I have been taking online courses to improve my life.

Following are my answers to the thought provoking, self-improving questions asked as part of these courses.

Who Am I?

My name is Gale. I am a daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, aunt, sister-in-law, friend, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am also a mother who has done my absolute best to provide my children with a loving home in which they were allowed and encouraged to become the best version of themselves, create and pursue dreams. They are still young so results are yet to be determined but, so far so good.

My parenting motto has always been: "To Raise God Fearing, Positively Contributing Members Of Society." Each day I strive to do my best to be a positive example of what I have sincerely tried to teach my children.

Who do you want to become?

In my teenage years I realized that there was more to life than what I was experiencing. I did not know how to go about discovering or living it but I did know that it was there. So, I did a very brave thing - I was the first in my family to attend college. On top of that I left my home in rural Oregon to attend college in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This was my first experience being in a large city. I had no family or friends in the area. I was determined to become a new person. At the time I really did not know or understand what that meant. I did know that I would have to do it in an environment that was different and would allow me to grow and become.

I have learned that when you are honestly seeking answers they appear. Perseverance is a key component. Continuing to ask questions and then ask better questions is also a key element. I have had experiences in life that have taken me from where I was and brought me closer to my desired destination. I am still learning and growing. I expect that will be my life story until the end.

In summary, I want to be the best possible version of myself. Ed Mylett talks about heaven being that when you die you meet the version of yourself that you were supposed to become and you have become that person. That version of you is so excited to see you!

What life do you want to build?

A few years ago the lyrics to a song penetrated my consciousness. Have you ever heard the song "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic? It described what I have invested my entire adult life in working towards.

I want to build a life that I look forward to living.

As a child I thought that if I just had the money to purchase clothes at the moment of need instead of waiting for Christmas or birthdays then I will have "made it" as an adult. Since then I have learned about scarcity mindset and abundance mindset.

Abundance is definitely where I want to live and thrive.

Abundance allows me to take care of my family at the moment of need. i.e.: clothes, vehicle repairs, home maintenance, etc. It also allows me the opportunities to experience life. If I want to take a photography course, I am able to. If I want to purchase a piano then I am able to. If I want to go on a vacation for a week I am able to do that.

If my adult children find that they are struggling then I am able to help them in whatever is best for their family. That help could be any number of things including: financially, by providing resources, being able to take the time and energy to babysit my grandchildren, whatever they are struggling with.

Abundance also means that I am able to help others in my local community and on a larger scale, around the world. This has been my dream since my teen years.

Who are you doing this for?

This question required deeper thinking. The previous questions I have been working on the vast majority of my life. I was always taught to put the needs and desires of others above myself. This has translated into the thought of living abundantly appearing and feeling selfish.

However, the truth is: Living Abundantly Is The Most Unselfish Thing I Can Do. In other words: Living Abundantly Is The Most Fulfilling Thing I Can Do!

Because, as I have taken care of myself then I am available to give others the time and attention that they are in need of. In a state of scarcity my automatic or initial response is one of feeling that there is one more demand on my time and energy. If I am not careful then I end up resenting what I have been working towards and the very people l have always wanted to help.

Additionally, When I am no longer in the position of worrying about getting all of my bills and expenses paid then it is much easier for me to give to others resources which will help them through their tough times. And do it in a loving and positive manner.

In summary, Living In A State Of Abundance provides me with all kinds of freedom and allows me to be generous with others in ways that I had only dreamed about.

So, who am I doing this for? myself, my family, my neighbors, those far from me. Everyone benefits because of who I have become in the process.