Fake it until you make it?

30 Days of Affirmations

I am having such a good time with my affirmations program. Today my affirmation is : I have the power to choose my own attitude. Many times I have heard the “fake it until you make it” saying, or “be positive!” “Ligthen up!” It is true that I do want a positive attitude and taking the first step is important, but I am really exploring what is behing my actions. What are my real motivations? Perhaps I am in a place of worry, anger, sadness or loneliness. I tried faking things for a while and it wasn’t as effective for me. When I stepped back, stopped my frantic paced life and observed things as they really were, as I become more present with my habitual patterns of thought, emotions, etc. I came to the realization that I wanted to change, from the bottom of my heart. So as I choose to act towards that direction, I also pay attention to my heart and where it is. Before making decisions I look at my motivations and where I am standing.

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I see how this goes hand in hand with the principle of Faith and the role of the Holy Ghost in my life. Faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings, but not just blind faith in anything. My own faith is centered in Jesus Christ. As I have received a personal confirmation that I know that He lives, has atoned for my sins and has the power to help me with my weaknesses, I can move forward with confidence for his grace to uplift me , guide me and strengthen me through my process of change. I not only wish to have a more positive attitude, but I wish to have a more intent and loving heart from which all my thoughts, words and actions can flourish. As I pray for and invite the Spirit to change my heart, along with my acts of faith, I can feel that progress occurring.

One of my favorite passages from the Book of Mormon says:

Moroni 7:48 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.”