Happiness comes with a positive attitude

What would you think if I told you that you could become highly fortunate in an instant? This is true! From the Bible, in Romans 12:2, we are told, "And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what (is) the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Happiness guru to speak in isles

"Eight Steps to Spiritual and Material Riches" will be the theme of a Sept. 24 seminar by motivational speaker and author Terry Cole-Whittaker.

Cole-Whittaker, author of "Dare to Be Great" and a monthly columnist for Science of Mind magazine, has been interviewed on television talk shows like "Larry King Live," the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Good Morning America." Author of five inspirational books, she travels widely to lecture on principles that will lead to spiritual, mental and physical well-being.

She will speak at Unity Church of Hawaii, 3608 Diamond Head Circle, Sept. 24 at the 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. services.

Reservations for the seminar from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 can be made by calling the church at 735-4436. The cost is $35 in advance and $45 at the door.

From this teaching, we can understand that all it takes to be happy, prosperous and loving is to have a new mind -- a spiritual mind. "Be not conformed to the world" means, do not think as the people of the world think, but think in the spiritual way. This tells us that there are two ways to view life: One is from fear, lack and limitation, and the other is from love, abundance and happiness. The glass is half empty or half full. Same amount in the glass, but one point of view brings disappointment whereas the other brings good feelings and optimism.

One day, I told a friend that I was surprised how dark and gloomy the day was. She informed me that this was because I was wearing dark glasses. The moment I took them off, the day was bright and sunny. Instantly, my mind was renewed, as I saw the day as it truly was and not through a filter of darkness. Once we put on the dark-filtered glasses of fear, anger or resentment, we might feel justified for our negative emotions and attitude. But instead of hurting or getting even with others or stopping their good fortune by our negative emotions and pessimistic outlook, we ruin ours.

Everybody wants to be happy, and we can be in a moment, simply by changing our attitude. What some people do not understand is that they are in control of their mind, thus they can feel wonderful or miserable. It is their choice.

A positive person is open to their possibilities, whereas a negative person sees only loss and hardships, so this is what comes to them. Even if something valuable comes, they will find something wrong with it or it won't be enough. By considering ourselves as fortunate, we will always find the blessing and gift in every situation. This is the true definition of a positive thinker. For example, losing a job when perceived in the spiritual way will be a blessing because the person knows that when one door closes, another door opens, and a much better job is waiting for them. Some fall into despair and give up when there is a problem or difficulty, whereas another will seek to find the lesson, apply it, go forth with confidence and become victorious.

Challenges make us strong and bring out the best that is within us when we seek to overcome them and not be beaten down because of them. On the other hand, a person who gives up, blames God and others for their problems or succumbs to self-abuse or the abuse of others brings even more ill fortune upon themselves and becomes more afraid and dejected in the process.

Mistakes, perceived losses or ill fortune, when used correctly, cause us to turn to God and the sacred principles of successful living for our answers and solutions. In this way even the most tragic experience can become a turning point that transforms us because we view it from the spiritual point of view, the path of love and perfection of the soul. Praise God, life is good!

The Rev. Terry Cole-Whittaker, author and lecturer on sacred principles for successful living, will speak at Unity Church of Hawaii at Sept. 24 services and an afternoon seminar.

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