Life is full of choices, big and small. We often think entirely too much about the big ones, and rarely consider the small ones. Nonetheless, we make them. Perhaps the most important choice we make is one that we rarely consider, or don't see as a choice at all. That is the choice to have a good day or a bad day.
Some people have said, "I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be a bad/good day." I don't think that way. My first thought in the morning is usually, "how much longer can I sleep without getting in trouble?" However, all throughout the day, things happen, life happens, and I decide whether or not they will impact my attitude towards the day.
Right before I came back to school my dad said, "Rarely ever will you have good days or bad days. Most days will just be average." I will say that I agree with this sentiment; however, I must add that we always, always have a choice. Everyday has the potential to be a good day. There is always a silver lining.
I must admit, though, that I am not a "silver lining" kind of person. On Tuesday, it was raining and I didn't have an umbrella, I had a lot of homework, I was sick, and I dropped a glass bowl and cut my finger trying to pick up the pieces. I had a night class, I had to buy textbooks for class, and through it all, my mind was full of things to worry about. You know what my attitude was? I wanted to have a pity party, and I did. However, at the end of the day, I realized all of the good things that had happened and I was so frustrated with myself because I felt as though I had wasted a day wallowing in self-pity.
I think about a story I have heard my whole life, one that Joseph used several months ago in a sermon that has stuck with me ever since. The story is about the Apostle Paul, who had been imprisoned, and yet he said "I think myself happy." Honestly, if he could do it, so can I!
It all starts with making small changes. This year at the General Conference in Arkansas, Bro. Quinn, from California preached about getting an attitude adjustment. I laughed as I told myself that he was definitely preaching to me. The thing is, my tendency is sometimes to be negative. I'm often harsh, and not just to others, but especially on myself. I think the best way to change this about myself is to start small. Everytime I am discouraged, or worried, I need to turn it around and look for the positive.
My favorite thing to ask people is, "are you okay?" Honestly, I probably ask that question 100 times a day, because I worry about people. I want everyone to be okay, all the time. However, what if instead of asking people if they are okay, I encourage them that everything is going to be okay. That takes a chance to dwell on the negative and have a "bad day" and turns it into something positive, something that will motivate a "good day." I have to tell myself the same thing. Everything is going to be okay.
Everything is going to be okay.
Have a good day. :)
You too :)
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