Six Word Memoir

The other night I came across an article from the New Yorker about telling your life story in six words. The article was in response to the book "Not Quite What I Was Planning" - a collection of people's (some famous, some obscure) six word memoirs. I think this book was probably inspired by the legend that novelist Ernest Hemingway was once asked to write a full story in six words. His response: "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn."

I started thinking about what I would write and, lo and behold, the next morning my friend Courtney had done a post with the very same idea. So, I decided to give it a little thought to see what I could come up with. The first idea I came up with was "Married childhood pal. Two marvelous children." But the more I thought about it, yes, it told some events of my life, but I didn't think it captured who I was and what I'm all about. The next one I came up with was "Fond past. Expectant future. Delightful present." but then I decided that it was pretty generic and really could be anyone's six word memoir.

So, after a little more thought this morning, this is what I've ended up with:

"Gospel, family, friends equals joyful life."

It's a little boring and could also apply to others, but I think that really tells who I am and what I'm all about. The principles of the gospel - such as gratitude, faith and service - as well as the teachings and example of Christ, are my compass in life. Those principles are my guiding force and direct me how to live my life each day. They are a part of my core and when I stay true to those principles and teachings, my life is filled with joy. And as for my family and friends, I can't begin to describe what joy, depth, richness and fun you all bring to my life.

Those three things are what bring me most joy in this life and make me who I am. Really nothing else matters. Oh, of course a fantastic pair of shoes makes my heart pitter-patter and I love finding the perfect item for my house but JOY - which means, "exultant happiness" and "high-spirited delight" --they do not bring. Besides the gospel and my loved ones, to me nothing else truly matters.

This was kind of a fun challenge and I would love, love, love to hear what anyone else came up with. I'm tagging anyone that reads this post and extending the six word memoir challenge to you! Good luck and have fun with it!