Just stay POSITIVE!!!

Today we are still in Utah and will be flying out tonight. It is always hard to leave family. It will be nice though to get home and get to see Amy, John and kids, plus our neighbors and friends! But no matter what, I am still a bit concerned about coming home to an empty house ( even worse a dirty empty house). I had great intentions on getting it cleaned before I left, but I was more worried about getting all our Christmas presents made for our family and friends here. So at least I will have something I need to do, as soon as I get there, that should help…I hope!

My niece and nephew asked me to speak today to their Sunday School Class ( of 15  year olds  ) about adversity and trying to have a positive attitude. I only had 10 minutes so I had to think of a way to make it to their level, and yet interesting. So these are the 7 things that I try to do, when I see that I am getting too discouraged or sad…

1. I first try to remember what type of people I like to be around. Obviously it is the Half full, happy, positive and kind people, verses Half Empty, sad, negative and discouraged people. So I try to see which type of  person I am being at the time.

2. Then I try to distinguish my thoughts and where they come from. It really is true that Satan is alive and well, and will definitely place bad and sad thoughts in  your mind. It is very important to control thoughts and remember that our thoughts control our actions.

3. Next I try to remember to do the Basics, I know it is the old Sunday School answers… but it is true for me. If I remember to say my prayers, read my scriptures and stay closer to my Heavenly Father, life really is better.

4.I try hard to listen to that still small voice inside. We all have it, but some times it is easy to ignore. That still small voice it is right every time. And the more I listen to it, the more I hear it. I believe that is truly how my Heavenly Father helps me and guides me.

5. Gratitude is next. When I stop… and count my blessings, I realize that I should be happy for all that I have been given. Gratitude really helps you feel more positive.

6. Service of course helps anyone, no matter how down they are. As you stop to look around at others, you realize that there are lots of people whose life is much worse or harder than yours. Service changes your heart for the better. Plus, as your help someone else…you are really helping yourself feel better.

7. Hold on to my faith! I love the quote that “ Faith has a short shelf life” you really have to work on it daily to strengthen your faith in God, and in His purpose for you .

So that is what I try to do to change my cup from Half Empty to Half Full.

Of course, I will have more bad days, and will have to go back and remind myself by reading this post again!

Well, need to head to the airport. Take care dear friends!

“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.”     ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”  ~Winston Churchill

“If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. “   ~Mary Engelbreit