Just Joanna's Thoughts

Moving Forward with a Driving Passion It is easy to become passionate about something, but sticking with that passion can be difficult. I say that because sometimes a passion involves work. However, if you love and enjoy what you are doing, you can make money from that passion. I was able to read 7 Habits for Highly effective people last semester also. I have noticed that I can interchange effectively and efficiently in some aspects, and it still makes sense. As a professional organizer, mother of four children ranging from 1-11, a wife, and a student, people regularly ask me how I do it all.  Until last semester, I was unaware that I follow the steps consistently. A couple of years ago, I suffered from negative self-talk. So, I began to keep an Attitude/Gratitude journal. I would write down all of the negative items that caused me to talk poorly to myself, and then I would counter all of those thoughts with positive self-talk. Then I would write down what I was gratef...

This week was an eye-opener for me in a couple of different ways. While the title for the week is: So you want to be an entrepreneur? I feel like it focused a lot more on the family. I have set some boundaries where school and work are concerned. But, with more clients needing my organizational services, I find myself away from home a little bit more than previous times. However, I notice that when I allow extra time with my children regardless of my work schedule, we are all happy. Let's talk about the boundaries I created a year and a half ago when I began school. I had a two-week-old baby girl, a 5-year-old, 7-year-old, and 11-year-old. In addition to children, I had a special needs dog as well. I was so sleep-deprived and still healing at the beginning of BYU Pathway. But, all of the regular chores, homework, and meals needed to be addressed. I set out to figure out my best schedule for my family. I would do all of my daily things and spend time with my children helping wi...

Some of us are destined to change the world, but I was determined to find my calling in the world. I was committed to finding the spiritual gifts that could bless others. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Even though I am grown up, I would still struggle. I achieved my goal of getting married and bringing children in the world. I'm now a mother eternally, but how can I help others in the now? How can I help solve other's problems? So the main question I had for myself: "What do I want to solve?' I did not want to get rich quickly. I did not want to participate in a pyramid scheme or MLMs. I wanted to create a business that would genuinely help the majority. I actively stayed out of college to avoid debt while I sorted out who I was and who I wanted to be. I realized that I had something that stated my personal gifts from multiple people. Relief Society wrote down thoughtful comments about each other, and then they ...

Reflection on   This week I had a hard time pondering and following the steps to create core values. I had a rough time finding a place to meditate. The instructions were: find holy ground then ponder. But, finding this holy ground proved to be challenging.  I finally had my moment of clarity one night while I was watering the garden. I realized that many sacred and important things have happened in a garden. Once I thought of the Garden of Eden, Gethsemane, and The Sacred Grove, I was able to connect with everyone involved in those stories. Adam and Eve bore children, which eventually led to me. Christ paid the price of all of our sins. He did this because it was part of Heavenly Father's plan and that we would need an advocate. This Week  This week, I enjoyed the many videos. I think I enjoy them a lot more because I am a visual person. So, when I see someone telling their success stories, it gives me the itch to continue in my entrepreneur business. W...

What did you learn from this week’s readings and videos? President Hinckley This week I learned how much I miss hearing President Hinckley speak. He is the first prophet that I remember from a young age. He is the prophet that I remember addressing me as a teenager and telling me that I am a choice and a strong generation. I gained some of my spiritual strength by listening to his loving reassurances. I did not realize that he chose to go "off script" in the BYU-Idaho building dedication. When his emotions overcame him, I could feel it in my soul. I had tears of joy and happiness. When he chose to be stern but loving and joking, I could relate to him more as a person. I also enjoyed watching David A. Bednar behind President Hinckley. The Start-Up of YOU This short video clip was very empowering. I think so many people would love a handout. But, it is vital that we work and put forth our best efforts in this world. We only have one world and one mortality to apply thes...

This week I got to create a Life Bucket List! I was so excited to think of all of the things that I would like to accomplish. We were able to choose 50 things to do before we die. The majority of my items were family-oriented. But my number one thing is to be physically healthy. Because, when I am physically fit, then I can continue to achieve my other goals because I will have more energy. Why do you think Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams? I think Mr. Pausch was able to achieve so many of his dreams because he put forth the effort to make them happen. He realized that sometimes barriers are set so that we can work harder to achieve our goals. He was also persistent and, in some cases, insistent that he participate in certain things. I think if we get turned down, it’s easy to give up on a dream instead of continually pursuing it.  Do you feel that dreaming is important? Why or why not? I do feel that dreaming is important. I remember havi...

Case Study: Magdalena Yesil This week we learned about case studies. We studied about the entrepreneurial spirit of Magdalena Yesil. She was quite perplexed as to the next step she should take. I think she should choose what she is comfortable with, so she has the freedom to move forward. Most of the posts on the discussion board had a similar thought process.  What did I learn? I already knew this, but people can be cruel when it comes to jobs and money. I cannot believe that someone would accuse another person of embezzling just because they got fired from a job. I watched the presenter in awe that he could brush off losing his job over an accusation. He had just bought a house within walking distance of the business. I guess that whole situation steamed me.  What do I look forward to learning? I look forward to learning more about myself. I had no idea what I would put down for my bucket list last week. I was shocked that I was able to come up with 50 thing...