By Wayne Hafner

The Law of Relativity is a powerful tool for keeping our thoughts in a positive space. It teaches us that nothing we experience is inherently good or bad—those labels only exist in relation to something else.

In other words, the events in our lives aren’t by nature good or bad—they’re just events. We assign meaning to them based on how they compare to other experiences. For example, let’s say a surprise bill arrives in the mail. On its own, that bill isn’t “bad.” It’s just paper and numbers. But we interpret it through the lens of our current circumstances: “Ugh, I wasn’t ready for this,” or “Not another bill I can’t pay!” That reaction turns it into something negative. But we also have a choice. We can shift our perspective and treat it as a challenge—“Okay, what creative opportunity might show up to help me cover this?”

If you ever find yourself convinced that you’re facing a truly “bad” situation, ask Heavenly Father to help you see it differently. Often, a simple comparison can reframe your outlook. Seeing your challenge alongside something even more difficult can instantly shift your perspective.

My personal paradigm shift with this law came after my wife Susan passed away. She wasn’t just my wife—she was my business partner, my eternal companion. Her death rocked me to my core. It’s been over three years, and there are still moments when the pain hits hard. The grief was (and sometimes still is) overwhelming. If you’ve ever lost your life partner, you know what I mean. That experience forever changed how I measure everything else. Suddenly, most other problems don’t feel quite so big.

Now, of course, that’s an extreme example. Thankfully, I don’t need to pull that comparison card for every hard moment in life. Like all of us, I’ve lived through plenty of ups and downs, and I have a whole library of moments to draw from for perspective. Most of the time, I remind myself that life’s challenges are just tasks to be handled. I do my best to approach them neutrally—not labeling them as good or bad, just what is. When something wonderful happens, I celebrate it and thank God for the blessing. When something difficult shows up, I compare it to something worse, adjust my mindset, and focus on the next step.

It really is that simple.
The challenge is in remembering that it’s that simple.
The answer is always one thought away.

There’s another side to the Law of Relativity that’s just as important: gratitude.

Most of us are working toward better circumstances, and that’s great. But growth begins when we find peace and gratitude in our current situation. The Law of Relativity can help us do that. It teaches us how to reframe what we’re experiencing and find the good right where we are. It opens the door to greater blessings by preparing our hearts to receive them.

Because the truth is: it’s hard to feel angry or bitter when your heart is full of gratitude. And when that shift happens—when we start thinking from a grateful, high-vibration space—our circumstances begin to change too.

So the next time life feels heavy, try this:

• Zoom out.

• Compare it to something harder.

• Look for the opportunity.

• Give thanks for what is.

• Watch how things shift.

Better things are always on their way when we choose to see through the lens of gratitude.