Victims Of Our Thoughts?

Today on twitter Max Lucado said "We are not a victim of our thoughts. We have a vote. We have a voice. We can exercise thought prevention." Naturally, he got me thinking. Can we honestly call ourselves victims of our own thoughts? Rationally can we explain to ourselves that it is against our own will that more often than not our thoughts run rampant about irrational, impractical, and far fetched scenarios? Are we really the victim? Poor little us, right? Wrong. Max hits the nail on the head with this one. again. No we are not victims if we do not want to be. I can't tell you how many nights I have laid awake stressing over things that probably are not happening or things that probably will not happen. So why do I waste so much time on useless thoughts that really only lead to sleepless nights and to be honest a little too much acid buildup in my stomach? I'll be the first to admit I'm guilty of throwing myself a pity party with the best of them. What purpose does it serve? It doesn't serve one. All these negative thoughts do is pull us away from reality and what is most important. The devil is one sly dude if you really think about it. He finds us when we are at our weakest and really hits us hard. Afraid about what you are going to do with your life or how a relationship is going to workout? Here he comes with his thought "jedi mind tricks". He is so crafty!


Please tell me there is some good news and some hope! Well never fear there is something we can do to avoid feeling like the "victim". We CAN exercise thought prevention! If we really slow down and "pump the brakes" on these fear and anxiety based irrational thoughts we can really approach them more healthily. I find sometimes have to give myself a little pep talk that kind of goes like "Caroline, you are losing touch with reality. Slow down, really ask yourself if this is rational and even is it possible. Are you really as bad off or as adrift as you think?" Probably not. It is usually not as bad as it seems. Another instance where I and Im sure a lot of people really lose a firm grasp of reality. Another way to exercise thought prevention that goes hand in hand with this pep talk approach is prayer and God. The word of God is a true comfort in uncertain times. Tell me what is more certain and comforting than God's promises. Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." How comforting is that? There are so many instances in the bible where we are comforted and given hope. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Peter 5:7 to name a few more. When approached with thoughts that bring us down such comfort is so powerful. There is nothing like retreating to the word of God to send the bad thoughts out.
When we really think about the idea of being "victims" of our own thoughts it really does seem manageable. Yes I know, easier said than done. But teaching yourself to slow things down, breathe, and retreat into the word are a good start to help combating such negative thoughts that seem to plague us in our weakest and darkest times. Our minds can play terrible tricks on us and playing the victim roll is no way to live. I don't think its fun for anyone and I know it isn't fun for me.


Have a great and safe week especially all of you spring breakers!


Caroline


You should probably follow Max Lucado on twitter: twitter.com/maxlucado
Books by Max Lucado that I recommend: Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear 
                                                                   When God Whispers Your Name
                                                                   Facing Your Giants

Lent

Ok, so i'm not Catholic but I find Lent to be great concept. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. In the bible Jesus went into the wilderness, fasted and was tempted by the devil for 40 days. Besides the spiritual aspects and benefits of it it also promotes self-discipline in those who participate. So, although not being Catholic, I always usually make some sort of pact to give up something or start doing something. I've given up fast food, cokes, and many other things in the past. I know people who have given up sugar, facebook, or carbs (ambitious). And while I commend these pledges I cant help but want to be a little more complex in my choices. This is a great opportunity to grow closer to God through all acts of giving up some of our favorite things.
My Lent Pledges: I'd like to make a more conscious effort to read the bible everyday. A Catholic friend of mine once for Lent chose to read at least a chapter of the bible a day. This has the makings a good habit. I can honestly I do not spend enough time with God's word or in prayer. The second thing, Prayer. Prayer deserves its own blog post but in short I want to establish a more intimate relationship with God. I want to start by praying more during the day. I pray before bed and during the really stressful days at specific times. But I thought why not add a concrete prayer time during the day? So I will add a noon prayer. I thing this will be good because some nights I find myself excited and looking forward to my bedtime prayer. And here is something that will be one of my most ambitious and most difficult things I am going to try and make a conscious effort in: Improve the health of my relationships. I would say I struggle most with my interpersonal relationships. It really isn't any way to live. I consistently find myself lonely, disappointed, and upset over how my most important relationships play out. Now I know i'm not the only one who struggles with things like this. But isn't life about growth? Why not use the next 40 days to work on one of the lowest points in my life? I need to examine why I feel like I repeatedly find myself in certain situations with certain feelings. I need to return to some of the basic building blocks of any strong and healthy relationship: communication, honesty, compassion, and understanding. Also heres where I get into trouble I forget that pesky old adage "people cant read your mind".
Needless to say I have a lot of work to do and i'm ready to take on this "Lent season" with these pledges. I hope you all (Catholic or not) practice some self-discipline in your daily lives that inspire constant growth and improvements. It really is beneficial in so many ways.

First blog, scratching the surface

This is my very first attempt at a blog. Bare with me and maybe i'll eventually get the hang of this and write something somewhat interesting. If it isn't interesting or thought provoking on any level don't mind me. I'll just "keep on truckin". So the reason i'm starting a blog is because I always find myself reading other people and find the concept of a blog so interesting. You are telling what you think about something, big or small, which at times can be cool and liberating. Plus, it might get less random traffic as opposed to facebook or the twitter which has its benefits. So here it goes. First blog is in the books. BALLGAME.
Next time i'll probably post with some more concentrated purpose or direction. It really could be just about anything because if you know me I am all over the place. Alright. Again, ballgame.