Okay, so it’s not the New Year, but there’s never a bad time for a new resolution, so here’s what I propose: I suggest we all resolve to be a little more positive and take a view of optimism.
It’s not as hard as it might seem. An LDS children’s hymn tells us that …
If you chance to meet a frown,
Do not let it stay,
Turn that frown upside down and
Smile that frown away.
No one likes a frowny face,
Trade it for a smile.
Make the world a better place by
Smiling all the while!
A bit too simplistic, you say? Well, maybe so, but surely there’s no harm in trying. In a General Conference address in 1995 President Gordon B. Hinckley said of the early Mormon Pioneers “They had doubts, yes. But their faith rose above those doubts. Their optimism rose above their fears.” (“Stay the Course—Keep the Faith,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 70)
I bet if we pull ourselves up and out of the dust, we could find a way to rise above our own fears, face our own challenges, jump our own hurdles. It’s true we might stumble and fall from time to time, but at least we’ll be moving forward and I bet the journey will be a lot more fun then if we go around with a frown all the time.
A recent study by Tali Sharot, a post-doctorate fellow at University affected by our mental outlook. If we see everything as doom and gloom, then that’s what we’re going to get. Conversely, if you can see the silver lining in all the clouds hanging over us, we’re bound to feel a little bit better.
Unfortunately, researches can’t say for certain why some people can face life’s challenges with a happy attitude, while others succumb to feelings of hopelessness. But there is proof that a positive attitude is good for our physical health. Optimism fuels our hope that there are better days in our tomorrows.
God loves us. He is our Heavenly Father, and as a kind and loving Father, he desires for all of us to be happy. “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Josh. 1:9) No need for a frowny face when God is on your side.
Smile, it’s good for you.
