My Life's Promises

I feel like I'm a pretty private person, especially when it comes to blogging and exposing too much for everyone in the world to read. But I felt inspired to share a list that I recently composed. I needed to write this list to help myself see what is really important in life. I've viewed my extended family doing things that are hurting themselves, so I've compiled a list of my life's promises to make sure that my own family doesn't get to that point. I feel lucky in a way, because I've learned the hard way what I must and must not do, and I can avoid certain things so my family will succeed. I know most of that doesn't make sense to most people, but I'm sharing this because the list I made, I think, can help many families, not just my own. And I encourage everyone to make a list of their promises to their families. It's inspired me and I'm so excited for my family.

The List

1. I will never be unfaithful to my husband

2. I will never lie for personal gain

3. I will never abandon my children, physically or emotionally

4. I will fight to keep my family together

5. I will tell my children I love them everyday, and everyday I will prove that to them

6. I will always try to understand my husband and strive to make him happy.

7. I will push my selfish desires to the side to meet my family's needs first

8. I will keep the Spirit in my home

9. I will introduce my children to the gospel and help them keep their love for Christ

10. I will help my children with their homework

11. I will encourage them to do their best in everything they do

12. I will discourage them from quitting

13. I will encourage them to be involved as a daughter/son, sibling, friend, and student

14. I will teach my children to be independent but to not be afraid to ask for help

15. I will teach my children to be fierce as a family member - to love and stand up for their family

16. I will raise my children to be proud of their standards and to not feel belittled by others

17. I will never belittle my children

18. I will help my children to develop a healthy self-esteem

19. I will not belittle myself in front of my children

20. I will raise my children to love and to help others

21. I will show my family what happiness is by loving my husband completely

22. I will teach my children by example

23. I will make my children do what they don't want to do, if it is good for them

24. I will be my children's friend while not neglecting my motherly duties

25. I will turn off the TV and play with my children

26. I will never make excuses to not be there for my family

27. I will not mother my husband

28. I will not belittle my husband

29. I will encourage my husband to do his duties for the church and I will never hinder him from doing so

30. I will be my husband's best friend

31. I will make my husband feel like he can do anything, because he can

32. I will hug my husband when he walks through the door

33. I will work disagreements out with my husband in earshot of our children sometimes, so they know that disagreements don't make a marriage fail

34. I will allow my children to feel like a vital part of the family, because they are

35. I will not scream at my children

36. I will never make my children feel unsafe

37. I will make our home a safe haven

38. I will read to my children

39. I will tell my children they are beautiful

40. I will remind my husband that he is one hot stud

41. I will not laugh at my family members' concerns

42. I will be a great listener

43. I will not feel like a failure even when I can't fix everything

44. I will allow my children to develop a deep love for their grandparents

45. I will not discuss marital problems with my children

46. I will make it my life's goal to make my children laugh

47. I will not be afraid to act goofy in front of my husband

48. Though I can't sing, I will sing; though I can't dance, I will dance, so my children will develop a love of music and expression

49. I will let my kids help me in the kitchen

50. I will inspire my kids to love learning

51. I will allow my kids to be involved in the activities they want to be involved in (ie school activities)

52. I will hug my children when they cry

53. I will continue to add to this list when the Spirit whispers to me on how to be a better wife and mother, and when life's experiences require me to.

I love my extended family, but I refuse to lead my husband and children down their road. I love my family and I love my Heavenly Father and Savior, and I hope that will never be questioned.