I have been getting down on myself lately. Things have not been working out the way I want them to (economically, socially, personally) and I start to question my abilities and wonder if I am good enough. We had a Stake Relief Society fireside last night entitled, "Hope in Challenging Times." Sister Peterson talked about how women today are bombarded with messages that make them have negative thoughts about themselves. She quoted a sister in the church who said if she were Satan trying to stir up trouble for God's kingdom, she would launch a full-scale assault on women. The Lord needs strong women who know their worth, and Satan is trying very hard to make women feel like they are nothing. All of us have fallen victim to this attack at some point or another. We feel like we aren't pretty enough or smart enough or funny enough. We sometimes feel like we aren't worthy of God's love and divine help. But all of these thoughts and feelings are false.
My Relief Society President texted me this morning with a message from a talk she had recently read. It said, "As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His atonement. It is the means whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things." I have found this to be true. Even when I am going through rough times, I can still be happy if I let the healing power of the atonement come into my life. Sister Peterson also talked about how we should recognize the tender mercies in our everyday life. They are there even in times of trial. We just have to look for them.
So I have decided to start what I call "The Pollyanna Project." As you recall, Pollyanna, in the movie Pollyanna, says that no matter what is going on in your life "there is always something to be glad about." For the next few weeks, I will be picking out the little accomplishments and miracles that happen each and every day of my life.
Here are the things that I have picked out so far:
- November 13: I received a priesthood blessing that reminded me that my Heavenly Father is aware of my struggles and that He wants me to succeed.
- November 14: I took out my scriptures for my daily scripture study and found a package of Smarties that I had forgotten about. I ate them with great satisfaction :)
