Journal Entry – Week 11
Balance

This week, we read a lot about balance between work and life. Some of the highlights were as follows:

“A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey”
“What emerges here is the distinction between indolence and rest: the former merely bides time while the latter reflects on meaning and truth; the former depletes while the latter enriches” (Sandefer & Sirico, 2012, p. 94).

“Neither plentitude nor vacancy. Only a flicker
Over the strained time-ridden faces
Distracted from distraction by distraction
Filled with fancies and empty meaning
Tumid apathy with no concentration…” (T.S. Elliot quoted by Sandefer and Sirico, 2012, p. 94).

“Formula For Success” by Thomas S. Monson
1-      Fill your mind with truth
2-      Fill your life with service
3-      Fill your heart with love
“I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it” Joseph Smith

“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Cautionary Tale” Acton Foundation

Fulfillment: “…involves having perspective, usually in later years, of having done well with the opportunities you have been given” (Acton, 2008, p. 5).
“Studies show that the effects of even major life changes will fade within three months. The impat of lucky breaks and major accomplishments has surprisingly little power to affect happiness. We far overestimate the effect acquiring more money or power will have on our long-term happiness. Within weeks, even major lottery winners are no happier than they were before winning” (Acton, 2008, p. 5).
“What goes right in childhood predicts the future far better than what goes wrong” (Acton, 2008, p. 7).
Lose your preoccupation with yourself:
1-      Overcome challenge
2-      Relationships
3-      Gratitude
4-      Connecting to the transcendent (Acton, 2008, p. 8).
Self Pity:
v  Begin to reinterpret your past as a series of slights of misfortune or the intentional acts of others
v  You selectively interpret the present, spotting ill intentions when they don’t exist
v  Fear sets in
v  You attract pessimists and people of ill will
Gratitude:
v  You are likely to marvel each day at your good luck and the kindness of others
v  You will remember your past as a series of lucky breaks
v  You look for good in others and find it
v  Optimistic people seek you out. (Acton, 2008, p. 11).
“The hardest part of a Hero’s Journey is getting started” (Acton, 2008, p. 13).
“ We fear most what we never experience” (Acton, 2008, p. 16).
“The word ‘character’ comes from the Greek, and means ‘to etch.’ It is the etching on your soul of who you are, both the virtuous and the dark”
(Acton, 2008, p. 17).
“Always act as if the future of the universe depends on what you do next, while laughing at yourself for thinking that you can make a difference” (Acton, 2008, p. 18).
            As I have studied the material this week, I have been made aware that I have spent a lot of my life living in fear; never starting something because I am afraid I will fail, lose everything, and hurt those I am supposed to be taking care of. I was satisfied with being satisfied rather than fulfilled. I look forward to trying new things, going out on a few limbs, but keeping in mind that my greatest happiness will always be found in my family. There is a balance! It is worth the effort to find the balance and be fulfilled.

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