By Robyn Young

"I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet."
— Ancient Proverb

Have you ever been around one of those eternal optimists—the kind of person who, right after you’ve finished venting about something frustrating, somehow manages to find a silver lining?

I know... isn't it a little irritating? 😉

But here’s the thing—it’s all about perspective. Those optimists have learned a key truth: “good” or “bad” is all about how we choose to see it.

The Law of Relativity teaches that any given situation is neither good nor bad—it simply is. We’re the ones who assign meaning to it through our thoughts. And here’s the empowering part: we can change our thoughts.

No matter how challenging life gets, there’s always someone out there facing something even harder. Keeping that in mind helps us stay grounded in gratitude—even during the tough times. And the more we practice gratitude, the more joy we experience.

But the Law of Relativity isn’t just about putting a positive spin on life’s challenges. The real power comes when we begin to see those challenges as blessings in disguise.

Jennifer’s Story

Jennifer was born into a set of circumstances that most would call extremely difficult—maybe even impossible—to overcome. But her parents knew something important. They knew she needed to believe in herself and her ability to rise above. They taught her to think in ways that led her toward success, despite her challenges.

Video: If I Only Had a Car

No matter how bad our circumstances may be, we can always find someone who has things worse than we do.  Understanding that it could always be worse can help us to remain grateful in hard times. The more frequently we practice gratitude for the things we have, the happier we are.  The Law of Relativity, however, is about more than just putting a positive spin on our hard times. The power in the Law of Relativity comes as we begin to see our setbacks as blessings.

Scripture Story #1: Alma and the Poor Zoramites

In the Book of Mormon, Alma goes to preach among the Zoramites and is approached by a group of poor people. These individuals had worked with their hands to build synagogues but were then cast out and persecuted simply because they were poor.

They explained their discouragement to Alma—and what does he say?

“It is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues…”

Wait—what? How could being cast out and rejected be a good thing?

Alma explains in Alma 32:12:

“I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom.”

What they saw as a trial, Alma saw as a blessing—one that could lead them to greater understanding, and ultimately, freedom from their current struggle.

Scripture Story #2: Ammon and the King’s Flocks

Another example comes from Ammon, another missionary in the Book of Mormon. While serving among the Lamanites, he became a servant to the king and was sent to help tend his flocks.

When robbers came and scattered the sheep, the other servants panicked. They feared for their lives, knowing what had happened to those who’d failed before. But not Ammon.

Instead of seeing doom, Ammon saw opportunity.

“Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying: Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the wickedness of these men. And they began to weep exceedingly, saying: Behold, our flocks are scattered already.

Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words.”
(Alma 17:28–30)

Ammon didn’t just stay positive—he leveraged the situation to help those around him. He saw how even a “bad” moment could serve a greater purpose.

Lemonade – Alex Boyé Style

“You can be bitter, or you can be better.”
Overcoming the instinct to dwell on the negative is one of the most powerful things the Law of Relativity can teach us.

When we learn to keep our thoughts high, no matter what’s happening, we gain the ability to benefit from every experience.

We’re taught to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18)—and in return, we’re promised marvelous blessings:

“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious…”
(Doctrine & Covenants 78:19)

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