What do you think about?
Did you know that those thoughts are choices playing out during the day?
And when our thoughts are in alignment with the goals, hopes, dreams, desires, pursuits in life-they are powerful for creating magic.
And when our thoughts are not aligned with those hopes, dreams, desires, pursuits-they have us hiding in a corner, feeling all victim-ey and without hope.
We put a lot of faith in our thoughts and love to argue the validity of them when someone else challenges our thinking.
I want to offer to you that when we put our faith in our own thinking, we create our own undoing. And when we put our faith and hope in God's thoughts, we can be transformed and renewed. Who doesn't want to feel lighter, refreshed, hopeful, sure?
Unfortunately, if we don't learn how to manage our minds we will be left circling mountains of hopeful wishing and never truly living.
Why does this matter so much? Do you like feeling stuck? Do you enjoy having the same issues come up over and over again with no real solution in sight? It may seem like a harsh question to ask, but doesn't living in the cycle feel just as harsh?
I had some thoughts this morning that were just driving me crazy about what to do with something that is pretty big and important in my life. I spent a little time journaling about the issue and was still feeling like my head was spinning in trouble instead of relief. So I did something rather profound, I went and told my husband my thoughts. I know crazy concept, speak to the person most closely related to my daily thinking and feeling prompts. Some times the conversations are crazy, profound, in love topics and sometimes they are I suck and I can't seem to let go of these negative thoughts. Even when I use scripture I still have the issue some days of not being about to see a new perspective.
That's why bouncing our crazy ideas or concerns on someone else is a great way to get a new perspective. John helped me see other options, reminded me of how God has created me and how giving up may seem like a great option, but not the one I'm called to make at this time. I felt better. I felt relief. I can now look at those scripture verses from a better focal point. Some times my thinking is extremely wide, like the Grand Canyon and other times it's just so narrow, it's like trying to find the Grand Canyon in the crack in my sidewalk.
I share a lot about taking thoughts captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT says, "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. This is what I did this morning as I was wrestling unproductive thoughts about my life and business. I presented them before God, and I presented them before my husband-hey God gave me a pretty smart partner and spouse. I have to work on teaching my rebellious thoughts. I am building a muscle of faith and truth. It is not always easy. Especially when those thoughts are directed to my personal view of myself when things seem like such a struggle. I created that struggle with my thinking, God has given me a clear and calm way out of it, by capturing thoughts and renewing my mind.
I love getting help from my tribe when I am wrestling with my thinking and I love to help other people renew their minds too.
You do not have to struggle alone. Find someone who has your back and can look at your thinking from big and more focused approaches. Be willing to trust what they are saying and seek scripture to support a new way of thinking and being. Be willing to put your thinking on hold for a while and invite in other perspectives. Maybe it will be enough to get you back on track or moving in a new direction. Having a team is useful.
What do you do if you don't have others in your corner? Reach out in your community, find other people who have struggled with some of the same issues and ask them how they overcame their struggles.
Be a light in your community. Offer to share your story, I know it can feel scary to be vulnerable so start out with the people you trust. You'd be surprised how grateful they will be that you opened up and shared with them. You will shine a light into dark places. Be willing to invest in the relationships around you and in having conversations with others.
When I was in some of my most darkest moments in my life I kept them hidden. But bringing them into the light with a trusted counselor, and a trusted mentor helped me to start healing. It took time. But keep bringing things into the light.
One of my favorite verses right now is from Ephesians 5:13; "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, and everything that is illuminated becomes light." It helps me to imagine that those thoughts that are causing so much conflict and pain in my life are the very things that when exposed become light and free.
I'm here for you if you need to share some thoughts that aren't supporting you. You will know exactly the ones to look for, they will be the ones that are causing you the most pain, fear or frustration.
Blessings!!!
DammGirl, You've Got This!
Shel