Being Self-Reliant

What does this mean?
-having a strong testimony

A lot of things are going to try to shake our faith, for example, in raising a family.

D&C 38:30 "treasure up wisdom", "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

*You may not see others around, but angels in heaven are silent notes taking of every action.
Something that helps is the concept that practice makes permanent, not perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
*When it gets hard, endure to the end, see the big picture, and remember you're never alone.
*Establish yourself as a person - growing and learning and challenging yourself.
*Establish a habit of prayer before and after sleep, like blessing your meals.

D&C 42:42 "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."

D&C 56:17 "Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with yor own hands!"
If we're not self-reliant, we can't help others or give our services.