Quiet Dignity

This topic has been on my mind a lot lately, although I haven't really known it was called "Quiet Dignity" while I've been thinking about it. But this morning I realized that the thoughts on my mind lately have actually been summed up in these words - quiet dignity.

Quiet dignity is something LDS missionaries are instructed to seek for on their mission. I think it's in the little white handbook we carried around. Or maybe it was just in my mission rules.

Either way, it's doing what's right without making a big deal out of it. It's flying below the radar, but still living true to your testimony.

I've had a calling change at church recently and I have the opportunity to work with some women who are great examples of quiet dignity. They have a calming presence that makes the stress and weight of the world go away. And that says a lot as I study for the bar exam!

At the same time, I've noticed a lot about LDS people in the media that seem to be very flashy and shocking and really in-your-face. It's kind of bothered me. Not what they're doing, but just how they're doing it. I guess I almost feel disappointed that there's such a stir about just being a good person.

And then there's part of me that feels like it's about the attention and not what they're doing. While I agree with some of what I've seen in the media about LDS people, I don't think they need to make a media scene to live what they believe. I can't help think that more meaningful than a blog post, a march, a angry rant on Facebook, or anything of the like, the more meaningful thing is being a friend, listening to a person who is struggling, having dinner with someone you know needs support, etc. etc.

And what I see in the media is not quiet dignity. I'm kind of disappointed in that.

Now, I am also an old lady. Well, I think I have the soul of a grandma. I've come to not care to be a spectacle or a freak show. I don't want people in my life who want to just see the drama of my life. I just want a few good friends and family members to peaceably live out my days with in laughter, tears, and lots of tasty food.

I feel like I've had my day in the sun. The other day I was thinking about how excited I am to turn 30. Well, I still have a couple years before that, but I feel like I have completely exhausted my 20's. I feel as though I have lived them to the fullest and I am ready to be old. And boring. And mature or whatever. Maybe I am just really tired from studying for the bar. Although I am far from prepared for it.

And somehow this all relates back to my original thought of Quiet Dignity. I am inspired by these women I spoke of earlier. I want to be like them. I want to be a person who quietly goes about her life and just does what's right without being loud.

So that is what I am working on now. Aside from the bar exam and everything else in life, I am striving for quiet dignity.

Also I've been addicted to Fredericksburg peaches lately.
So tasty. 

My Own Personal J

Ok, I've got a secret: I love that show "America's Next Top Model". But chances are if you know me well, then you know this. Truth is, I'm awful at keeping secrets.

But one of the things I love about the show are the J's. 

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They're not on a whole lot lately it seems.... um, actually I haven't seen the show in a while. So they may be on but I don't know.

But the are really critical and really drive the contestants to be their best. I guess they're analogous to the coaches on The Biggest Loser. But I don't watch that show, so I'm just guessing.

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Anyway! The point is I started a spinning class at Gold's last week and the instructor is this type of person. I love his class. I feel pushed to work extra hard and he will call you out if you're being lazy. Oh, and his name is J. too. 

One of my favorite things about this class is the little quips he says in classes. Which is why I wanted to write this blog entry, I wanted to remember something he said today in class. 

He said, "commitment means accountability."

I like that. Maybe it's not his original thought. But I had never heard it before and I like it.

Quotes

I'm going through my quote book right now to find a quote for a friend. Thought I would share some of my favorites:

"If you're frustrated then you are doing it for the wrong reasons"

-Malia Koki

Righteous desires will lead us to ponder the words of the prophets.

"Chow, I want you to know that I think you're beautiful. Everything about you is beautiful"

-Russell

"The happiest people in this world are those who love their neighbors as themselves and manifest their appreciation for God's blessings by their conduct in life."

-President George Albert Smith

"Because of you, I've had just the slightest glimpse of how splendid eternity can be."

-Russell

"It's not the end of the world- it's the end of the world as you knew it"

-Sister Kimokeo

"The greatest of fears is the fear of failure"

-President Monson

"Heavenly Father has given us life and with it the capacity to think, to reason, and to LOVE."

-President Monson (again)

"Life is hard. Whether or not you are married or single, have children or not, life will always be hard."

-Mary and Jerry Duke

"One cannot find peace in work or in pleasure, in the world or in a convent, but only in one's soul.

-W. Somerset Maughan (The Painted Veil)

"The lasting peace that come from being honest is more valuable than the momentary relief of following the crowd."

-True to the Faith (P.64)