The Hope that Comes

So much of our life is the perspective that we have on it. When we choose to perceive only the negative things that come into our lives, we basically close our eyes to the possibility of true happiness. Choosing to change our perspective on life, can have a huge impact on our feelings of acceptance or adequacy and ultimately our happiness.

I am writing tonight about the hope that we can get when we choose to change our view and open our eyes to the light of Christ. When we actively decide to open our eyes and see all of the amazing things that we are blessed with everyday, it can help us to understand a bit better, that we are truly loved by our Father in Heaven. He has not forgotten us, and He cares a great deal about our well being and our joy. If you struggle to feel the love that your Father in Heaven (God) has for you, I would ask you to look at your life, truly look at the good things that you have.. Whether it be your loved ones, your accomplishments, your home, your goals that you have been able to reach, whatever makes you smile.. And realize that Heavenly Father knows how much you need those things, and how He realizes that you need those happy things in your life.

Have you ever heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? Everyone who has taken Psychology of Motivation, has heard of Maslow. I'll share it with you:

Maslow believed, that there are basic elements that are required to achieve true happiness in life. The all balance each other, and they build from on another. It starts out at the bottom of the pyramid, with Physiological needs, the basics: breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis and excretion. Obviously we need those basic things to live. Then it builds, adding our need for Safety; security of body, employment, resources (money ect.), family, health and property. Then continuing to get to happiness, you add Love and Belonging needs: friendship, family, sexual intimacy. Then Esteem needs come into play, with; self esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, and respect from others. After all of these things are in order, then comes the possibility for Self Actualization and true happiness, which include; morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of facts. 

I know that is a lot of information to take it, but basically, it is impossible to realize true happiness, and see the possibilities, without the basic needs being met first. Getting there can be difficult at times, especially when there are a lot of things going on in your life that can way you down and burden you, but everything is made possible through prayer. Honestly, prayer is so important to being able to even create those basic physiological needs of a person. Choosing to make an effort to feel the love that your Father in Heaven has for you, and realizing that He pays attention to your wants and needs and how He blesses you in your life, can make it easier to fulfill those basic needs. Forgetting ourselves and serving others can help a lot with that as well.