Tuesday, April 15, 2008

As a WoMAN Thinketh, So is She

"A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."

One of my favorite books is As A Man Thinketh. I read it first when I was a teenager and it has resurfaced several times in my life at learning crossroads. Last night it made it's way onto my night stand and into my hands. I needed the empowerment it provided and the reminder of the challenge to better control and use my thoughts. A reminder that I am the master of my mind and that so much of what happens in my days is a result of my perception, attitude, and desires. The power is in [us] wherein [we] are agents unto [ourselves]

"to live continually in thoughts of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be in a self-made prison hole. But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all-such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor"(As A Man Thinketh-James Allen)

...and from a greater source

"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and problems of life, and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we concentrate on the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we halt the sounds of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort... What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that spreads through our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was inclined to speak critically of people or events, my father would say: 'Pessimists do not contribute, unbelievers do not create, doubters do not achieve'."(First Presidency Message,The Continuing Search for Truth-By President Gordon B. Hinckley)


Here's to being an optimistic contributor, believing creator and hopeful achiever...to the life long- moment by moment- journey of making my thoughts fit for the portals of heaven.

14 comments:

Amanda said...

I have never read it, but if those quotes are from that book, then you certainly have lived what you have read. I was describing you to someone today...and the only idea I could come up with to truly represent you was one of those spring days, when it's nice and warm outside, and the sun is shining on everything. You are to me the ultimate optimist who can see the good in everything. Hmm...maybe I SHOULD read that book!

H-less said...

Here's to friends who see you as you long to be!

JAMIE said...

When i read this I was thinking about Steve. You 2 really are very similar

Margaret said...

That was a beautiful post! You radiate all of that.

Clean Cut said...

I love it. "For me, for you", this is one of my favorite posts "from you for me". Okay, enough with the Randy Jackson impersonation--"Dog, this was hot!"--this really said it all. It's obviously something you know I've been thinking about recently--having more faith--being more believing and willing to find the good--"skeptics do not contribute". It's amazing that when we begin that kind of path we begin to start feeling so much happier. Our biggest task is to continue and not resist it--but to let that spirit touch our spirit and pervade our thinking. I love these quotes, but most of all, I love you! You really do radiate light, love, and goodness. I'm so blessed because of you. You're simply amazing.

Rebecca said...

Love that book, Love the quotes, Love your optimism...Love you!

Bethany said...

You really are one of the most opptimistic, happy people I know. Our thoughts really determine our outlook of the things that happen to us. This is a lesson I've been learning over the past year.

Jared and Delia said...

You are an inspiration. Thanks for the quotes. I agree with Amanda. You really do emulate what you put in this post.

SusieQ said...

Great quotes! You are the embodiment of them all. Thanks for your shining example.

Kelly Nordfelt said...

You are always so positive. Does it ever get exhausting sprinkling sunshine all the day long? No, it probably doesn't. What a great quality you have. Also, that book looks good, and so does your new profile picture. Oh yeah, I'm glad to see Kristy Lee Cook leave.

Marlies said...

Becca keeps reminding me that I need to keep up on your blog because you have the best posts. She is SO right. Even though we really have only had very brief encounters I have been truly amazed by you and the amazing spirit of the gospel you radiate. It does look like amazingly you found a match for a husband. If you don't mind I am going to add you on my blog so I can remember to read your uplifting words!

janet said...

I can always count on an uplifting positive post every time I come to your blog. Keep spreading the sunshine, girl!

Tamara Cobb said...

Hi Sara!! Looks like life is going well for you guys in Texas. I love seeing pics of you and your family. I can't believe how old we are. It seems like it was not that long ago that we were walking ourselves to Holiday to buy some 10 cent candies...

Anonymous said...

Hi my sweet sweet Sara Ann,
I'm sitting here talking to you at the same time I am reading this. I love you so much an don't think it is fair that you live so far away. the girls are darling. give um a big hug from grandma judy happy day. momma