Can you change your own mind?
Listen until you hear Jesus' voice.
Our subconscious never sleeps. When we are driving, eating, working, scrolling our social media sites - our minds are always producing thoughts. Some of us would pay to turn this off. What we tell ourselves through our thoughts is what we hear throughout the day. People have the ability to change their thoughts and mindsets to be predominantly positive. Being negative and self-destructive never helps any situation but staying positive is one of life's most difficult challenges.
Truths about being a optimist or a pessimist :
Pessimist:
Self-destructive.
Unsure, low self-esteem.
Critical of self
Critical of others
Lacking Trust and full of doubt.
Feelings of heaviness
Optimist:
More healthy and happy.
Conducts positive actions and produces positive outcomes.
Can remain positive in most situations.
It takes minimal effort to see the bright side.
Uplifting and Inspiring.
Productive
Here are seven ways to clear your mind of negative thinking:
“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.”
1. Change your body language.
Every now and then make a conscious effort to observe yourself and what your body language is saying to those around you. Sit up straight, smile or seem ready to be engaged by others, and be more approachable.
2. Talk it out with the Lord.
If you are dealing with some things that are causing you more negative thoughts than positive, go into prayer. Talk to God about some of these things. Let it out. Decipher what the root cause of this negative thinking is and address it. You can also talk to someone but be sure it's someone who is in your best interest otherwise this could be self-sabotage. I push prayer before speaking to individuals because it has a better outcome for me.
3. Meditate on Jesus.
Spend one minute calming your mind of all thought. Sometimes we just need a moment to clear our mind and reset. You can focus on a sound that is happening around you (AC, silence, etc.) and just focus in on that sound and every time a thought comes up you can cancel it out but going back to that sound. The more you do this the better you'll get at it. Give your mind a break and try it. Go on!
4. Change the tone of your thoughts.
When you start to realize you are experiencing a bad moment by having a negative thought just stop yourself. Speak to the thought in your mind and counter it with a positive thought. Never let one negative thought slide.
5. Be creative.
If releasing the energy by singing, dancing, drawing, or writing helps then by all means channel your thoughts into these areas. Personally, I always feel better when I sing it's like therapy. I feel so much better after 15-30 minutes of singing.
6. Take a walk.
If you're surrounded by stresses, excuse yourself and go for a walk. Walks are beneficial to all. It clears your mind and is refreshing. Gives you a break and sometimes can feel like a segment of a vacation. You owe it to yourself to have alone time and to check out once in a while.
7. Write down what you're grateful for.
I tried this for the first time in high school. Every morning make it a habit to grab a pad of paper and a pen (or notes app on your phone) and make a list of at least 5 things you're grateful for. Do this every single morning. This helps put things into perspective for you. If you pray in the mornings and spend time praising and thanking the Lord for your blessings - this has the same effect. Writing it down helps you reflect on it throughout the day. If you have a bad moment that day just pull out that list it always brings your mind back to your grateful-morning moments.
Our minds are constantly producing thoughts:
“…Put on the Whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil….”
Responsibilities.
Good and Bad Conversations we've had recently.
Friends and Family
Wants and Needs
Self-Perception
Worry. Any of the above can be something we worry about.
I cannot say that all of these thoughts are a curse from the devil. I can say that our minds have a way of going against ourselves.
Not all things that come from our adversary sound like this. Sometimes it can sound so good, like everything we ever wanted. Sounds like music to our ears. Other times we can see Satan coming from a mile away. Jesus is talking to you all day (whether you can hear him or not. This depends on your relationship with him) the devil talks to you all day as well. Discernment and faithfulness to Jesus will ultimately reveal things to you as long as you are seeking after Him.
Understand that Jesus did not give you this negativity or form of depression and it will Never come from Him. Even when He is chastising us, He is still so gracious and long suffering. Thank Him for His loving kindness. This is why we MUST stay prayed up. This is why we must stay in His word.
