Aaahhh…I am feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after 2 days of Women’s Conference at Brigham Young University. Women’s Confernce is an annual gathering of women in which boatloads of enriching classes are crammed into 2 days. I attended classes on marriage, parenting, service, the Atonement, faith and how to choose the best things in our busy lives.
My mom comes out for it every year, as well as many of my cousins, aunts, sister and grandma. Not only do I get great instruction, I get to hang out with wonderful, inspiring, beautiful women (who are much more photogenic than me. Than I? Than me? Hmm….Anyway, I look like I have an Adam’s Apple).
One of the most helpful things I learned was from Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President. (Relief Society is the largest women’s organization in the world, dedicated to increasing faith and personal righteousness, strengthening homes and families, and providing service.)
Julie B. Beck taught how to prioritize. She gave three categories.
1. Essential Things
These are things we must take care of for our eternal life- prayer, understanding the scriptures, developing a relationship with God, etc.
2. Necessary Things
These are things we need to do to maintain our homes and families- becoming self reliant, earning money, cleaning our homes, cooking meals, etc.
3. Nice to Do Things
This is self explanatory. But the important thing to realize about this category is that if we make this category our #1 priority, we will waste time and lose power to be a force for good or to achieve the goals we want to reach.
Some things that made my “Essential Things” List: Scripture study (personal and with my family), prayer (personal and with my family), date night, Family Night, etc.
Some things that made my “Necessary Things” List: Earn an income, shop for healthy meals, keep the house organized, read, pay bills, write, education of my daughter, education of myself, etc.
Some things that made my “Nice to Do Things” List: Movies, TV, blogging, etc.
It’s very obvious stuff, but it’s so nice to have it categorized. If I can’t get to my “Necessary” or “Nice to Do” things every single day, but I meet my “Essential” requirements, I think I will be ok. If I finish all my “Essentials,” I know where to move on to. When I finish all my “Necessaries,” then I can really party! No guilt for doing something fun because I know I’ve already completed everything I need to do.
Julie B. Beck even said that once she started prioritizing this way, she found more time to get to her “Nice to Do” list. Wonderful!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this! So simple but putting in categories is a great idea. I’m inspired.
Looks like so much fun! I miss BYU!
I love the categories. I am going to sit down and make my own lists!
I am so greatful that you go to this. I feel it is really good for the family and more importantly for yourself. I like hearing about all that you have learned because a lot of it I can try to apply to my life too.