Be Happy!
A little sign has hung on our fridge for years.
Is it a struggle for anyone else to be happy this time of year? Day after day of dark, gloomy weather takes a toll.
Another saying I like says:
Pain is inevitable but misery is optional.
Starting at this very moment I hereby choose to control my attitude! In fact, my attitude is the only thing over which I can exercise total and complete control.
The very last paragraph of our Relief Society lesson on Sunday (Lorenzo Snow, chapter 4, page 80) says: “We should endeavor, as far as possible, to forget all worldly matters which grieve and vex us, and fix our minds upon the Lord, having a sufficiency of His Holy Spirit that we may be enabled to receive such knowledge and suggestions as will help us in our onward path.” (from the Millennial Star, Nov. 25, 1889, 737)
At one time in the life of Eliza R. Snow, she lived in a one-room log cabin about 18 feet square. It was roofed with mud and willows and over the years hundreds of mice had made their nests there. One night in a March rainstorm when the roof leaked badly, Eliza sat in bed with her umbrella up all night laughing, while it rained mice and mud.
I want to be like Eliza!
Don’t worry! Be happy!
What’s the best way to pull yourself out of the blues? “Just act happy,” says Hope College psychologist David G. Myers in “The Pursuit of Happiness.”
Try a small smile. It’ll feel good.
Now try a broad smile. You’ll feel even better.
Doesn’t matter that you’re just faking it. Going through the motions will trigger the emotions.
One more thought – studies from around the world show that very spiritual people report being very happy! We, of all people, should be cheerful!
~ Sister Pat Barton
D&C 78:17-18; 84:88; 78:18: “Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”
“…I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left,…and mine angels [shall be] round about you, to bear you up.
“…The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.”