The Power of Perception

"Happiness is an inside job. It’s up to YOU to DECIDE to think happy thoughts despite what the situation may seem like in any given moment."

Life definitely has it’s ups and downs. It’s never easy and it’s never fair. We all experience events and process emotions differently. Encountering some sort of hardship or trauma in one’s life is certainly inevitable. Life is hard and unpredictable and ever-evolving. We can’t control it, all we can control is our individual selves. If there’s negative energy surrounding me, I can remove myself. If my friend is a “Debbie-Downer”, then I can choose to change the dynamic of our conversation by only speaking of positive things. If someone is being rude to me, I can extend kindness to them. Is this difficult? Yes, these habits take discipline, but if our own thoughts and behaviors are the only aspect of our lives that we can control, isn’t the exertion of extra effort worth it? I think so! Knowing that you’re purposefully and consciously making the decision to be the best you, despite all other circumstances, can do so much for your overall happiness! Happiness is an inside job. It’s up to YOU to DECIDE to think happy thoughts despite what the situation may seem like in any given moment. With three key points, it’s literally that simple.

1. Control Your Thinking:

Proverbs 23:7 says, “for as a man thinks, in his heart, so is he.” That lets us know our thinking has the power to dictate who we are. Say goodbye to “stinkin thinkin”. Get your mind together! Sure, it takes time! It won’t come easy if you’re used to being fixed on a mindset of sadness, negativity, anger or anything else other than gratitude, joy, humility etc. Sometimes, it’s not enough to just think happy thoughts. You have to SPEAK over yourself too! Whatever your goals, dreams, and prayers are, say it out loud! Speaking self-affirmations will help keep your mind on the positive and also motivate you to actually pursue what you’re praying for. Implementing this practice has changed my life! Until I came to terms with this, I felt so much stress and anxiety every day about so many things. Now, I’m cool as a cucumber…pretty much all the time. But, am I human? Yes, so I still fall short. I get upset sometimes. I allow things to get me worked up, or I think about an old memory and get sad. It happens, but I just remember how great God has been to me, and I think of the joy that He’s given me and the future He’s promised me, then, I feel at ease. Every day, I pray that God would just fix my heart and mind on Jesus. It’s working. Nothing else in the world has brought me peace, but He does because I invite Him into my heart and mind daily.

2. Forgive Yourself:

Personally, I struggle with overthinking…about everything, including the past. I think about so many instances where I failed or made the wrong decision, and especially the situations where I allowed myself to be treated badly. Sometimes, the way people treat us can affect our perception of our own self-value. This is yet another reason why I had to learn step number one! I have to cut myself some slack and so do you! Of course, we have to hold ourselves accountable for mistakes/wrongs. It’s more than practical to reflect on how to make improvements, then take corrective action, but you shouldn’t beat yourself up. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings. Until you do, it’s nearly impossible to find the headspace to truly love and value yourself. So go ahead, realize that you have every opportunity and full capability to become better. It’s perfectly fine to mess up, but it’s necessary to forgive yourself, even if others don’t. If God is good with you, then YOU be good with YOU!

3. Take Some Time:

Healing takes time. Realize that you might not feel better overnight. Allow yourself some time to get intimate with God. An active prayer life is the only path to staying in alignment with God. And be not mistaken, it’s not enough just to pray, you have to listen for God’s voice and be obedient. Being close to Him has given me so much clarity about myself. He’s shown me who I really want to be and revealed what I need to change. Not only that, but He’s also equipped me with the directions I need in order to make these changes. Renewing your mindset is a constant work in progress. Some days will feel better than others. No matter what, the key is to bring your thoughts back to positivity and gratitude, even if those thoughts are not centered on yourself. I find it helpful to pray for others when I’m down on myself. Whether uplifting someone in prayer for their issues or celebrating their blessings, it instantly pulls me out of the state of self-pity. The bottom line is, give yourself all the time you need, and take it day by day.