Introspection

Jessica MacDonald came to visit last week, and at the playground we started talking about how to manage life as a mom of littles. She related a talk she remembered Sister Bednar giving that resonated with me.

The gist of the story is that when she had young children and her husband was very busy, Sister Bednar was given a blessing wherein she was promised success in raising her family if she adhered to the simple principles she already knew.

1) Getting enough sleep
2) Eating well
3) Exercising regularly
4) Daily prayer
5) Daily scripture study

In an effort to more closely follow the commandments, I have been focusing on improving myself in these efforts in recent weeks.

Josh and I turn off the computers at 9:30 p.m. so that we can get up at 6 and have enough sleep. I get so much more done in a day if I get started at 6 than if I wait until 8. Since all I do after the dishes are done and the kids are in bed is relax and work on projects, I don't feel deprived going to bed by 10.

I've also been exercising regularly, and when I add my scripture study and prayer to that my mood is much more stable. The days when I don't aren't quite as happy.

One last thing that is making a huge difference in my life is prayer. I now take the time to pray whenever I'm nursing Leo to sleep, either for his twice daily naps or in the evening or at 5 a.m. I feel much closer to Christ, and have a better feel for fulfilling my family's needs as well, which is an unexpected effect.

This just leaves eating well. So far this morning I've had 3 servings of fruits and vegetables, so that's a good start. I know what's healthy for my body and what's not, I just need to be more vigilant about what I bring into the house and what we eat when we're out.