A Lesson Everyone Needs to Learn

So lately in my Laurels class I've been stressing a few things.

First, no matter how hard you try, you can't change a person. Not only that, don't delude yourself into thinking that someone will change themselves for you. Sorry girls and anyone else who may be reading, it just isn't going to happen.

Second, you can control only one thing in the world. Having said that, if you can control that one thing, you control absolutely everything else. That one thing is your thoughts.

When you have control over your thoughts, you act rather than react to situations and people. Let me give you an example...

Most of us have been around a toddler who doesn't get their way. The first thing the little one will do is usually throw a temper tantrum. I'm sure that most of us have also done the one thing we shouldn't do at one point or another and have given in to the tantrum and given the child what they wanted. We reacted to their behavior.

A wise lady who I highly respect taught a great lesson the other day. Her beautiful granddaughter who is two was throwing one of those tantrums I mentioned above. This wise friend of mine calmly smiled at her little granddaughter. She then said, "Addie, you can invite us to your tantrum but we don't have to attend." She then calmly walked away. I don't know what Addie did but my friend acted rather than reacted. I'm sure the tantrum didn't last long.

One other point I've talked with my beautiful Laurels about is the fact that a belief comes from the head but to know something comes from the heart. The most obvious example is a person's testimony of their faith. If they believe their religion to be true, they may or may not live the principles that are taught. If they know in their heart that it is true, they have to live the principles in order to be congruent with their heart. A person can not live a lie, despite what people would have us believe.

So, here's my words of wisdom...

1. You can't change anyone or anything. If you don't like their behavior, look at yourself. That reminds me of a quote I heard the other day. "You train others how to treat you."

2. You can only control your thoughts and nothing more, nothing less. However, if you master your thoughts, you control everything around you.

3. A belief comes from your head, a fact or true knowledge comes from the heart.

Family is Wonderful!

What a wonderful time we had this past week with Craig and Marilyn. We hiked up to the top of Clifty View Mountain and saw the spectacular country side. Along the way we picked wild huckleberries.

Thank you Craig and Marilyn for being so much fun and taking the time to come visit us when you could have chosen to go anywhere. We so appreciated your visit!

The dogs will never be the same. Juneau is still looking for his buddy and Denali is just looking for someone to let her curl up next to.

We love you!