Self-Discipline

I have a hard time disciplining myself to do my homework before going on the computer, practicing piano and viola every day, working on Personal Progress all the time, and other things. If I'm in a good mood, it's easier. But if I'm tired, had a bad day, or just plain grumpy, I just can not make myself do that. There have been several times when my mom has made me go and practice or something and I stomp off crying, but I do it because I don't want to lose privileges like the computer or something. I'm mad at times like that, but in the end it's usually not so bad. But I still hate it when that happens.

I hate myself for not being able to just force myself to practice every day. I wish I could be more like my dad in that area - he is really busy, but he makes himself study all the time and exercise every day, even if it causes him to lose sleep. I have my good days - like today, for example: when I got home, I did my homework, grabbed an apple and went to the computer, then practiced piano and viola afterward - but they are few and far in between most of the time. I have to be inspired to change. Sometimes I am inspired, but not enough to change me. I feel overwhelmed with everything I have going on as well as the thought of what will come later. Several people have asked me why I don't quit the piano or the viola or something, but I tell them that I can't do it. I love those instruments, and yet sometimes it kills me to think of practicing on them. I have goals for the future, yet I don't work toward them now. I'm overwhelmed, but I'm not doing anything about it.

Heavenly Father gave us weaknesses to keep us humble. I'd say this is one of them. But maybe, if I work toward that goal, being self-disciplined will be one of my strengths someday. Hm, just writing this post is inspiring me right now...

Night Games

I love having Night Games with my friends. It's so fun to run around in the dark playing games like soccer, Capture the Flag, and other favorites. I've hosted Night Games once, and even though not many people came, we still had a ton of fun.

Last night, my friend called me up at 8:30 wondering if I could come join her and some other kids for night games. I had been planning to go to bed, but my parents were okay with me having some fun with my friends for a couple hours. The only people there besides my friend were boys, and so she was grateful that I could join them. While we were playing soccer, someone kicked the soccer ball up into a pine tree. It was about 30 feet up, but while the others were lamenting the loss and getting ready to play Capture the Flag, I asked my friend if I could try climbing the tree and getting the ball. She said it was okay, and I'm pretty sure she doubted that I'd be able to get it. But I scrambled up that tree without anyone noticing and then I called out to ask which branch the ball was in. Everyone was astonished to see how I had climbed that tree. When I figured out which branch the ball was stuck it, I scooted out a little farther along the branch and started jumping up and down until the ball fell out. All the boys started chanting, "Bonnie! Bonnie! Bonnie!" and I felt really happy. I climbed down and even though we had the ball again, we decided to play Capture the Flag. I had a ton of fun the rest of the night.

Night Games are a great way to spend time with your friends. I love it when I'm invited to them. And they are very casual - usually when the friend that invited me last night has Night Games at her house, there are kids of all ages; she has older and younger siblings that invite friends as well. Boys and girls are welcome to come over and join the fun. Night games are awesome!