortunate to have had many great influencers in my life both personally and professionally. They have helped to shape who I am today and will be tomorrow. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful to each one of them for their influence in my life.

So today, take some time to think of the influencers in your life. Who are they? Why are they influencers (be specific)? What have you learned from them? There is a natural energy that comes from thinking of those that have an impact on your life.

Heroes Influence but they know who their influencers are.

Seth

Having had the wonderful privledge of being a part of education for, well I guess pretty much my whole life, I have come to really understand how important it is that we not take the learning process for granted. I love this statement by Henry B. Eyring, “Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn.” This is such a great reminder that we must never stop having the desire to learn.

What I have found over time is that learning is not something that sits on a plateau, we are either learning, or we are not. The difference for me is whether or not I am really concious to what I am learning and if I am applying the things that are being taught. One of the items that is important here is to not get caught in the thinking that when we talk about learning, we are talking about a teacher in the front of the classroom. Learning can come from anywhere, we just need to keep ourselves open to what is going on around us.

I feel I have been truly blessed to have amazing teachers throughout my life. One of the greatest teachers has been my mom. Here is a person who has given her life to the service and uplifting of others. I have seen her battle through challenges, trials and difficulties that have devestated the lives of others. However, she has kept her head up and has really been a light to all those who come in contact with her. As a youth, I remember many times watching my mom share a lesson or message and think, wow, that is my mom, she is amazing. I never have left the presence of my mom without learning something. More often than not it is how my mom would act or treat others that taught me the most. I wish I would have been even more concious to the learning that I could have received while in my youth but none the less, I have been forever changed.

It is critical that we never forget that learning is a continous process. As we get older, the learning process will often come from when we teach others something. This has been one of the most joyous revelations in my life. I guess that is why my energy level rises and my heart beats faster anytime I get the opportunity to teach others. In my preperations, I end up learning so much and at times even feel like it is not fair to those I teach because I may have learned more than what I taught.

Why is learning so important?
• Increases knowledge
• Helps you critically think
• Gives you confidence
• Teaches you good habits
• Helps build a strong foundation
• Helps you with job opportunities
• Opportunity to make more money
• Be an example for others

For those that are still in the decision phase about your next steps in life, learning is something that is inseperablly connected to your ability to provide for the necessities of life. Thus, your earnings are a result of your learnings. One thing interesting here is that when I talk about earning, it is more than just money. Earning is so important in all aspects of your life.

Ask the following questions to ensure you are maximizing your opportunities to earn:
• Am I focusing on what I am passionate about?
• What did I learn today?
• What are the goals you are focused on today?
• Did you put service before self today?

I truly hope that you will take advantage of every opportunity to learn. As you do so, you will open up a world that is filled with happiness, joy, excitement and reward. You owe it to yourself to be a lifeling learner. Now, time to learn.