We all need a reminder on this subject from time to time.

Today I was having a conversation with a lady as her husband sat nearby. During the conversation, the lady seemed to dwell on negative things either from past situations or those currently going on today in the world. Her husband was quick to chime in and say that this was generally all she knew to talk about. Being that she’s an older lady, it is hard to get someone to change the way they have always operated. However, I attempted to help her today. Her husband said that as they are driving along in the car together that she will sit for miles in silence without sharing with him what is on her mind. The wife said that was because she is thinking all of this negative stuff, and he has already let it be known that he does not want to hear it. The husband said that she acts as if she has never had any good happen to her in her life. He said it was as if it was all doom and gloom through every single one of her days. The lady did not really have a defense. She admitted that she does tend to look at the negative in the situations, but she was not sure why that was.

I attempted to help this lady today by suggesting that every time she thought of saying something negative to, instead, think of a positive she could share about the situation. Some times this is easy to just shift your thoughts, while at other times it can be extremely hard to think of a positive in the situation. There is always something to be thankful for, we just have to find it and focus on that instead!

The key here, though, is that you have to WANT to change. If you are content focusing on the negatives, you will just not have any desire to change. Other times, you may not even be aware that you are focusing on the negatives. I know I have gotten caught up in the negatives without realizing it until someone else pointed it out. I was actually thankful when they did because I do not want to ever come across as some miserable person that just finds fault or dreams up every negative in the situation. I have a LOT to be thankful for, and I am so very grateful! I want it to shine through! I want happiness and love to flow through my veins and out where every one that comes into contact with me can see it! I want to smile, sparkle, and shine my light bright for the world!

It used to be that people encouraged you to talk about it. Whatever is bothering you, just talk about it to get it out as you’ll feel better after you do this. Some times that is true. Other times, it makes it WORSE when you talk about it. It is almost as if you are giving extra power to the thing that has gotten you upset in the first place. Re-living it by telling someone else what happened only seems to get you fired back up on the subject. Maybe in this case, it truly is best not to re-live the situation. It’s hard to know when you truly do need to talk about it and get it out, or when you would just be better off not reliving the event. I know, for me, I have gotten myself worked back up over an event that has passed just as if I was living in the moment with it happening for the very first time. The feelings and emotions start awakening, and before I knew what happened, I was fired up and getting angry all over again. This is not good at all. I have decided, then, that it just is not worth me getting upset all over again by retelling the situation. Instead, I will pray about it and attempt to “let go and let God.” He can handle that situation, no matter what it is, with such grace and mercy. God is good!

To wrap this up tonight, there are two points I want to make sure you’re getting:

1. There’s ALWAYS something good in every situation and ALWAYS something to be thankful for! So, with that in mind, when you are tempted to focus on the negative, purposely stop yourself and find a positive in the situation.

2. God gives you grace to go through a situation. If you re-live a situation that was upsetting to you the first time, chances are that you will get fired up again in telling the store. In this case, it truly is best to not re-live it and just let it be. Pray about the situation, and then “let go and let God!” He can handle it and does not need our help! He has it under control.

Until next time …

Blessings to you and yours,

~Shirley
Light, Love, Hope