What are you thinking about?

Did you know you have the ability to think about what you are thinking about. I was probably well into my 20’s before I realized that, that I control the thoughts that I let take root in my mind. Why on earth I didn’t realize that before is a little funny and a tad bit mind boggling… but I am sure glad I realized it. I am not saying that I am perfect at this, heck I am actually not all that good at it but that little reminder in the back of my head “hey Rach, you don’t have to dwell on that” sometimes is the catalyst that gets me out of my terrible thoughts or my self proclaimed pity party full of all the brownies, wine and chips and salsa a girl can eat lol… okay, so my pity parties don’t really entail all of that but you get the point!

So, today when I woke up I made the choice that this was going to be a good day no matter the circumstances that happened to me… does that mean I am going to have a perfect day, I don’t know, maybe… maybe not, but I do know that I have the choice of  what I set my mind on. Today I am making the choice to dwell on the things that are lovely, things that are pure, things that are kind, gentle, positive, up lifting, peaceful, things that are excellent and when I do that I know I have a way better chance of staying on the positive side of things instead of completely falling in the ditch of “everything's awful and my life sucks”.   Today I GET to choose what I let sit in my head and have power over me. So, what thoughts do you need to take control of today instead of those thoughts taking control of you?

Here are a few things I use to help set my mind:

1. Stop and recognize what I am actually thinking about

2. Think about what you are thinking about

3. I have reminders written on my bathroom mirror that I read every morning to remind  me of where I should focus my thoughts

4. I choose that today will be a good day

5. I remind myself I have what it takes to do everything I am called to do today

6. Give myself grace when I get stuck in a ditch of negative thinking

7. I recite scripture that I have memorized

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:6-7