Focus On Gratitude

Hello again from Jordan - Peru,

It’s been a very good week.  My companion and I did some service, we met a lot of friends that came to church, taught a lot and met some really good people, went on exchanges, and had district council.  My companion and I have a lot in common. 

 

I have been learning this week about stress and mindfulness.  Something that can help manage stress is focusing on gratitude and developing self-compassion.  First, focus on gratitude.  “Notice what is around you.  Focus for a few minutes on what is right, good, and positive about yourself and the world.”  I had been writing in my journal everyday two things I was good at and one thing I want to improve on.  I haven’t been doing it lately so I started doing it again.  Second, be kind to yourself.  “Talk to yourself with the same kind, comforting words you would use with a loved one.” Developing self-compassion is very important.  Having bad thoughts about yourself can increase your stress and is not from God.  Perfectionism can also cause stress when we are too hard on ourselves. Having self-compassion can help decrease perfectionism.   Ether 12:27 is a classic and it says,  “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”  His grace is sufficient for all.

 

Have a great week!

 

Elder (Aidan) George

Pictures:

Elder Vilca and Me

A Great Group of Missionaries

Pollo a la Brasa

Apartment View

Ducks

View of the City