STARTING OFF STRONG...

This is our first great grandchild, a little boy,...His name is Tracen Ray McCoy...he lives in Wyo. and we haven't seen him in person yet but can't wait to meet him! He has lots of blond hair...what a beautiful baby!
Reminds me of the saying; "A baby is God's sign that the world will keep going on." New beginnings, new hope, more to love...isn't it wonderful?! We all have so much to look forward to and have faith in, especially when we look to God.
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I just wanted to share some ideas about being strong, resilient and happy. As we start off this new year I'm sure some are feeling a bit weak in the knees and perhaps even worried about what this year will hold.

" Resilient people are like trees bending in the wind. They bounce back"

Research has shown that resilient people share some common qualities...ones we can cultivate to master any crisis.

1. They stay connected....they let themselves rely on others sometimes, to help them survive tough times.

2. They are optimistic...People with a sunny outlook do better at managing a crisis. Negative thinking is just a bad habit, challenge yourself to look at the problem in a more positive way.

3. They are spiritual...generally people who are active in a religious faith tend to get through difficult times better, they are less likely to be waylaid by depression.

4. They are playful...they can enjoy themselves as children do, they wonder about things, they experiment and laugh and love.

5. They give back...the benefit you derive for yourself is as great as what you give out to others.

6. They pick their battles...They focus on things over which they have some influence and do not spend time on things they can't control. Wallow in anger or fear, or move on? It's up to you.

7. They stay healthy...A good diet and regular physical activity provide crucial buffers against stress. Exercise literally helps to repair neurons in brain areas that are susceptible to stress.

8. They find the "silver lining"...they convert misfortune into good luck and gain strength from adversity. They see negative events as an opportunity to better themselves or become a better person.

We need to remember too that Satan is alive and well and goes about trying to disrupt our happiness. I like these thoughts on that...

"To help us from being overcome by the devil's designs, which are;
despair, discouragement, depression, despondency and distractions,
the Lord has provided at least a dozen ways which, if followed,
will lift our spirits and send us on our way rejoicing." (Ezra T. Benson)

Repentance.... Prayer .... Service.... Work
Health.... Reading.... Blessings.... Fasting
Friends & Family.... Music.... Endurance.... Goals

Remember...Don't start tackling tomorrows problems until tomorrow. You don't have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today, We don't need to know what will happen tomorrow. 90% of what you worry about never happens!

My motto this year is...BE HAPPY
And my wish for each of you is happiness, each and every day, make your mind up to find a happiness in your day and treasure it...it just may help to create a year full of happiness!