Lesson 41

Lesson Title: "Optimism"

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Resource Guide for Young Women Manual 2 at lds.org.

OBJECTIVE:

Each young woman will seek to develop a cheerful, optimistic attitude.

PREPARATION:

1. Make copies of the “Attitude Test” for each class member.
2. Optional: Make copies of the poem by Emily Dickinson, found at the end of the lesson, for the class members.
3. If it is available in your area, show “The Power of Compassion,” from Family Home Evening Video Supplement (53276).

ATTENTION GETTER:

Attitude Test 1. Do you often have a gloomy expression on your face? 2. Do you forget the many good things in your life and overemphasize the few things you lack? 3. Do you feel sorry for yourself? 4. Do you think more of yourself than of others? 5. Do you think you have too much to do? 6. Do you expect things to go wrong in your life? 7. Do you blame others for your moods and behaviors? 8. Do you think life has been unfair to you? Teacher presentation Ask the young women to evaluate whether negative or positive feelings are dominant in their lives. Explain that most of us will have negative feelings at times, but if we have more negative times than positive, it is possible for us to change our attitudes.

LESSON:

CONCLUSION:

Explain that we cannot always control circumstances in our lives, but we can control our attitude toward them. It is possible to develop a more cheerful, optimistic attitude that will lead to better health, more beauty within and without, closer friendships, and greater opportunities to serve the Lord and our fellowmen.

MID-WEEK ACTIVITY IDEA: