Also, as you can see, in all faithfulness has yet another new look. I’m trying to
change things around to include more topics (As you can see in all the little
tabs above.) and I just cannot figure out a look to go with it. I’m not sure
how much I like this whole navy chevron design, so don’t be surprised if it
changes again. I’m open to comments and suggestions.
Moving on, I haven’t been sure what to write about. I wanted
to write something related to what I’ve been going through recently, but I just
got stuck. Sometimes I feel like when I write these, I’m writing to myself more
than anything. And I love that I have the opportunity to share my words with
others, so that they might be encouraged as well.
Today, however, I want to talk about something that helps me
in all aspects of my life. In some ways I have to be thankful for Crohn’s, for
it has opened my eyes to so much that I would have never even dealt with
before. Positive thinking, for example.
Okay, okay, so I’ve known for a very long time the
significance of positive thinking and how our attitudes greatly affect the
outcome of our lives. But...well, it hasn’t been until just recently that I
actually decided to start using this power, I always thought it was weird and
honestly it all kind of annoyed me. The mind is an incredible tool, capable of
so much more than we realize. Just look at the thoughts of someone who is, let’s
say, depressed. They consume themselves in “doom & gloom” type of thoughts,
always negative and hardly optimistic. Then compare this to someone who tries
to stick to an attitude of “everything will be okay”, “This will all work out”,
and they consume their thoughts with positivity and build up around themselves a
stress-free and calm environment. People like to look to them and say “Well,
everything just works out for you.” When, really, it could be the same for us
all. The mind has the power to build up or destruct the body. And as I am desperately
searching for the road to healing, I constantly remind myself “The mind can
heal the body”. And, now I really do believe it. The mind can heal the body. It’s all through perspective, attitude, and (no
matter how cliché it sounds), the power of positive thinking.
I’m currently reading a book, “Don’t give up, don’t give in”
by Louis Zamperini. He is a great inspiration to me, especially as I read about
what great trials he endured, but all the while still came out on top. He talks
a lot in his book about positive thinking. While talking about his grandfather
he says, “He taught me that by holding on to anger and bitterness, I would only
hurt myself. He often told me that the most important thing I should remember
was to “have a cheerful countenance at all times.” No matter how grim your
situation is, whether you’re lost at sea, or just having a bad day, keeping a
positive, cheerful attitude is the key to your own survival.”
To add to that, Proverbs 17:22 says “A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” And I love this verse because it
paints a vivid picture of a joyful, positive spirit, in contrast to a crushed,
negative one.
A positive attitude all-in-all helps us cope with every day
scenarios in a much less stressful way. And, seriously, I could go on and on in
little details, or I could be blunt and tell you that keeping a positive
outlook will pretty much make your life a lot better. It’s easier to tackle
each day, easier to seek God in the midst of it all, and don’t even get me started
on how your attitude affects those around you.
Oh, wait, it’s too late. Now I’m already getting started on
the topic. But, seriously, we all know what it’s like to be around that “Bah humbug”
personality. It starts to seep its way into your mindset, too. Grumbling,
complaining, worries, fear, stress, anxiety, anger, depression, need I go on?
However; can’t we all agree that a positive attitude is highly contagious?
Maybe I’m the only one who finds great joy from being around those with an
optimistic outlook. It lifts my spirit, whereas negativity only weighs it down.
Dries up my bones.
It’s a hard habit to get in to, positive thinking. But once
you start – it’s addicting. That sounds weird, I know... but it can transform
your life. Sometimes things are so dire that all we want to do is cry and curl
up in a little ball and wish the world to go away. Changing your way of
thinking can change the circumstances around you. Or at least change the way
you feel about them. And sometimes that can make all the difference.
I can’t wrap my mind around God’s creation. The mind and
body are just so complex...I can’t even begin to fathom it. As I mentioned at
the beginning of this post, the mind is more powerful than we ever realize. No
matter your circumstances, there is always hope to turn things around. The mind
is an incredible tool.
Thanks for reading along,
Faith
