So, I decided to make a list...a few tips on how to channel the 'gift' that is my mind, so I can have some peace. And maybe stop taking things so seriously.
1. Reconsider some habits.
We all have habits we get into and don't really think about too much, These things can precondition us to immediately react a certain way to things we see and hear. Like the t.v. shows we watch or the websites we browse, the social media groups we follow, even just the people we feel we should concern ourselves with because we think they're important (or detrimental) in some way to our happiness. Turn off the t.v., stop tuning into the websites or social media groups and let the people go...stop concerning yourself with them. Clear out some of the white noise that just doesn't need to be there.
James 1:8 "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it."
2. Make time for things you enjoy.
The extra time you have on your hands can sometimes be abysmal for your mind and its analytic tendencies. Fill your extra minutes with hobbies that you enjoy. Try something you have never tried before. Accomplish a project. Your mind will be too busy with the tasks at hand to be concerned about blowing problems out of proportion.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
3. Think grateful thoughts.
When you are in the shower, doing dishes, sweeping, cooking, walking to the car, etc., purposely think about the things you are grateful for. Make long, glorious lists of the wonderful things in your life and praise God for them. This works like a shield, keeping the negative thoughts from weaseling their way into your brain.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
4. Talk to the people you love.
The people you have in your life who love you will encourage you. Talk to them, not just about what bothers you, but open new topics...find things to laugh about and interesting anecdotes to share with one another. When you talk about positive things with others it leaves you feeling lighter and happier.
Romans 14:19 "So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another." (AMP)
5. When the negative thoughts start creeping in, put a stop to them.
You may not always be above thinking about things that make you go crazy, but you can choose to reject all the negativity and get control back. Many times we let our imagination take over to the point where we start emotionally acting out on nothing more than conjecture! Let the Truth have center stage and kick the confusion to the wayside.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
If you have the same struggles that I have then I hope that you find this list beneficial. It is easy to get caught up in thinking about issues in relationships, family drama, the taunts of your enemies, the stress and pressure of trying to measure up to some impossible ideal you have set for yourself. These are the problems of life, but they don't have to consume us. We have the choice, we have the ability to put an end to the negativity and to be the person we are designed to be.
Happy, loving, honest, fun, interesting, lovely, compassionate, graceful, insightful, welcoming, joyous, delightful, faithful, calm, exciting, strong, invested, dependable, willing, ready, able. :)
