Overcoming Discouragement

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows."  ~ Helen Keller

I think it's so easy to get discouraged in life...when circumstances are tough and things don't seem to be going the way we want...when things happen to us that are out of our control. I've been learning recently on an entirely new level that we really do have the power to control the thoughts that we have and the attitude that we have. You hear all the time, "Choose to be happy" and sometimes when I've heard that in the past, I've wanted to roll my eyes and say, "Yeah, whatever..." but it really is true and we just have to learn how to react when storms come our way. I think it takes practice and discipline. 

I had a good conversation a week or so ago with some friends and we talked about how we can control our thoughts and feelings in certain ways. In those instances where we start to feel discouraged or bad in any way, we can recognize that we're having that thought & replace it with gratitude. Instead of allowing those negative feelings to settle in and fester until we magnify them into what feel like big, stressful situations, we can stop them in their tracks and think about things we are grateful for right now in our lives. I've been focusing on controlling my thoughts a lot & I still have a long way to go but I can already recognize how I'm improving & I'm happier because of it.

I found these Joel Osteen quotes & I love them because they totally apply to me & how I've been feeling the last year or so.  And I love him.  Everything I've ever heard him say goes along with what we believe.  Apparently I need to read the book that all of these quotes come from.

“You may be sitting around waiting for God to change your circumstances. Then you’re going to be happy, then your’re going to have a good attitude, then you’re going to give God praise. But God is waiting on you to get up on the inside. When you do your part, He’ll begin to change things and work supernaturally in your life.”
― Joel Osteen,Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

“When you go through difficult times, make sure you pass the test. Don’t be stubborn and hardheaded. Recognize that God is refining you, knocking off some of your rough edges. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. God has called each of us to be champions; you are destined to win. If you will work with God and keep a good attitude, then no matter what comes against you, the bible says that all things – not just the good things in life, but all things – work together for your good.”
― Joel Osteen,Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

“Certainly, none of us enjoy going through struggles, but you have to understand that your struggle may be an opportunity for advancement and promotion. The very thing you are fighting against so tenaciously may be the springboard that catapults you to a new level of excellence. Your challenges may become your greatest assets.”
― Joel Osteen,Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

I've also been reading conference talks everyday which automatically makes you feel happier & reminds of you of the proper perspective of life and how to overcome it's inevitable challenges. The truth is that we can't do this alone! There is no way I could overcome the trials I have faced and will continue to face without leaning on the Lord.

Here are just a few talks I've read lately that have profound messages about adversity and how to overcome discouragement.  They are seriously amazing talks!  Read them!

Healing Soul and Body (By Robert D. Hales)

Overcoming Discouragement (By Val R. Christensen)

Adversity (By Dallin H. Oaks)

Adversity (By Henry B. Eyring)