One of my favorite songs this year has been “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive,” which was first published in 1944.  I like it not only because the tune is catchy, but also because the words inspire me.  Given that both President Monson and President Hinckley have quoted the song in their talks, it must offer some good advice.  Here’s the first stanza:

You’ve got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don’t mess with Mister In-Between

And here is my favorite recording of the song:

I think we could all use an extra dose of optimism, especially during this week of thanksgiving. As you do so, please consider the following words of wisdom:

President Monson:

This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues (Thomas S. Monson, “An Attitude of Gratitude,” 2000).

President Hinckley:

I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort…

What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Continuing Pursuit of Truth,” 1986).

I hope we can all “accentuate the positive” more often.

What do you think?