ABC's

I really wanted to share President Thomas S. Monson’s message for January. The ABC’s of the New Year. I believe this is a great message especially for "A Happy Simple Life"

“Living the Abundant Life: At the advent of a new year, I challenge each Latter-day Saint everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life- a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABC’s in school, I offer my own ABC’s to help us all gain the abundant life. 

Have a Positive Attitude: A in my ABC’s refers to attitude. So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. We can’t direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose  a positive attitude.

Believe in Yourself: B is for believe-in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and have faith.  

Face Challenges with Courage: C is for courage. Courage to become a worth while and meaningful virtue when is regarded not so much as willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently. 

There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. Courage is required to make an initial thrust towards one’s goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve. 

May we remember these ABC’s as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours”