The Transforming Power Of Attitude

The Transforming Power of Attitude

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. . . . For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:13, 15

HOW DO YOU ENHANCE the seasons of your relationship? Or, how do you get from what I call a winter marriage—one that’s negative and full of frustration—to a spring marriage—one that’s full of hope and renewal? One strategy is to choose a winning attitude.

Most athletes would agree that winning is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent hard work. If that is true in the world of sports, it is certainly true in the world of relationships. Spring marriages are created and sustained by positive attitudes. Winter marriages are characterized by negative attitudes. What we think largely influences what we do. In turn, our actions greatly influence our emotions. King Solomon acknowledged some of these truths in the verses from Proverbs above. Optimism breeds more joy, but negativity feeds on itself to make us feel even more downcast. When faced with the choice between constant trouble and life being a “continual feast,” who wouldn’t choose the latter?

This connection between attitude and actions opens a door of hope for all couples. If we can change our thinking, we can change the atmosphere of our marriage. The most common mistake couples make is allowing negative emotions to dictate their behavior. By failing to recognize the power of a positive attitude, they don’t achieve their marriage’s highest potential. The good news is that you can choose your attitude.

Heavenly Father, I know my attitude can make all the difference in how I view my marriage and even how I interact with my spouse. Please renew my attitude with hope and optimism.

Attitude