Confession: I am not very good at this.
Truth: Nathan does this naturally and I am so lucky to have him as my sensei in this area.
I don't necessarily look for the negative in others I just tend to dwell on it in situations. For example: Last weekend I forgot my purse and our hiking backpack at my parents' house. I saw this as a terrible blow to my perfect day that I had planned. Nathan saw this as an opportunity to spend that time with our families and go on a different hike I had wanted to do.
Another example: When our insurance was being awful and denying my insurance claim, I said this is unfair I am doing everything right. I fulfill my calling, go to the temple, read my scriptures...I would like to see some of those promised blessings now please and not have to deal with this. Nathan said that it was an opportunity to exercise faith and learn from our trials. (I know gag, right. At the time I wanted to hit him and say na-uh, but let's face it he was right...Don't tell him I said that!)
In short, read your Ensign from this month and do it. We can all work on it together. Thanks for being such a great example of this and helping coach me on my way to the glass half full, Nathan.
Here's another example, just for kicks and cause I'm sad rebels lost the Conference Championships. I was upset we were late. Nathan was grateful we had free tickets and got to be together on a fun date and that my sisters were able to come too.
I think optimism and gratitude are closely linked. Maybe if I listened to President Monson more closely last conference I would be a pro at this by now...baby steps.
I think that men are naturally good at seeing through the negative. I think that at least in mine and Andy's case, he is constantly reminding me that thing will work out and that I need more faith. Thank goodness we can find people that can balance us out!
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