“Thoughts lead to acts, acts lead to habits, habits lead to character—and our character will determine our eternal destiny.” Ezra Taft Benson

Most of us have heard that our thoughts determine what we do as well as how we feel. I’ve been working on paying attention to my thoughts, and it’s downright scary. My thoughts often run amok. If I don’t rein them in, they carry me away into sad or frightening avenues I needn’t travel. Thinking positively doesn’t come easily to me—I have to work at it.  I point out to myself, as Obi-Wan told Anakin, “You’re focusing on the negative…be mindful of your thoughts.”

“The mind has been likened to a stage on which only one act at a time can be performed. From one side of the wings the Lord, who loves you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will bless you. From the other side of the wings the devil, who hates you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will curse you.

“You are the stage manager—you are the one who decides which thought will occupy the stage. Remember, the Lord wants you to have a fullness of joy like His. The devil wants all men to be miserable like unto himself. You are the one who must decide whose thoughts you will entertain. You are free to choose—but you are not free to alter the consequences of those choices. You will be what you think about—what you consistently allow to occupy the stage of your mind.” Ezra Taft Benson

This week, a loving friend reminded me that just like the Lord created the earth spiritually before He did physically, my thoughts will create my future world for me.  Setting goals, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and asking the Lord to help me see myself and my life the way He sees them, can all help me visualize and focus on the beautiful possibilities of growth, love, and success in this life. With an eternal goal of becoming like my Savior, Jesus Christ, and living with my Heavenly Family for eternity, I can “lay aside the things (and thoughts) of this world and focus on the things of a better.”

“Armed with knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and our identity as spirit children of God, Latter-day Saints should be the most positive-thinking people in the world. We know that our loving Father in Heaven has put us here to succeed—not to fail. That should help us walk by faith. We should be optimistic and confident that we are blessed to be a part of the divine plan, a plan of eternal salvation. If we want to be more positive minded, more enthusiastic, more optimistic, the solution lies within us…I would encourage you to think positive thoughts about your unique personality, your glorious future, the beautiful truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and your relationship to your personal Savior. Those thoughts will impel you to action, assuring you of a rich, productive life here and eternal lives and exaltation hereafter.” Elder Robert L. Backman

My thoughts are often unkind in regards to myself, my mistakes, my character flaws, and weaknesses. When those thoughts occupy the stage, I am, indeed, miserable. I think things I’d never dream of saying out loud, even to myself. (I don’t know about you, but I talk to myself all the time, aloud and in my head.) As Dumbledore says, “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean it’s not real?” The silent conversations are always the harshest, although I have been known to vocally call myself names when I’m disgusted with my ridiculousness or senility.

When my thoughts turn negative and I start to ruminate on reasons to be down on myself, I try to take notice. I write down each destructive thought and then prayerfully transform it into a positive, true statement, based on my knowledge of my divine worth and destiny. Instead of thinking “I messed up again. What an idiot. I’ll never get it right.” I tell myself, “I’m a daughter of God, with infinite potential. He loves me right now. I’m changing and improving every day.”

When I realize my thoughts are becoming a mournful list of the things that aren’t the way I want them, I stop myself. I take a deep breath and deliberately focus on all the wonderful and beautiful blessings in my life.  Gratitude immediately brings peace and happiness. Instead of thinking, “I hate being so far away from my grands!” I remind myself, “I’m so blessed to have those sweet angels in my life and the time and means to go visit them.”

When I’m fearful and anxious, with racing thoughts full of possible disaster and loss, I pray to replace, “I’m all alone…This is too hard….I can’t…” with the comfort of a loving Father reminding me, “I’ll be on your right hand and on your left, and mine angels round about you to bear you up.” I’m never alone and I can do this.

“And will you succeed?

Yes, you will indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)”

Dr. Seuss

When my mind is focused on the evil and darkness of the world in which we live, I pause to remember Jesus said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” I mindfully turn my thoughts to my Beautiful Savior.  What would Jesus think about? I try, then, to think of everything “virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy.” Before long, light replaces the darkness and my heart sings, “I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.”

“If thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, then we must think Christlike thoughts.” Ezra Taft Benson