Changing the way I think

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 NASB)

While exploring the topic of negative self-talk, it quickly became obvious this bad habit had served as a damper to success, suffocated great ideas right at the start, and influenced reactions and perceptions about situations in each of our lives.

I decided to embark on changing the way I think and made an effort to tune in to the messages that go through my mind. These are some of the strategies I have been learning about and trying to implement:

- When a negative message pops up, replace it with a positive one. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

- When faced with an obstacle or bad news, pray for a solution and imagine the good that God can bring to pass even out of a messy situation. “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Rom 8:28)

- When things seem to go all wrong remind yourself that, no matter how small, there is always a ray of hope in each situation and a light at the end of every tunnel. “I may have fallen, but I will get up; I may be sitting in the dark, but the Lord is my light.” (Micah 7:8)

- When you’re feeling overwhelmed, fill your mind with thoughts of God’s goodness and love toward you. “I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) [1]

Allow everyone to discover and experience the secret of happiness: living moment by moment and thanking you for everything you send us in your goodness, day by day. - Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

[1] Anchor Self-Talk or God Talk?