Inner Strength

 Maybe it's just the time in my life, but I think it's pretty easy to get in the habit of complaining. In fact, some say I have a free pass right now being pregnant. My hormones are all over the place, Im sick, exhausted, gaining weight, cramps, I have more anxiety, and the list could go on. 

Maybe that works from some. If it does, by all means go for it! For me though, that never settled well. It was very temporary and fleeting. Complaining demands attention, sympathy, and even a sense of entitlement. (which is fine I guess, except it doesn't really FIX anything). I think it also encourages codependency and insatiable desire for compensation. 

I'm not here to criticize anyone. Everyone complains, including me. Ask my friend Kris or my husband James! No one is perfect, everyone has their stuff. We live in taxing times! It's okay to vent, blow off steam, express emotions and getting things off your chest. In fact that's healthy! 

What I don't think is healthy is wallowing in it, which has happened a time or two to me! Ive been in dark places, battling depression, disorders, discouragement, despair, and loss. Satan is the greatest deceiver and those are his tools he uses carefully to manipulate our views, our thoughts of ourselves, and EVEN our surroundings. It's a dangerous and vulnerable place to be. 

Sometimes we are so lost, we think that all the doubts and fears that we have are actually reality. It's a misconception and lie. There is always hope. Obviously, doubt and even fear have a purpose and reason, and can even be beneficial in the right setting. However Satan likes to pervert and twist things and if not articulated closely, it's easy to be caught in his deception.  

 I have wrote previously in other posts that Ive just been hit with a plague of different challenges in the past 6 months. It's been so difficult! There were many tearful nights and  hollow filled days.

The thing that has always rung true for me though is digging deep and looking within myself. Ive tried so many times to find a out way out, but the only true way out is through.

Being optimistic can be strenuous at first. Thats because it's an act-something you physically have to work on and for.  No one else can do it for you. Whether that be cognitive therapy and relaying encouraging thoughts and mantras to one self, verbally expressing gratitude more often,or maybe it might be looking up hopeful stories, or looking to the scriptures and praying to Heavenly Father for inspiration. Its an act. It's something that's being done, practiced, repeated, and GAINED. If I haven't sold you yet, it's pretty self sustaining and has life long lasting effects.

One Quote that has stuck through the years is one by Gordon B Hinkley "It's not as bad as you sometimes think it is. It ALL works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it all works out....."

 If the prophet himself tells himself that every morning, then surely I can too. 

There is REAL power in words and speaking them. They have the ability to mend a heart, and even heal the sick. Think of prayers, priesthood blessings and even speaking the Lords name can cast out demons. 

 Since I know I am SOOOOO susceptible to this.. I find such strength in positive affirmations. As November nears my heart is full as I think of all the many hard, but good things that have transpired. 

Christ is a role model to all. He suffered and endured well. Even until the end.  I know that going through these experiences will not only help me be closer TO him, but be more like him and once again I draw strength from that.