I have to admit that I have felt "stuck" with my life for a long time. I make goals and then do not follow through. I want my life to be better, but I have not taken the steps necessary to make it better. I don't think that I am alone in this cycle.
Kiersten Lortz felt inspired to write a book about making her life better. She had been praying about becoming happy. As usual, her answer wasn't given to her. Instead she was prompted to search it out and write a book. I am grateful for her promptings because she has shared her research with all of us, I definitely need the inspiration!
I was struck by her words in the first chapter. It is under the header of the "List".
"Get started by writing down your desires. Divide your paper into four sections, and label them Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, and Emotional. Under each section list your desires for that area of yo r life. See if you can include at least one to-be and one to-do in each category. This will enable you to become your best self by aligning what you are doing with the person you want to become."
She then goes on to show a sample list and explain the importance of each category. After this she made a statement that for me was one of those "light bulb" moments. It brought it together. The thing is that I know the principle, sometimes it take someone to word it one way, or share their insight that makes it finally sink in to my brain.
"Once your list is compiled, you are ready for the final step --- making it happen. This is the place where most of us stay stuck, which is why the rest of this book is dedicated to taking action. Why do so many of us hesitate to move forward or allow defeat to come so easily? The reasons are endless--- guilt, laziness, low self-esteem, obligations, and on and on. Guilt, in particular, is always telling us we should be taking care of everyone else and leaving ourselves in the dust, there to wallow until all the children are grown, the house and cars are paid off, and our husband's career is winding down. One then, we say, it is 'our turn.'"
She also talks about the adversary putting up road blocks. He doesn't want us to be happy. He wants us to be miserable. This is a book that I needed at this time in my life.
The book is written with LDS terms, but the message is universal. I believe that it can be enjoyed by anyone. The terms are defined, in case it may be confusing.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.