Okay, so I'm not here to pump you up today about speaking positive things into your life. You've heard all of that before. As real as it is, and as much sense as it makes, sometimes we can be as positive in our minds as we choose, but life still stinks. We can keep saying that all will be well when we know deep down it won't. So we're essentially trying to fake ourselves out--to believe something that is unrealistic. Having said that, let me not become the new host of your pity party. But let's keep it real.
In order for things to happen in our lives, we do have to tell ourselves a different story. It doesn't have to be a fairy tale as we often choose to do. It should be a story that reflects the reality of our present and the hope for our future. Lest we spend too much time on our present situation and make ourselves depressed, we should remind ourselves of those times when we passed this way before and we overcame. Too often we act like our trials are new. More often than not, they're not. It stunk then and it stinks now. But what got you there? What stories did you tell yourself that landed you back in the same spot? "Oh, it'll be alright. I didn't take control last time, and that's why it got out of hand. But I won't let that happen this time." Or "If everything else falls into place, then it won't be bad like it was last time." Unless some unforeseen and uncontrollable tragedy strikes, you will likely face similar circumstances throughout your life if you're blessed to have a long one. The goal is to learn from the first time so that when you see it coming again, you are wise enough to avert imminent disaster.
The conversation you have with yourself is important. It should not be some superficial, cursory consideration of an event. But it should be well thought out and meaningful with actions that support your growth. Say to yourself, "The parts of this I can control, I will." Say to yourself, "I should not fall short this time because I know better. And when I know better, I can do better." Say to yourself, "I will take wise risks--risks I can afford to take. I know that big risks yield big rewards. But I will not jeopardize my peace because of bad decision making."
Be conscious of your talks with yourself. Don't excuse, belittle or doubt yourself. Be strong. Be courageous. Be faithful. And more than anything, be positive.
In order for things to happen in our lives, we do have to tell ourselves a different story. It doesn't have to be a fairy tale as we often choose to do. It should be a story that reflects the reality of our present and the hope for our future. Lest we spend too much time on our present situation and make ourselves depressed, we should remind ourselves of those times when we passed this way before and we overcame. Too often we act like our trials are new. More often than not, they're not. It stunk then and it stinks now. But what got you there? What stories did you tell yourself that landed you back in the same spot? "Oh, it'll be alright. I didn't take control last time, and that's why it got out of hand. But I won't let that happen this time." Or "If everything else falls into place, then it won't be bad like it was last time." Unless some unforeseen and uncontrollable tragedy strikes, you will likely face similar circumstances throughout your life if you're blessed to have a long one. The goal is to learn from the first time so that when you see it coming again, you are wise enough to avert imminent disaster.
The conversation you have with yourself is important. It should not be some superficial, cursory consideration of an event. But it should be well thought out and meaningful with actions that support your growth. Say to yourself, "The parts of this I can control, I will." Say to yourself, "I should not fall short this time because I know better. And when I know better, I can do better." Say to yourself, "I will take wise risks--risks I can afford to take. I know that big risks yield big rewards. But I will not jeopardize my peace because of bad decision making."
Be conscious of your talks with yourself. Don't excuse, belittle or doubt yourself. Be strong. Be courageous. Be faithful. And more than anything, be positive.
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