Choose JOY!

Take all your troubles, and put ‘em in a BAG.

Then throw ‘em out to sea. You’ve got plenty of problems. You’ve got plenty to be thankful for. The same could be said of all of us. We’re all in the same boat. The only difference is the degree to which we are blessed or plagued. Or the degree by which we perceive we are blessed or plagued.

There are many factors to consider. Our environment for example. In a hostile culture, it’s easy to accentuate the negative. The blessings still exist, but they’re drowned out by the noise and distractions around us. If you’re with grouchy people, it’s more difficult to keep a cheery disposition.
If you don’t get enough sleep, your defenses are down. Your patience wears thin. You’re not in a position to be gracious, and you just want everybody to shut up. You’re not nearly as nice. (Or is that just me?)

Or if you merely choose to dwell on what’s wrong, it can seem like the world is against you. Sometimes when I talk to My Lovely Wife and Life Partner Lois, I let off steam. I tell her my frustrations, (no, it’s not you) and the list gets more and more intense with each entry. So while it’s good to get things off your chest, sometimes I think it’s better to just let stuff go. Turn your brain to positive things. The Bible says “Set your mind on things above.” That’s a great idea. Because when you focus on God’s goodness and all His gifts, your heart and mind can’t help but change. The little annoyances start to fade. You just fixed it yourself, with God’s help!

Another way to promote a positive mindset is getting out of the house. Or at least move around in the house. A little stretching and cardio goes a long way to not only enhance long term health, but it makes you feel better right away.

So for those who struggle with mood swings, we have a choice. We can stew on what’s wrong, or we can discipline our brains to go the other way. Find something to thank God for. It doesn’t take long to make your list long. Start with the air, the water, your family, your home, your friends, your job, your goofy neighbor, your favorite song. Oh, yeah. Then thank God for making it all possible. I don’t know about you, but I feel better already. I should read my blogs more often!

So give yourself and those around you a break. Don’t make everything about you. Focus on others’ needs, and watch yours be magically filled. You can do it!

We all have many problems. Some are piddly, some are enormous. Stay in touch with God daily, and direct your thoughts and body in a positive way. It’ll go a long way toward keeping your sanity level, and your testimony strong.

And on behalf of everybody exposed to your new-found joy:

Many thanks.