Life Plan Bucket List

     In the last couple of days of week 1 for the summer semester, I am getting used to the idea that time is cut in half and we'll have essentially two lessons per week. I have been able to understand what is needed to succeed in this class. I hope that I can do great and press forward for these seven weeks. For mid-week studies, we were to continue our readings about a Life Plan Bucket list which consists of the things that someone wants to do before they 'kick' the bucket. I have had an extensive list but also I have been checking them off one at a time and not naming off 50 for one of the assignments. Here is my list to keep track of my accountability. 

1.     Obtain my MBA degree

2.     Become a mother

3.     Visit every single temple in the world

4.     Start a family business

5.     Become Self-reliant – debt-free, self-sufficient, independence

6.     Travel the world

7.     Learn something new

8.     Go on a cruise

9.     Skydiving

10.  Help someone in need

11.  Take on photography

12.  Visit all the church sites

13.  Ride the train in Japan

14.  Become a foodie

15.  Learn how to bake

16.  Learn how to sew

17.  Learn how to remodel a home

18.  Buy and flip a home

19.  Build a home

20.  Build a barndominium

21.  Own a home

22.  Invest in real estate

23.  Own an ATV, RV, and outdoor recreation

24.  Become an investor

25.  Explore all of the South Pacific islands

26.  Obtain a doctorate and PhD degree

27.  Donate money to charities

28.  Learn how to snorkel

29.  Learn how to scuba dive

30.  Learn how to surf

31.  Visit all the Disney theme parks

32.  Learn how to ski and snowboard

33.  Run in a marathon

34.  Visit every waterfall in the world

35.  Learn martial arts

36.  Learn how to speak another language

37.  Prepare a will

38.  Go kayaking with whales

39.  Volunteer abroad

40.  Pay it forward

41.  Attend a Superbowl game

42.  Watch a Cirque De Soleil show

43.  See a Broadway show

44.  Watch a Wimbledon championship game

45.  Sit front row at an NBA game

46.  Stop procrastinating

47.  Prepare, plan, and go on a family vacation

48.  Walk 10,000 steps a day

49.  Get a credit score of 750

50.  Go on a helicopter ride

OII have a long list to accomplish but it awakens my senses to what I want to do and fulfill before I leave this life. I think this list is doable and that I would need to plan accordingly and make it happen. I was able to continue my studies by reading about what it means to 'Create a Life of Meaning'. I think this is the biggest part of my personal life in finding that solution. I know that I held on to a concept of the 'meaning' of life but I truly did not know what it was until I achieved something (high school diploma, marriage, etc.) The most important thing for me right now is the ability to fulfill all that I can in this life so that the next one can be set up for greatness. 

"Sacrifice involves giving up the things of this world because of the promises of blessings to be gained in a better world.  In the eternal perspective, there is no sacrifice in giving up all things—even including the laying down of one's life—if eternal life is gained through such a course. (excerpt from 'Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him", David A. Bednar, 1999.)

Sacrifice is a huge part of my life as I have seen it through the examples with my parents as well as from my family members around me. This excerpt helps me understand that there is a deeper meaning for sacrifice than giving up for something else. The promised blessings gained from sacrifice touch more than one life itself. Similarly, when we are in the temple, we see it in the sealing room or the celestial room. When we see eternity in those mirrors we know that we are able to attain anything including eternal life. There is hard work, endurance, and grace to name a few traits that I hope to master one day. This week has opened up my eyes to the endless possibilities that my Heavenly Father has in store for me regardless of my weakness and the human in me has the tendency to weather in time. I am filled with gratitude for such a great start to the summer semester. I look forward to eternity. 

Love always,

Lia Kaafi

 

What does it mean to Learn?

 This week we started a new semester, not only a quick semester consisting of seven week but during the summer season. Oh no! The semester will be a double study load as well as a longer study load because each class is extensive in every aspect of I continue this journey to fulfill my degree. The week started out with the usual discussion boards where we introduce ourselves to the class and share a small piece of our lives. There also was a quiz on our studies in regard to the purpose of this course. When I read the title of this class, I had no clue what it would entail. The depth of entrepreneurship can be taken to any level of understanding. My first thought was starting a business and in the syllabus, it was mainly to understand our "Life Plan" before the concept can be taken towards a business aspect. President Hinckley shared...

"Now be faithful. Be true. Go forward. Be ambitious. Don’t short circuits yourself. Don’t stop now. Keep going. Keep going. Educate your minds. And your spirits and never lose sight of the fact that you’re a child of God with a divine destiny and capable of doing great and good and wonderful things."

I took this excerpt as part of motivation and encouragement for me and the journey I am taking to achieve my education. I think it is very important for the current generations to be more mindful of their time and what they want to pursue. We can easily become distracted by outside influences that take us away from the chosen path. I can understand in this first week that we can put a better effort into what is considered a life plan and what we want and how to pursue it. Elder David A. Bednar spoke in a devotional at Ricks College and he opened up my mind to the concept of learning. 

"A disciplined and educated mind is a tool for reasoning and inquiring and evaluating and discerning.  These abilities are not merely the requirements described in a course syllabus; rather, they are essential skills for a spiritual, happy, and productive life." (Your Whole Souls as an Offering as an Offering Unto Him, 1999.)

I found this talk inspiring and supportive to students who waver from time to time because the education journey can be challenging but rewarding. In terms of a journal, I handwrite my entries in a personal journal next to my bed. When I am at work or away from home, my thoughts are placed on my notes pad on my phone. In order to keep our mental health, I believe that we need to release our stresses and strife and it includes what our thoughts are mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. This is my first time taking a summer semester and I have to say it most definitely pushes the limit in terms of time and processing all this information in seven weeks. This week is an introduction to the class and what we will be doing for the remainder weeks. I think it will be a challenge for me but it will refresh some of the 'muscles' that I have not used in years. I look forward to these journal entries as they will help me understand where I fall to find and resolve my mistakes as well as lift me up in providing a better way to learn. A better way to listen and apply these principles in my life.