1 Even when many people are negative and pessimistic, we can cultivate a spirit of happiness and optimism.
First, we discussed how we need to remember to "look deeper" for the good. Happiness and optimism are a choice we have to make every day.
President Hinckley always encouraged us to be positive: "I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course."
President Hinckley also taught that "we must turn from the negativism that permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears."
Why do we need this council today?
Some comments from our sisters:
-Sometimes it feels impossible, especially with the devastating situations that some of us face. We must try to look for good and find something to hold onto to help you get to the next point. The reality is, we may not be happy all the time, and we can acknowledge that we will have bad days, and try to cultivate things that are positive even on those bad days.
-How to deal with negativity: Find someone who will listen, let out all of your troubled feelings to them, and then leave it behind. Have a safe way to let out your anger to someone.
-Use a creative outlet to make others happy when you are feeling down. You can still take action and think of others.
-Go for a walk, it can lift your spirits to be outside.
-Try journaling.
2 Rather than dwell on our problems, we can let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless us.
How are you blessed when you have a spirit of thanksgiving?
Some comments from our sisters:
-The older I get, the more skeptical I am of "happy." Joy is happy and we can't have joy without pain. When you have joy you have thanksgiving. An attitude of gratitude can help you get there.
-Make conscious choices to be grateful, even when our situation is not ideal or what we imagined.
-In the Lamaze method of childbirth, we are taught not to think of the pain and to concentrate on other things. We can use our bandwidth for the good.
-Try to be happy for others, it helps take away the comparison you may feel.
-Check in and notice what makes you happy. Examine how you are feeling inside. Notice your triggers- what brings you down? What do you need to change? Ask yourself what is bringing you happiness and that's what you need to focus on.
-Keep up, and keep happy. When you are not happy, you are not keeping up. Try to brighten up the world which in turn can lift your spirits.
3 The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us a reason for gladness
Gordon B Hinckley:
"Regardless of your way of doing things in the past, I offer you a challenge … to square your lives with the teachings of the gospel, to look upon this Church with love and respect and appreciation as the mother of your faith, to live your lives as an example of what the gospel of Jesus Christ will do in bringing happiness to an individual."
President Hinckley also relayed the words of Jenkins Lloyd Jones: “Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” (Deseret News, 12 June 1973.)
We were reminded that the little day to day choices we make can influence the track upon which we run.
4 The gospel is a message of triumph to be embraced with enthusiasm, affection, and optimism.
5 With knowledge that we are all children of God, we can stand a little taller, rise a little higher, and be a little better.
Encouragement from President Hinckley:
"There is also in our society a sad tendency among many of us to belittle ourselves. Other persons may appear to us to be sure of themselves, but the fact is that most of us have some feelings of inferiority. The important thing is not to talk to yourself about it. … The important thing is to make the best of all that we have.
Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for yourself. Don’t belittle yourself. Never forget that you are a child of God. You have a divine birthright. Something of the very nature of God is within you."
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