What is Monday Inspiration? Every Monday we’ll review some principles that can help us with spiritual growth, as part of the 4 pillars method.
Spirituality means something different to everyone. My goal is to respect personal agency, or the ability each of us has to choose how and what to believe. For me, spirituality means that these emails may sometimes use words like “God,” and “Jesus.”
For you, spiritual growth may be something different. That’s okay, and I want you to know that I wholly respect your beliefs. I’m not here to try to convert or offend, but rather to inspire and lift.
Part of what I believe is that there are 12 Apostles on the earth today, just like Jesus Christ chose when He was alive. Every Monday we’ll be sharing a quote or thought from one of these, and other wise leaders, that can help us become spiritually strong.
Twice a year my Family and I participate in what is called General Conference.
The speeches are broadcast from a 21,000-seat conference center in Utah to locations all around the world. We hear the leaders of our church, including the 12 Apostles, speak on a wide range of topics. Their messages give us hope and inspiration.
Most of all, they speak about concepts that help us become closer and happier as a Family.
This is part of why spirituality is at the front of the 4 pillars of an abundant life.
Here is one of my favorite stories from one General Conference talk a few years ago:
“Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers.
What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road.
Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.”
—Dieter Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most
It’s easy to get sucked into the frenetic pace of life. We think we have to immediately have and be everything to everyone, especially our children.
But the trick is knowing that the people who accomplish the most and have the best lives don’t go fast. They go slow.
When life starts to pile on the difficulties, try taking a break.
After experiencing depression, death in the Family, unexpected job loss, and having a baby spend two weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I can say from experience that slowing down has helped us get through every time life has been hard for our Family.
Actionable Advice: Take a 15-minute break today, or plan one for tomorrow. Play some video games, meditate, make a list of what you’re grateful for, or take a nap. If you have a hard time relaxing, you may consider starting a new note on your phone to keep your favorite ways to take some time off.