That "To Do" List...

Our society today is busy and rushed.  There are so many tasks to be completed, we often come up short at the end of the day.  That “to do list” is never quite done before more items are added to it.  The stress and busyness ensue.  If one is not careful, the negative mind will say that failure has occurred or maybe the plan was not executed properly.  

 Our mind a wonderful organ, but often it steers us into believing we are less than what we were made to be.  We are of the Divine and are capable of so much.  What grows is what gets our time and attention.  If the attention is directed to meaningless tasks, what can grow from it?  A tired, stressed mind and body.  Often, time is spent in mundane or useless ways that does not bring forth fruit. How our time is spent says a lot about our character.

 We are born with nothing, and we will leave with nothing.  It’s what we do in between that matters most.  I believe each of us was born with a specific purpose and gifts to contribute to the world and can make it a better place for others.  

 “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).

 All people are made in the image of God.  Each of us are born with a purpose and calling that we can discover or completely miss.  Influencing of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us insight to His purposes for us.  We find peace and courage when we sense the confirmation of the Spirit that we are in the right place at the right time of our designated calling.  We can be on the right path or completely off the road.  

 We are made to be resilient and withstand the difficulties in life.  We are called to respond with graciousness, love and compassion to not only others, but to ourselves.  When struggles and difficulties come, and they will, it’s not those circumstances that define us, but how we respond to those circumstances.  One can choose to be thankful for the treasures and blessings given by our Lord, or choose to be down trodden, angry and resentful of the hardships.  

 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

 Anxiety and depression are often symptoms of inner struggles. Society deems to place boundaries on our minds and our lives leaving unrest.  It’s easier to be busy and a taskmaster than to take the time to just BE. Be alone with your creator and ask those difficult questions and listen for the answers.  Each of us have wounds.  There’s no way to be in this world without encountering wounds or suffering hardships.  That’s life.

 Here’s the good news….Life is abundant!  There’s a newness each and every day.  It’s a time to rejoice and praise our loving Jesus for all he has provided.  Start each day with a grateful heart.  Count the blessings, one by one.  Turn off the negativity in the brain and start to live your purpose.  Make this day one to remember.  Bless everyone you see with a smile, a prayer, or a hug.  “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Psalm 118:24).

Health Bite: Slow down….experience abundance!

Hard Wired

Why is our brain wired for negativity? I've heard before that negativity is the wrong with the human race. I believe it to be true. We tend to naturally find fault in the most simplest of things like the bread is dry or the water is too warm. Why can't we be grateful for what we have instead of picking apart the things we do have? Is each of us entitled to something more or something better? 

Maybe it's a way to build ourselves up and make others think we know something they don't. Perhaps making us seem like we have the authority over a certain topic. Negative emotions create stress and increased cortisol that can lead to obesity and inflammatory markers that have been linked to many diseases. 

Even with the knowledge of this information, some people are more inclined to be negative. Can we change or is this just the way it is? It difficult to go against what is a natural tendency, and it makes one wonder why some people are optimistic and more laid back. What did they do to make the leap from that negative tendency to one of positive tendency? Here are some suggestions to break out of your negative prison:

1. Since the brain can only have one thought at a time, focus on what can go right instead of what may go wrong. Negative thoughts are repetitive, unproductive thoughts that cause negative emotions. 
2. Criticism of ourselves or others can be the cause of strained relationships in your life. Rather than focusing on flaws look for things you admire or enjoy about yourself or those around you. 
3. Think of things you are grateful for instead of things you want or don't have. We often think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but negativity will follow you there too. Practice instead the blessings in life and being thankful for things money can't buy.
4. Humble yourself to others and give to them, especially to those who can never repay your generosity. There is such joy in seeing others benefit from a kind gesture we can provide. Those done in secrete are even better. The giver is always blessed more than the receiver. 
5. Don't forget to laugh. Laughter is medicine that can cure anything! Watch a comedy movie or go out with friends who are a positive influence.

Practicing each day, you too, can become a positive thinker. Be patient and give yourself grace. You won't win the marathon unless you condition, practice, and work hard. So just how bad do you want it?

Health bite: Look for the good and it shall come