The Young Women of attitude you have:
1. Do you often have a gloomy expression on your face?
2. Do you forget the many good things in your life and overemphasize the few things you
lack?
3. Do you feel sorry for yourself?
4. Do you think more of yourself than of others?
5. Do you think you have too much to do?
6. Do you expect things to go wrong in your life?
7. Do you blame others for your moods and behaviors?
8. Do you think life has been unfair to you?
Do negative or positive feelings dominate your life? Even if you answer that negative feelings are dominant, it is possible to change your attitude.
We will all have good and bad experiences in our lives. The trick is to not let the bad stuff get you down. Remember that little saying we said to get back at people who called us names as children? “I’m rubber and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” Remember that? Well, make like rubber and let the bad times bounce.
“A young woman in high school, happy, vivacious, was informed by the doctors one day that it would be necessary to amputate her leg because of cancer. This was done. She went back to school on crutches, still full of life, loving every minute of it. Then she was informed that the operation had been unsuccessful and that her life was rapidly drawing to a close.
“This young woman’s attitude could have been one of bitterness toward everything in life, but instead she was an inspiration to her family and friends because of her wonderful attitude. Her own words were: ‘I am thankful for the many blessings I have received throughout life and for my wonderful parents and family. I am especially thankful for this wonderful Gospel and for those who give their time to teach it to us. …
“ ‘Before my operation, I prayed that my leg might be saved; but the Lord told me “No.” Afterward I thought how selfish and earthly my prayer had been. I could see only the present, and it certainly didn’t seem that there could be anything for the best in losing my leg. The Lord can see much more, and he has the best interests of our whole future and eternity in mind’ ” (Victor L. Brown, “Take an Attitude Test,” Instructor, Mar. 1965, pp. 90–91).
This girl was able to face life’s challenges because she had faith in God’s plan for her. And so can you develop a positive attitude every day of your life: “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good.” (D&C 90:24)
