The author Robin S. Sharma said,"What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny." I have simplified this saying in my life to merely, "That which you focus on enlarges."
Think about it. When you are thinking about getting a new car, you start noticing that car everywhere you go. It's a simple concept. If we want love, peace, and compassion, why not focuson love, peace, and compassion?
This time of year always inspires a debate about the focus of Christmas. Is it too commercial? Have we forgotten the reason for the season? Or are people just channeling their inner Grinch? I don't know if there is an easy answer to satisfy the argument, but I would venture to guess that people's individual reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves. Because in the end, each individual is going to focus on what they want this time of year.
When everything around us is continually focused on the negative, I find this time of year to be a wonderful breath of fresh air. The hope, the joy, and the nostalgia of the season are unequaled at anyother time of year. So despite the negativity of the world, I am grateful for this season.
Russel M. Nelson said of the woes we currently face: "There is, however, a remedy - one that may seem surprising - because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith.
I am referring to the healing power of gratitude.
Ihaveconcluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription."