The Power of Our Thoughts and Words
When facing a time of change, uncertainty and insecurity, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and sometimes helpless, and it is ok to feel these ways. In periods of darkness when our external world feels in turmoil, there are things we can focus on to find peace.
In times of unpredictability, more than ever, it’s true what they say: we are what we consume. This goes further than simply our diets, but the conversations we have, what we look at and what we think about.
Consuming wisely:
While the news is a great source of information and it’s good to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in the world, tuning in to hourly broadcasts can intensify and worsen any anxiety we may be feeling. Instead, we should try and perhaps limit ourselves to checking on the news twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This way we can know the important things that are happening, but our minds are not consumed by every detail.
Social media is an amazing platform to stay connected with those that we love, it’s also a breeding ground for comparison. We all react to things in different ways, and just because someone deals with something in one way doesn’t mean you have to do the same. If going on a run makes you feel happier, do that (as long as it complies with current government guidelines where you live). If reading helps to calm you, read away. If it’s simply a matter of putting on a movie to take your mind off of things, then do that. Find out what helps you feel good and don’t worry about what others are doing.
The words we speak:
Words hold great power. We can choose for them to be encouraging when otherwise deflated, supportive when we’re alone, comforting when feeling worried or motivating when experiencing a low point. However they can also be the other extreme. They can tear us down and make us feel worried or angry. When things go wrong, it is natural for this to occupy our minds and therefore our conversations. However, with our speech being one of our biggest freedoms in life and one of the most powerful things we have, it is up to us to decide which kind of power they carry.
Shift of focus:
When things don’t go how we planned them to and life takes a different course to the one we expected, it’s easy to feel at a loss and a little defeated. However, we cannot lose something that we never had. And what we do have, and will always have, is this present moment. Rather than focusing on what could have been, focus on the now. Go back to the things that are truly important in life and remember that there is always good to be found, and there is always something to be grateful for.
Faith:
Losing sight of any level of faith in unclear times happens easily. We can question where God may be and we can feel alone in trying to fight our battles. But, He is the Prince of Peace and . He is able to restore brokenness. So when we find ourselves in troubling times, even if only a small part of us holds onto our faith, remember that God’s healing hands and loving heart will come to light. Hardships do not last forever.
WORDS BY
Ellie Dalton
