Adjusting to Change

Today I gave a talk on adjusting to change. It has been a great week studying that topic and preparing and I have learned a lot. I love this subject because it applies to everyone, everywhere. Since it applies to everyone I thought, why not share it with everyone? So here is the readers digest version of what I learned:

The Problem? Change can be hard.
Why? For me I believe it is one of three things-
1. It means being separated from something or someone I love.
2. It means doing something I have never done before. This can require stretching, pain, and humility.
3. I am afraid, doubtful, uncertain, or downright scared of the unknown.

There is no such thing as "Never Never Land". We cannot avoid change.

Why must there be change? This was the Plan of Salvation from the beginning, a plan that would change us to become more like our Father. Listen to this by President Eyring, "The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to change you so that you're not trying to resist change. You're trying to have change take you where the Lord wants you to go."

2 Nephi 2:22-25- if things had not changed, there would have been no change. Everything would have stayed the same, forever. But, change did come, and the reason? That men might have joy.

The purpose for change is growth, and the purpose for growth is joy.

So what do we do about it? What is the solution?
1. Keep your eye and heart fixed on that which is unchangeable.
2. Turn change into an opportunity for growth and happiness.

The first one, keeping our eye and heart fixed on the unchangeable, includes three things- The Word of God, Prayer (and coming to know our unchanging Father in Heaven), and our covenants. These have been very constant in my life, and I know they will always be there. Again from President Eyring, “We can follow a steady upward course in a world of change without fear, welcoming the opportunities. The way is a simple one, clearly marked. It is to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on that which is unchangeable."

The second one, turning changes into opportunities for growth and happiness, includes seven points.
1. Recognize what you can control- your attitude. Victor Frankl said,""...We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way..." You can always choose your attitude.

2. Have the faith to try. If you are in a new situation, you might just need to do something new. President Hinckley said, “The faith to try leads to direction by the spirit, and the fruits that flow therefrom are marvelous to behold and experience.” Have the faith to try.

3. Keep moving forward. For this part, see the talk given in the last general conference titled, "Get On with Our Lives."

4. Be of good cheer. John 16:33

5. Have courage. Joshua was facing some major changes when he was commanded to take Israel accross the Jordan to the land of Canaan. The Lord told him to be of a good courage. See Deuteronomy 31:6.

6. Forget yourself. Elder Bednar said, “Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward.” Forget yourself and go to work. This will really bring happiness in times of change.

7. Accept help. We can't do it alone, and we shouldn't try. For this principle see Elder Hollands talk last Conference titled "None Were with Him."

Remember, the purpose of change is growth, and the purpose of growth is joy.

We have the power in us to turn changes into opportunities for growth and happiness. This was the Plan of Happiness from the beginning.

Summer in Rexburg

A couple of weeks ago I went to Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful, as well as President Obama! It's true, we were at Old Faithful at the exact same time as Mr. President. He was on the other side of the geyser so we didn't see him all that well, but it was him for sure. It was exciting to be in the same place as him. There was a lot of security of course, and you could pick out the secret service men with their ear pieces. There were also men on top of the buildings (I assume they were snipers) and many other soldiers and security people. He flew in on a helicopter, there were 5 big ones. Anyway, here are some pictures, and a video of a rope swing I went to on Saturday with a few friends.

Debt

Throughout college I have volunteered a lot with a program that is very similar to the Church welfare program in many of ways. It is called the Heber J. Grant Program. It offers a scholarship to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, a class to teach them life skills, and other opportunities to serve in leadership roles, develop skills, and grow as individuals. The point of the program, the scholarship, and giving in general is to help people help themselves and become self reliant. I believe that in many cases this program has broken a chain of generations that have perpetuated bad lifestyles.

I am working on the curriculum for the class right now and wanted to share a video on debt. The things this class teaches, by the way, are not just for "disadvantaged" people. I do not consider myslef "disadvanatged" but have learned principles that have changed the way I live. If anyone is interested in learning more about it, let me know!

Enjoy the video-

California

Last week was spent in California with family. I went to Peter-O's wedding, went kayaking down the Yuba River, and went to the beach. I made a video of our trip to the beach, enjoy!