Series Guest blogger: Cathy

Being comfortable in my own skin is an inner confidence andcomes as an outcome of choices and a determination to make personal changes. In my early 20’s a friend and I weretalking about certain undesirable personality traits we saw in ourselves. Isaid to her, “this is just how I am- this is me, I just need to accept it”. Ididn’t know then, but do know now, that statement is cowardly, a cop-out andfalse. It is stifling, restrictive and boring.

Learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ has opened uppossibilities and provided for me the reasons why change is not only possible,but desirable. It has expanded my life, increased my sense of self, and broughtme joy. Truth is power. I havecome to believe that change, improvement and becoming more is something Idesire and is appealing because I know the purpose of my life. I know I am the master of my destinyand the creator of my becoming.

The courage to change can come from different sources atfirst but ultimately for lasting change to be real, it must come from personalstrength and conviction. Initially, an outside source can give us courage - aloved one, an admired mentor, an inspirational situation. But strength fromwithin grows from conviction, decision, pondering and exploring ideas,listening to our inner voice and consistently living what we profess tobelieve. Courage comes from doing; doing those things we think about. Doing thehard things, the uncomfortable things that we know are right. Courage willdevelop as we keep our commitments.

Throughout the years I have set goals for personalachievement. These include: fitness and health goals, education and careergoals, family goals as a wife and mother, and spiritual goals of study andprayer.

The process always involves following a plan. My big lifegoal now encompasses all these previous goals. I can define it very simply as“becoming adaptable”. My desired outcome is not only so I can better serve myfamily and others, but that I can embrace opportunities and experience joythrough them.

I started thinking of this as my husband and I have comeinto the phase of life where our children are adults with families of theirown, and we have the opportunity to travel. I don’t want to be held backbecause I am unbending in my daily rituals or concerned about what I eat or drink,where I sleep, or how I get my quiet time. This may sound silly, but these arereal issues that prevent and even paralyze many of us from experiencing life tothe fullest.

I find if I am prepared spiritually, then physically andemotionally I make progress and my life is enriched. I try to make the most of“my time”, to build myself up and make myself strong. I do this by studying inthe scriptures, praying, meditating, exercising, eating healthy and buildingrelationships.

Perspective and realistically looking at situations isimportant. If I am visiting my grandchildren I don’t plan on much “alone time”.Preparing mentally beforehand and deciding what’s important makes all thedifference. I choose, instead of seeing what happens. This is empowering.

Cathy is a wife, a mother of four amazing kids and a grandmother of seven mischievous grandkids. She is my mother-in-law. I asked her to write on this subject because she has always been an example to me of someone who is constantly trying to be comfortable in her own skin. And I think she is succeeding with this challenge.