2. Choose to Act

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Christ walking on water

Once you are aware that you are feeling vulnerable or that you are not following one of the safeguards, decide what you will do to follow the safeguard, and then choose to act on that plan. Write down what specific actions you will take to follow the safeguards and reduce feelings of vulnerability and susceptibility.

If you feel tempted to seek inappropriate content through the internet or act in any way contrary to these safeguards, you can take several actions that will help you cope with these emotions. Apply the actions that work best for you. The following are suggestions you might consider using:

Pray for strength and protection against temptation. Tell Heavenly Father how you feel.
Share, explain, and talk through your feelings with your companion, district leader, zone leader, or sister training leader. Remember, “Do not counsel [with] missionaries of the opposite sex, even if [they] are serving in a leadership position. Such talk can lead to inappropriate feelings and relationships” (Missionary Handbook, 34).
Get up and move. Go for a walk with your companion, or go exercise.
Recite a scripture or sing a hymn that will help you focus on the Savior.
Stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and take deep breaths to the count of four. Do this for a few minutes. Don’t return to your online activity until you have remembered your purpose and are relaxed and focused again.
Evaluate your physical state. Do you need water, a snack, or some rest? Address your needs.
Recall in detail a spiritual experience or a beautiful scene that could help you take a mental break for a minute or two.
List five things you are grateful for.
Take five minutes and write in your journal what you are feeling.

Review Adjusting to Missionary Life for additional ideas on managing emotions of vulnerability, and add relevant ideas to your plan. Also refer to the online course Safeguards for Using Technology as you create a plan. Share this plan with your companion, mission leaders, and mission president.