13. Fight self pity

A couple of months ago one of the church leaders in the area gave a great talk on this subject. He talked about how sometimes he sends out an invitation to himself to attend a pity party and he always accepts. He then spoke about how we can combat these feelings. We have much to be glad about. Think of it, the Savior has overcome the world. Why shouldn't we be of good cheer (See John 16)?
So next time you consider sending yourself an invite to your own pity party think again, and instead consider what Jesus Christ has done for you.

10. Don't withhold gratitude

Thomas S. Monson, a prophet, recently gave a talk entitled The Divine Gift of Gratitude. Last October he brought up a rather good point I think. He said, "The loss of loved ones almost inevitably brings some regrets to our hearts. Let’s minimize such feelings as much as humanly possible by frequently expressing our love and gratitude to them. We never know how soon it will be too late."

We never know when the end is. I hope that we don't let our pride hurt our relationships with family and friends here on earth.

To view a video about gratitude please click here.

9. Don't be jealous of anything or anyone

The 10th commandment given to Moses says, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s."1 Gratitude is the quick cure for jealousy. If we can remember everything that we have been blessed with we will be slow to covet other people's things. President Thomas S. Monson has said, "Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings."2

See what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes about gratitude.

3. Love and Thank Heavenly Father Often

I think that the key word in this one is often. Our Father in Heaven has given us so much. The least we can do is to frequently thank Him for what He has done. Also, when we pray to God, we usually thank Him at the beginning of the prayer for all the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. It is simply said in 1 John 4:19, "We love him, because he first loved us."

Thankful for a Change

       The other night as I was lying awake waiting to fall asleep I realized just how grateful I am to be able to sleep every night and rest my body and mind. It's a chance for us to forget about everything for a few hours and rejuvinate. I think it's important that we have that change of pace everyday. Right along with that is the changing of the seasons. I personally love fall. Summer draws to a close and everything slows down a little bit. Those are just a few things I am thankful for.

       There is a Mormon Message that goes right along with this. Check it out!

Please see:

Gratitude, on lds.org

The Divine Gift of Gratitude, by Thomas S. Monson

Looking at the Positive Side, by Elder Steinicke