IF I COULD CHANGE 3 THINGS ABOUT MYSELF

I would like to be 1) better organized, 2) more reserved, 3) more service minded.

Organization - I struggle with this...I get overwhelmed easily when "things" are out of control.  I have time management issues because I have difficulty understanding how long things take.  It is difficult for me to plan things out & difficult to be organized because I am not task oriented or time sensitive.  I constantly read "self-help" books in an effort to become more organized...so far, it hasn't worked.  I am a procrastinator by nature (probably related to my time issues) & I do some of my best work under pressure only because I work hard until I'm out of time & “it is what it is” when it's all said & done.  This was one of my biggest challenges as a teacher, but ironically, I mentored several new teachers on classroom management because my principal, other teachers, & parents thought that I ran an organized classroom...go figure?

More Reserved - To be reserved is to be "slow to reveal emotions or opinions, showing self-restraint & reticent (not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily)."  People who are reserved, show "class" - a higher standard of personal behavior.  I am somewhat outgoing & gregarious, often impulsive, an extrovert - not necessarily in a good way.  This can come across obnoxious or inappropriate, even undisciplined.  I learned to be sarcastic as a youth & I am quick-witted...I like to have fun & laugh.  I learned as an adult that "sarcasm is the lowest form of humor" & it is usually offered at someone else's expense.  I have been known to speak without thinking (saying silly/funny things that come into my head) which can get you into trouble.  It has taken me a long time to learn that there isn't really a good time & place for unsolicited comments...they can be disruptive & are not always appreciated.  Proverbs 17:28 teaches, "Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: & he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of knowledge."  I would like to show some class & be a little more reserved.

Service - I want to be more like the Savior.  His life was filled with love for all & He showed that love by serving others.  He taught in John 13:34 ..."as I have loved you, love one another..."  King Benjamin tells us in Mosiah 2:17, "...When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."  I am not naturally service-minded.  I think I am willing to help when asked, but I do not always go out of my way to look for ways to help others.  It is easy to serve those I know & love, because I love my family/friends & I sincerely want to help them.  Serving "others" (those who are not near & dear to me) is a little more challenging.  Service is not always convenient.  Sometimes I feel like I want to serve others only because of the blessings I will receive from the service; therefore, my service is not pure in motive.  I'm not proud of this selfish attitude & I consciously pray for that "mighty change of heart" in regards to serving others.