We all come to earth with different personalities. Add to that the environment in which we were raised, and we find ourselves with some pretty definite behaviors. Behaviors are the habits we live by, mostly without even thinking about them. Our decision-making processes, our self-esteem, our confidence—all come from habits we have formed. And sometimes these habits were formed in reaction to negative events. Maybe we withdraw from crowds because we were once embarrassed in front of a group of people. Maybe we immediately think life is hopeless because we have failed a few times. Whoever we are right now does not have to be who we will be in the next few months. We can change. We are meant to change—for the better.
The question is how?
Our Heavenly Father blesses us when we do the best we can. After our best effort, He asks only that we have faith. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “Faith is a strong conviction about something we believe—a conviction so strong that it moves us to do things that we otherwise might not do. ‘Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see’” (“Fourth Floor, Last Door,” Oct. 2016 general conference).
Repent. Change. Repeat. That is how we progress, receive blessings, and find joy in our own growth.
