What we like

From my youth I've tried to get myself to like what was good for me. I tried to eat at least some of what was good for me, whether I wanted it or not to begin with. I listened to that which was considered better music (classical or uplifting), rather than just what was easy (rock, stuff with a beat). I even tried to read or watch stuff I felt would be good for me, rather than just what I liked at the moment.

As time has gone by, I find now that I actually DO like what is good for me! The things I like to eat are the things that are good for me. The music I prefer usually is that which is uplifting and of the highest form. That's not to say I don't eat other things too or occasionally listen to lesser quality music. The point is, that by taking positive action, I actually desire what is best.

It has been said that one who makes himself smile a lot, will end up having a happier face even when not thinking about it and when older. The more we consciously seek for what is best, the more we desire it, and the less we like lesser stuff.

Temperate

Elder Kent Watson's Fall 2009 conference talk really impressed me. He said, "Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.
"Likewise, a temperate soul--one who is humble and full of love-- is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride."

I suppose we have to undergo a heating before we can become "tempered!" That may not be fun, just necessary. If we have gold in us, that heat will be applied. Treat that heat and pressure as a compliment and as confidence in you. It wouldn't come if you weren't golden! Then get humble. Pick up the pieces and carry on, carry on, carry on!

Some other quotes from this talk:

"Security for our families comes from learning self-control, avoiding the excesses of this world, and being temperate in all things."

"Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast."

"Speaking of the Savior going through the atonement, bleeding from every pore, "With unsurpassed self-restraint, or temperance, His thoughts were not of Himself but of you and of me." And he did it in humility too.

I'm not a great model of this, but I'm working on it. I'm getting better. I hope you each will keep working on it too.