Self Reliance

Today and church we talked about Self Reliance and why that is so important. Not too many people would argue with that, especially after all the natural catastrophes we have been seeing all around the world. I thought it was a great reminder.The teacher then challenged us to pick at least one of these areas that we were going to set a goal about, and strive to really achieve in the near future. Here they are, see for yourself what things you are doing great at and other areas where you ( just like me ) could us a little goal setting at.

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The six areas of self-reliance that can help us prepare to meet challenges in the future:
            Health...we need to take care of their minds and bodies.  We should eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, control their weight, and get adequate sleep. We should shun substances or practices that abuse their bodies or minds and that could lead to addiction. We should practice good sanitation and hygiene and obtain adequate medical and dental care. We should also strive to cultivate good relationships with family members and others.
            Education – Education provides understanding and skills that can help people develop self-reliance.  We should study the scriptures and other good books. We should improve our ability to read, write and do basic mathematics. We should obtain as much education as we can, including formal or technical schooling where possible.  This will help us develop our talents, find suitable employment, and make a valuable contribution to our families, Church and the community.

           Employment – Work is the foundation upon which self-reliance and temporal well-being rest.  We should prepare for and carefully select a suitable occupation or self-employment that will provide for our own and our families’ needs.  We should become skilled at their work, be diligent and trustworthy, and give honest work for the pay and benefits we receive.
            Home Storage – To help care for ourselves and our family, we should build a three-month supply of food that is part of our normal diet. We should also store drinking water in case the water supply becomes polluted or disrupted.
            Finances – To become financially self-reliant, we should avoid, unnecessary debt, use a budget and live within a plan.  We should gradually build a financial reserve by regularly saving a portion of our income.
            Spiritual Strength – Spiritual strength is essential to a person’s temporal and eternal well-being.  We can grow in spiritual strength as we develop our testimonies, exercise faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, obey God’s commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures .

Doing “all we can do” is the essence of self-reliance.  But we cannot do everything all at once.  We need to set some goals to help us on the path of self-reliance. 
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" Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one's own person is its ultimate reward."  ~ Patricia Sampson

"Depend not on another, but lean instead on thyself. True happiness is born of self-reliance'

"There's no one to stop you but yourself"  ~ David Thomas