Led to the Passionate Life

Today will be the final post I make as part of this series on work ethic. I hope that you have been able to learn something about yourself. At the beginning of the series, I wrote that I would explain how I came to be in my current major as a Family and Consumer Sciences Education major. It is only upon looking back at the past, that I have been able to understand what has led me to this point. Part of my time as a missionary was spent in an area that had a lot of poverty. I went into homes where people did not have enough money for food but they had enough to buy pop and candy. I would watch as they ate unhealthy foods simply because they did not know better. I saw parents who did not know the basics of parenting. The saddest part is that they were doing better than their own parents. It created a desire in me to teach people basic skills that would enable them to improve their life. A budget could help them have enough money for basics of life. Meal planning and nutrition could provide better health. I realized I needed to be in this area so it would create a desire to make a difference.

 I came home from my mission with a desire to work with those in poverty. I also loved teaching. I fell in love with it on my mission. That led me to the home and family field. I was debating between FCS and Marriage and Family Studies. I thought that the Marriage and Family Studies would enable me to make a difference. As I began to take the introductory class, I hated it. I came to realize that I would not be happy to listen to people’s problems and see them not fix it. I needed to decide on a new major so it came between Child Development, Elementary Education, and FCS ed. I was praying and I kept having the thought to be a teacher. It was a leap of faith for me to decide on Education for some personal reasons. I finally decided on FCS ED because I loved that subject in high school. I never thought I would teach high school one day but I am excited. I hope to inspire students at a pivotal point in their life. As I took the introductory class, I realized that I will be able to give students the tools needed to change their life. I can be part of preventive movement to prevent problems in student’s lives.

There have been other small steps that have led me to this point. I firmly believe that God is actively involved in our lives. He cares about us. He has given us gifts and talents that allow us to bless the lives of those around us. As we look back on our lives, we will see His hand guiding us to where we need to be. He can teach us gifts and talents that we have. I was praying that I would be led to a career where I could use my gifts and talents. I see that the FCS Ed career allows me to use gifts and talents I have been given. He will lead you to a place where you can be happy. The most important thing is to realize that you create a happiness. You cannot rely on others to bring happiness. You create your own weather. 

Your Valyou!

What kind of experience did you have in doing your personality statement? I hope that you were able to learn something new about yourself. Hopefully you learned what makes you unlike any one else in the world. As we understand this truth, we will not be afraid of what others may think. We will be able to be who we truly are. An important part of understanding who we are is understanding our values. A value is a deeply set belief that influences everything that we do. As you understand your values, you can understand what makes you tick. You will understand what you need in a job to be happy.

1.       Read through the list and make a list of every one of the values that you feel is important.

2.       Mark each of the values as either most important, often important, or sometimes important. Limit most important to only 10 items.

Now you can see things that make your life fulfilled. This activity helped me understand things that guide me. I understood what things are most important to my life. You can then make decisions that are line with your values. Now the next step is to do the same thing except you are doing it in regards to work.

1.       Go through the list and make a list of every item that is important to your work life.

2.       Prioritize the list as you did in step 2.

Hopefully you can see how your values and personality are connected. Did you see how any of your values have subconsciously influenced your life? I learned that discipline is a big value in my life. I a consistently seeking self-mastery so I can be better. I want to be in control of my life and not allow anyone else to take that place.

List courtesy of  www.metcalf-associates.com