Our identity is ultimately defined by the fact that we are children of Heavenly Father.  Everything else can be fixed.  With this in mind, it is essential that we decide ahead of time to strive for mighty things rather than mediocrity, for when we achieve mediocrity, we tend to settle for something far less than Heavenly Father’s Plan.

Our peace of mind is not dependent on the idea that everything is going to be all right; but rather, it is based on the realization that because of the Lord’s timing, everything is already all right.  In other words, it is essential that we strive to be bold and optimistic.  Life is too short for anything less.  

At times, we may experience feelings of fear or defeat, but our hope and faith will get us through the toughest of times and make it possible to stop being lost.  At times we may seem to get lost, but don’t believe it.  Stay focused and know that these negative thoughts will pass.  Dare to be bold.

Gospel principles are the most effective blueprints to manage any problems.  This was true in the past, it is true now, and it will continue to be so in the eternities.  We are not victims in life, but victors who will continue to bounce back and rise above. 

We have assistance from both sides of the veil. We are proven commodities. We are here in this world by Divine Design, so decide to move beyond your previous self that may be filled with fear and confusion.

We need to remember that fear does not stop death, but it stops the enjoyment of life.  And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, but it takes away today’s peace.  So, decide to move beyond the darkness and dare to love.  Dare to define yourself in a manner that leads to happiness and peace of mind.  Don’t settle!  If we settle for less, we’ll get it.  We’re not here to settle!  We’re here to succeed.  Don’t be fooled by your fears.

Our identity is ultimately defined by the fact that we are children of Heavenly Father.  Everything else can be fixed. With this in mind, it is essential that we decide ahead of time to strive for mighty things rather than mediocrity, for when we achieve mediocrity, we tend to settle for something far less than Heavenly Father’s Plan.

Our peace of mind is not dependent on the idea that everything is going to be all right, but rather, it is based on the realization that because of the Lord’s timing, everything is already all right.  In other words, it is essential that we strive to be bold and optimistic.  Life is too short for anything less.  

At times we may experience feelings of fear or defeat, but our hope and faith will get us through the toughest of times and make it possible to stop being lost.  At times we may seem to get lost, but don’t believe it.  Stay focused and know that these negative thoughts will pass.  Dare to be bold.

Gospel principles are the most effective blueprints to manage any problems.  This was true in the past, it is true now, and it will continue to be so in the eternities.    

Don’t just exist, but live to the fullest. When we look for the beauty, we’ll find it.  If we’re looking for miracles, we can’t miss them.  The most important things in life are everywhere.   

We can be different than we ever imagined.  Because of the Savior’s sacrifice, we can grow beyond our old perception of who we thought we were.  What this means is that our old mistakes have not disqualified us from Heaven’s reach.  

We don’t have to allow fear and anxiety to dominate or immobilize.  We’re not alone.  Reach out for the Light.  We have assistance from both sides of the veil.  We are here to succeed!

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. Since then, he has written a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues.