Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about those things. (Philippians 4:8)
I once considered writing a book called, “What Was I Thinking!” about some of the zanier and down-right dangerous experiences that I have been blessed to survive. I can look back with laughter and realize that I was thinking…maybe not on the highest level…but I was thinking. The realization that we are always thinking is a biggie.
The next question is what are we thinking? How many thoughts do we waste on the things we do not want in our lives? I call it the Prayer of Despair when I am thinking and worrying about the things that I do not want in my life.
What do you want? What is your dream? What makes you laugh? What lifts your heart? What do you do that creates joy in your life? Are your thoughts on these things or are your thoughts filled with to do lists and drama.
Personally I grew up on Soap Operas and for many years when I was moving around and didn’t have time for a life, I often dreamed about the soap opera characters…they were more of a constant in my life than family and friends. Is it any wonder that I lived my life like a Soap Opera?
Do we think about real things that bring us joy or do we tell ourselves stories about what other people are thinking? Are our thoughts creative of the life we want to live or simply reacting to the daily circumstances? If we feed our children’s thoughts on a daily dose of violence and destruction with videos and games…what are we teaching them to think about?
Are our thoughts about how awesome our body is working or are we thinking about what is going around and what we could catch? Are we thinking about how beautiful our appearance is or are we thinking about areas that make us unhappy and create stress?
How often do we remember that this is Live…there are no do-overs or stop the game for a potty break. If we are doing stinking thinking…unfortunately it comes out in our attitudes and behavior for all the world to see or smell.
I often see people wearing “No Complaint” bands on their arms to remind themselves of how much complaining they do. What if we wore a band and changed it each time we caught ourselves thinking negative thoughts about ourselves or others?
What if we tested the power of positive thinking for a 30 day free trial? Every time we catch ourselves making up stuff, reading someone else’s mind, listening to dire predictions, listening to gossip, or thinking negative or judgemental thoughts, we stop and turn it around to a positive and express gratitude for being alive to enjoy the experience.
If after a 30 day free trial period, your happiness and ability to enjoy life has not increased…what have you lost? That is the reason it is called a 30 day free trial.
Support is the main reason that most people are not successful in making wellness changes in their lifestyle. Just as Support Groups have been proven to be the most effective means of making lifestyle changes with addictions, everyone needs the love and compassion of a Support Group in making Wellness Lifestyle changes.
What if…every Church and community had a Living Well Support Group which was open to everyone on a love offering basis? Each week, there would be a different practical instructive program on wellness through environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Wellness is a learned skill that must be practiced daily and what better place to learn this skill than a loving support group.
Love, Light & Lots of Laughter…Joa
joa@joacarter.com
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