My Personal Constitution

*I wrote this for the Institute class I’m taking. It’s like a road map for my standards; I may not be everything I’ve written, but it’s like a guide for what I’d like to become and the standards by which I strive to live.

I AM TOTALLY HONEST

I tell the truth even when it’s inconvenient. I do not lie to get out of sticky situations or to make myself look better/innocent. In spite of how insignificant the truth/lie may seem, I will tell the truth. When asked a question, I give my honest opinion.

I AM A PERSON OF INTEGRITY

I do what I know is right, even when no one is looking or may never know otherwise. I proudly stand for truth and right without wavering. I am not a hypocrite; I “practice what I preach” by living what I believe. I hold myself to the standard to which I hold others. I take my own advice.

I AM A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

I follow the commandments without question or variation. I love and treat everyone with fairness, kindness, and respect, even when I do not particularly like certain people. I stand up for God and my beliefs and am proud to be a Christian. People can discern that I follow Christ through my example.

I AM LIKE GOD

I love unconditionally and am no “respecter of persons.” I possess similar traits as God, such as compassion, patience, faith, love, great spiritual strength, and optimism. I am a “God in Training” and a heavenly Princess; I act as such.

I AM DEPENDABLE

I complete tasks and assignments in a timely manner. People know that if they put their trust in me I will not fail them. I fulfill and magnify my Church callings and fulfill my duties at work, school, and other areas of my life. My friends know they can always come to me for anything.

I AM A GOAL SETTER AND ACHIEVER

I make goals and find ways to reach them. I make realistic small goals in order to eventually reach larger and grander goals.

I AM PHYSICALLY FIT

I exercise daily and make a righteous effort to eat healthily. I limit my intake of sweets and fatty foods and implement organic and natural choices into my diet as much as possible. I only drink soda for medicinal purposes. I stretch my exercise limits as a way to continually challenge my body and to keep my mind healthy as well.

I AM A MENSCH

As Leo Rosten would describe a mensch, I have “character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right” and am “responsible, decorous.” I treat everyone with respect in spite of how they treat me. I am not prejudiced, racist, or judging.

I AM A RELIABLE CONFIDANT

Those acquainted with me know that they can come to me with any concern and that I will listen to them and give them honest advice. I always give my honest opinion and advice that I feel will best benefit them. I never risk sabotaging their trust by sharing with others or taking advantage of what they tell me in confidence.

I AM A HOMEMAKER

I am always striving to improve my homemaking skills and learning new ones: I research and experiment with recipes; I am organized; I know how to sew and repair clothing; I am developing habits in regards to reading scriptures, Family Home Evening, attending Church, and spending time with family so that my house is a home. By doing these things, I am preparing every day for when I have a family of my own.

I AM A DEDICATED VISITING TEACHER

I am a friend to my assigned sisters all the time, not simply during visits. I schedule appointments promptly and, if possible, visit with my sisters every month. I am reliable in the way that they know I visit them out of love, not obligation. When they need my help, I willingly offer my service and do my best to assure their needs are met. I look for ways to be of service to them even when they have not reached out to me.

I AM HARD WORKING

I do not grumble when it comes to working. I always put forth my best effort, and I recognize the benefits of doing so—such as trust from others, trust in myself, a greater sense of purpose, feelings of accomplishment, and beautiful results.

I AM A DEFENDER OF TRUTH

I will search out and cherish truth. I accept and acknowledge when I am wrong. I stand up for truth and do not tolerate injustice.

I AM AMBITIOUS

I consider my options and pursue that which I feel is most important to me. I always have a goal for which I am striving; I make small goals that will eventually lead me to a larger, grander goal. I dream big and find ways to accomplish and to reach my aspirations. I refuse to be stagnant in any aspect of my life: I continually strive to improve myself and my situation.

I AM CONFIDENT IN MYSELF

I trust myself and love myself. I love myself despite my faults; I love myself enough to improve me. I am bluntly, unashamedly honest with myself. I know and recognize who I am—a beloved daughter of God—and that I have limitless potential. I know, with God’s help, that I can accomplish anything to which I put my heart and my mind. I am worthwhile and I believe in myself.

I AM TRUSTING

I believe in the goodness of humanity. I recognize that everyone is a child of God with limitless potential to be good. I give everyone a chance; I trust someone until they give me a reason not to.

I AM VIRTUOUS

I do not listen to music, read literature, watch movies, or participate in activities that encourage and/or glorify immorality or vulgarity. I recognize the sacredness of sexual interactions and that such is a gift from God and should not be taken lightly or misused. I keep myself sexually pure by setting boundaries based on the standards set in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and by sticking to those standards. I do not push the limits. I show respect and love for others by encouraging similar standards and by simply sticking to my guns and not participating in such activities with others.

I AM EDUCATED

I search for and pursue all praiseworthy/worthwhile opportunities to learn new things and to grow mentally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually. I recognize that I am extremely fortunate to have the freedoms that allow me to grow intellectually and I use such freedoms to my advantage. In order to grow closer to God by learning more about Him and His doctrine, I regularly study my scriptures and my patriarchal blessing, attend Church functions, read/watch General Conference addresses and other speeches from Church leaders, and read literature from spiritual leaders. In order to grow intellectually, I follow current events in the world, participate in community activities, attend relevant classes, and pursue secular education.

I AM FAITHFUL

I put my whole trust in God; I have faith in His purpose and His timing. I have faith that He will never lead me astray, that He has my very best interest in mind and that unfortunate circumstances are blessings in disguise. I have faith that I will benefit from and become a better, stronger person because of trials. I know that coincidences are God-scheduled opportunities. I believe that there is no such thing as luck, only blessings. I have faith that if I endure in righteousness to the end that I will indeed inherit eternal life and happiness.

I AM CHARITABLE

I love people as Christ would love them. I have charity toward all men, regardless of who they are or what they do. I am a “true” friend to all. I give of my time and means ungrudgingly to anyone who stands in need of help.

I AM HUMBLE

I treat everyone as equal, regardless of ethnicity, religious views, gender, sexual orientation, etc. I recognize that God loves each of us equally. I am no “respecter of persons.” I am not haughty or conceited. I am grateful for my talents and utilize them, but I do not boast. I recognize that all that I have and am is because of the grace of God and that all my successes are attributed to Him.

I AM SELFLESS

I am a friend to and am kind to everyone, regardless of our differences. I look for opportunities to serve and go out of my way to help others. I share with others and think of others before myself; I treat others as I would have them treat me.

I AM ACCOUNTABLE

I take responsibility for my actions and confess my faults without delay. I right my wrong doings by taking the necessary actions. Likewise, I promptly complete tasks assigned to me and take full responsibility for my shortcomings and mistakes.

I AM A SCRIPTURE/CHURCH DOCTRINE SCHOLAR

I study the scriptures every day by utilizing all my resources: the Standard Works, Conference addresses, the Ensign and other Church literature, foot notes, Church websites, Institute, Church classes, and prayer and fasting. I am knowledgeable of Church doctrine and principles and am a reliable source for such discussions.

I AM PRODUCTIVE

I wake up early, and pursue worthwhile goals and participate in praiseworthy activities throughout the day. I balance my time between work and leisure. I do not spend unnecessary time on social media websites or watching TV/movies. I compose a daily To Do lists and actively pursue the items on the list until they are accomplished.

I AM A MISSIONARY

I search for opportunities to share the Gospel; I create such opportunities by being an “example of the believers” and by not being ashamed of my beliefs—I find ways to mention God in every day discussions. I pray that I may be an instrument in God’s hands and I allow Him to influence my actions. I do not shy away from missionary opportunities. I carry “I’m a Mormon” cards in my wallet and give them out when given the chance. I will prepare to be a full-time missionary by being a member missionary now.

I AM AN OPTIMISTIC REALIST

I always look for the silver lining to every situation. I am not a complainer; however, I recognize the difficulty of whatever situation I am in and strive to improve it instead of griping about it.

I AM FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT

I pursue the opportunities that will improve my current situation. I work hard and I am not afraid to go after what I want. I am not in financial debt and do all I can to stay that way. I make smart purchases and live within my means; I do not spend money I do not have. I am a reliable, honest, hard worker so that I can retain my employment and earn greater opportunities.

I AM GRATEFUL

I remember why, how, and from whom I have all my possessions and blessings. I thank Heavenly Father on a daily basis for all that I have and am. I am grateful for hardships and the lessons they teach me; I am grateful for the positive things in my life and I constantly thank God for both. I promptly, sincerely, and often thank the people in my life who help me in any way.

My New Obsession

Yes, I'm buying clothes for my future children. They're going to be the cutest babies ever.

The Rich Life

Last week, some of my favorite people visited me: My sister in law, Aprille and her kids Annalesa, Caden, and Aspen; and my boyfriend, Richard.

I adore all of them.