Patterns

Throughout her life, mum used knitting patterns to create woollen wonders.

As a child I recall watching my mum knitting hats, socks, gloves, scarves, shawls, cardigans, jumpers and so forth! As she settled down to watch the television, she would inevitably pull out her latest knitting project – and off she went.

On a few occasions I’ve tried my hand at knitting.

Mum gave me some pointers on casting on, and the appropriate techniques – but then I had to learn the pattern!

Have you ever tried reading a knitting pattern?

To the uninitiated, they can look like a foreign language, cast on 140 sts, knit 1, purl 1 repeat etc!

But to those who know – they are a sure pattern, followed precisely, will lead to success, each and every time. Indeed, their beauty is in their simplicity, if you understand the direction. Each pattern doesn’t just suddenly appear, it needs to be carefully considered, written and practised.

As we stand on the shoulders of those giants who have preceded us, who have lived by these patterns before, we soon realise that we can replicate success or failure depending upon the patterns of life we choose to live by.

Just as there are many thousands of well used knitting patterns, in a like manner, there are tried and tested “patterns for life” that once understood and emulated will always lead you to higher ground.

In fact, followed with exactness these patterns will always lead to success.

So what are these patterns and how do we follow them in our lives?

And by following them, what will we become?

Regarding the fundamental nature of our characters, Gordon B. Hinckley stated that; “The course of our lives is not determined by great, awesome decisions…….our direction is set by the little day-to-day choices which chart the track on which we run.

If we apply that maxim to our lives, we could say that we are the result of many small decisions.

In effect, we are the product of our choices. We must develop the capacity to recall the past, to evaluate the present, and to look into the future in order to accomplish in our lives.

Likewise I believe that we can succeed in life by following simple patterns.

1. 𝐃𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. In your work and career choices, its a simple fact that if you do something that you love – then you will never work one day in your life. If you are currently following the wrong pattern – then perhaps you need a new one?

2. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞. Take it one step at a time, for some it may take a lifetime to discover. But most importantly along the way, you need to apply pattern #1 – do something you love! That will help you to find your purpose and meaning in life and your work. Are you currently using the wrong-coloured wool and need a new yarn?

3. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. Find out exactly who you can help and serve along the way. Follow the promptings of your heart and apply pattern #1 – give service through doing something you love! This will help you find even more joy in the journey. Perhaps you are using the wrong sized needles and you need some larger ones?

4. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Choose to Act, and not be acted upon.

I know that our daily actions will determine our character. Take ownership of your own personal journey. What’s holding you back, is it perhaps that you have got stuck with a complicated part of your pattern? Why not seek out a personal coach to help you along the way? In turn they can help you to interpret the pattern for your life.

For me, I have witnessed a lifetime of beautiful woollen wonders created by mum and many others who can read the patterns.

In a like manner as we form our patterns for life, our life will be formed by those patterns.

Get yourself organised!!

Why not follow a new pattern, get some new yarn, some different needles for yourself, home and career today by knitting together some life changing habits – you won’t regret it!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞?