Faith | A positive attitude is good for your soul — others, too
Someone once said, “I knew a man who, when he got up in the morning, went to the window and looked out and whatever the weather was, he would say, “That’s exactly the kind of day I wanted!”
What if we could always see the good and the positive in everything and in everyone? What if everyone in the world would also?
Since that is unlikely, then determining for ourselves to have a positive outlook would not only be empowering in our lives, but could possibly influence others to feel the same.
When my Down Syndrome son was born, he had multiple heart defects that would require open heart surgery. I loved my son and didn’t want to lose him and told the Lord such, as I prayed for his life. I knew in my heart that the decision was not going to be mine and I had to be prepared to accept that he may not live. He had three more heart surgeries before he was 6 years old.
When diagnosed with cancer, I went through chemotherapy, and with the loss of my hair and other things that brought discomfort and inconvenience, I likewise didn’t know the outcome and had to prepare myself for an unknown.
When my husband received the diagnosis of ALS and Multiple Myeloma, unlike the other two events, I knew the outcome, but yet I had to accept the trials we would endure before his body would succumb to this horrific disease.
In each of these turns of events, I had a choice. I had opportunities. Not to influence the outcome, but whether or not I would remain positive under the circumstances.
I learned that being positive goes hand in hand with having faith in Jesus Christ. When I put my faith and trust in him, I could remain positive, because I knew he would give me strength.
I wholeheartedly believe the Savior’s promise when he said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
If we are only happy or positive when things are within our control, then we may not be able to find joy, or solutions, or find strength in challenges that arise in our lives.
Can we really feel joy if we are looking at life negatively?
When we are negative, we can easily become bitter and angry, finding fault more often, if not all of the time, which then becomes a habit. Consequently, we become easily offended, judgmental and critical of everything and everyone, being unable to feel joy.
Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2012, said: “So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. … We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.”
Being positive helps us be joyful and full of hope, and brings peace to our hearts, and to our minds, and invites others an opportunity to do the same. I have learned for myself to trust in the Lord that I could be positive, no matter what.
