Every day, ads, music, and television influence us to act impulsively. Self-control is a part of everyday life, yet many people seem to lack it. I value the self-control that I have developed because it is an important characteristic that is dwindling away. My self-control will help me have better health, relationships, finances, and a career throughout my life journey. Physical and mental health require self-control. It is easier to stay at home or do other activities than it is to exercise. That is evident in the amount of people who make regular exercise a New Year's Resolution and then give up a few months into the year. The same can be said about eating healthy. It requires self-control to eat healthy portion sizes in a country that has all-you-can-eat buffets, bottomless fries, free refills, and large serving sizes. However, with the self-control that I have diligently developed, I make the effort to eat well and exercise. My mind and body thank me for it. My mind is clear, my body functions properly, and I have greater confidence because of how I feel in my body. All of these benefits cascade into other aspects of my life. Acting impulsively is dangerous to relationships. On the other hand, having the self-control to keep calm in a difficult situation, think before I speak, and simply doing what is right instead of what I may want to do bless my relationships. I have experienced conversations that could have easily escalated, turn into effective communication. Serving my husband instead of watching an extra episode of a TV show makes him feel more loved. Cleaning up after a family get-together instead of going straight home makes my parents feel more appreciated. I am not perfect, but I have seen how my relationships with those around me flourish when I exercise self-control. Financial self-control is being attacked left and right. Everywhere I look, there is an ad for using some sort of buy-now, pay-later system. Even when I make a small $30 purchase online, I am given the offer to make payments on it instead of paying in full. Desperately avoiding the financial temptations that sneak into my mind has required great self-control. The results are less debt, more savings, and gratitude for what I have instead of a longing for what I lack. Pursuing a career has required exercising my self-control in all of the situations previously mentioned. My career path requires physical exertion, so taking care of my physical health will help me be successful. In order to be a great student and employee, I must strive to treat others kindly and do what is right even when it is difficult. Paying for my higher education requires financial self-control so that I can successfully pay tuition while meeting the needs of life. Successfully exercising my self-control will give me a more healthy and fulfilling life. Nothing in the world has more value to me than that.

A Father's Bargain by Wolves at the Gate is the song that has the most important message to me. It is a hard-core metal song about Jesus Christ's sacrifice and Atonement for us. With powerful instrumentals and lyrics, it paints a picture of mankind's sinful state and how Christ suffered so we can be forgiven and live with Heavenly Father again. Throughout my life, I have gone to church to learn about Christ and his sacrifice for us. This song has the most important message to me because it brings in an element to the doctrine that I don't think about often - how Heavenly Father felt about allowing Jesus Christ to make that sacrifice. "O my son, you must understand that if I show mercy You must reckon to pay, the last bit of my rage For justice reigns upon this throne; perfection without flaw How can the wicked find their peace and still have broken every law?" When I hear this song, my heart is filled with the unimaginable heartache and pain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ went through. All so we can be forgiven and cleansed and be worthy to live in God's presence again. As the singer cries "If only you knew of the grace and love that our God has for all, You'd turn and look into the face of Jesus the Savior, who calls... So receive this love and grace, believe his love and grace." Without Christ, we are nothing. This song gives me a renewed resolve to follow Christ, which is the most important thing in all eternity.

My childhood had dark times that weighed me down into adolescence. I struggled with mental health, until one day, a pair of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints came to my family's door. As I learned more about Christ and what he did for the world, I felt light coming into my life. The peace and direction I get through prayer and studying the scriptures are unlike anything in the world. I want to share that light with others. In a world that often feels overwhelming and contentious, Christ offers peace that "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). I want to see more people in my community, country, and the world coming unto Christ and finding peace. Four years ago, I dedicated two years of my life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I went out every day with the sole intention of speaking to people about Christ. Some people I helped had believed but lost their faith. Others didn't know of Christ as more than a man. No matter their background, I saw the change in people as they started to follow Christ more fully in their lives. They became more kind, patient, and loving. After my two-year mission, I continued with my education and started a family. I share the light of Christ every day in my home. With my wife and two boys, I pray at meals and before bed, I tell Bible stories, and I watch uplifting movies and shows. My oldest son is three years old. Hearing him pray fills my heart with joy. In my church organization, I volunteer to teach the 15-year-old youth Sunday school class. Every Sunday, we walk through the Bible and other scriptures. For many, the teenage years are when people decide who they want to be. They dabble in different hobbies, venture from what their parents have taught them, and push boundaries. By teaching the youth in my community, I am offering them an avenue that isn't as common today but is very fulfilling. Every day, I see the blessings that come from following Christ. I want everyone in my community and the world to experience and see those blessings. If everyone believed in and followed Jesus Christ's teachings, the world would be a safer and happier place.

I grew up in a small town where almost everyone knew their way around one skilled trade or another. However, I had an absent father who didn't teach me any of those skills, and a single mother who couldn't teach me even if she had the time. As I grew older, I wanted to be the kind of husband and father that could take care of my home and teach my children to do the same. When it came time to decide on a career path, I gravitated towards options that would teach me some of those skills. Having seen the financial struggle of a single parent, job security and income were also important factors in my career exploration. I am pursuing plumbing because it gives me the self-reliance I yearned for in my youth, it is an important field of work, and as a plumber, I can provide for my family. Learning a skill that is so essential to society has given me greater confidence. Pursuing plumbing is teaching me how to use power tools, allowing me to repair and maintain the plumbing in my own home, and enabling me to serve others who need plumbing assistance. For example, being able to update my kitchen faucet on my own gave me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What is now a simple do-it-yourself project was once a project that seemed unattainable. Many people who are interested in trades shy away from plumbing because it isn't the most glamorous job, but our lives would be very different without it. Access to clean water, facilities that keep our homes clear of waste, and getting hot water in seconds are all blessings from plumbing that I feel many people take for granted. The beginnings of plumbing started centuries ago. The long history of plumbing innovation has improved our quality of life immensely. I don't want to see this trade be diminished in any way. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a profound legacy. Plumbing is an essential job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were out of work. I was blessed to be able to keep working because people need clear drains and running water. There are many aspects to plumbing, so I don't have to worry about not having work. Whether it is repiping homes, roto rooting drains, or servicing water heaters, there is always someone out there who needs or wants something done. Plumbing also opens the door to being a code inspector, teaching apprentices, or starting my own business. I am confident that I will always be able to provide for my wife and kids because I am pursuing a career in plumbing. Of the many trade career paths that are important to society and the economy, I am carrying on the legacy of plumbing. Learning to plumb is teaching me valuable life skills. Pursuing plumbing allows me to provide for my family in an honest way that I can be proud of. Plumbing is helping me be the man I have always wanted to be.