Rough Day?

We all have those hard days or times in our lives that discourage us and make us want to give up. A positive attitude is a must during those times, so here are some suggestions from New Era readers to help you be hopeful, even when things might be going badly:

Use challenging times to learn to rely on the Lord and grow closer to Him. When we are patient and endure our trials well, we become more like the Savior.
Serve. Focus on others and their needs instead of your own to get your mind off your problems.
Be grateful. Dwell on the positive instead of the negative.
Stop worrying about it. Do all you can do to resolve your challenges and then lay your problems at the Lord’s feet. Have faith that He will bless you with the righteous desires of your heart.
Seek forgiveness. Repentance can bring great peace when we have made wrong choices and need to return to Heavenly Father.
Talk to a friend or, better yet, counsel with your Heavenly Father. Pray.
Do something active. Shake those doldrums loose with some exercise or sport.
Read the scriptures; they are full of the gospel message of hope.
Do something you enjoy. Draw, run, write poetry, or whatever it is you like to do.
Ask for help. Your parents, family, and Church leaders want you to be happy.
Write a letter of encouragement to a missionary or to someone who might need cheering up more than you do.
Develop an attitude of happiness. Remember our attitudes are the results of our choices. You can choose to be happy even if your circumstances aren’t the best.
Don’t be so serious. Laughter really is the best medicine, and it cheers those around you as well.
Don’t give up. Know that Heavenly Father has a plan for you and, if you seek His will, things will turn out all right eventually.
Remember you are never alone. Christ has felt every heartache and pain that we might ever feel, so He knows how to help us. Rely on the Lord.

Illustrated by Keith Larson