The mind is a powerful thing!
Have you ever felt paralyzed, unable to function properly due to negative thoughts bouncing around in your head? These are often thoughts of regret, worry, and fear. It’s very likely that you disregarded this negative thinking as having any real consequence to the happenings of your day to day life.
It’s so easy to dismiss the incredible power of what we think about. Many of us don’t actively monitor our thoughts and feelings because we believe what’s going through our minds doesn’t really matter. Nothing could be so far from the truth!
What you look for and focus on (think about) will ultimately manifest itself in your life. When you expect good things, more good things appear. The opposite is also true. Focus on the negative, and you will encounter more of the problems and challenges you are thinking about but really don’t want. Zig Ziglar used to call this “stinkin thinkin”.
In a real sense, what you decide to focus on and think about, will determine the reality of your life. A wise friend once told my dad, and I paraphrase, “…dwell on the past only enough to learn from it and appreciate it, as it is otherwise now fantasy. Dwell on the future only enough to plan and anticipate the goodness you expect ahead, as it is also fantasy. Strive to live in the present moment, being grateful and appreciating it as the only thing that is real”.
My friends, it’s not easy, but when you can employ effective strategies to discipline what you think about and focus on, it doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges and difficulties on the journey ahead, but your joy will be increased and your positive response to those challenges will bring blessings in the midst of the struggle. Then you will be able to say that the best is yet to come!