Life Is A Reflection of Choices.

Hello! Happy October!

Did anyone else do a double take when they realized it was already October? I did. Life is happening so fast. I feel as though I blinked and 2018 was in its last quarter.

“I’m just too busy”, says everyone.

Time flies…whether you are having fun or not. It seems we never have enough of it, but in truth we always have the same amount. We know this fact. Every single day we are given 24 hours…1440 minutes. That never changes. So we can argue that time isn’t the issue. It never has been. If we don’t have time to do the things we want to do, the ones that bring us bliss or build a better future–we can only blame ourselves.

Life happens whether we are actively choosing it or not.

Yes, we all have responsibilities. We have spouses, children, jobs, activities…the to-do’s are really endless. And sometimes unexpected events happen.

Honestly, when I have a “free” evening I sometimes get a sinking feeling of perhaps I am just forgetting what I am supposed to be doing… Today I had an open evening(which is why I was able to start this post), or so thought I did until I went to pick up my son from football practice only to realize he wasn’t there. He had a game that was out-of-town. Failed Mom moment. They happen all too often, but this one left me feeling extra horrible. Heavy with guilt I was brought to tears wondering where my priorities lie. Thinking too harshly about it without giving myself any sort of break or sympathy. This spiraled quickly into negative thoughts not worth repeating.

The truth is I just forgot. Somewhere in my career building, grocery shopping, engaging conversations, meal making average Tuesday I totally spaced out and didn’t double-check my calendar. Rookie mistake.

Wrong Choices.

If we aren’t happy with how we are spending our time we are making the wrong choices. We make an average of 35,000 choices every single day(says the internet). I have a feeling most of these are out of habit, but every day gives us an opportunity to make NEW choices.

Our lives reflect our choices.

Life is happening to us, and at the same time is determined by our reaction to it. Not just external reactions, but internal ones. Reflection. What we say to ourselves. Our internal dialogue. Thoughts.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, 
Your thoughts become your words, 
Your words become your actions, 
Your actions become your habits, 
Your habits become your values, 
Your values become your destiny.”― Gandhi

How do you talk to yourself? What lies do you believe?

I think most of us would be embarrassed to admit that we are our very own live-in, unescapable bully. Our self-conversations lack words of loving kindness(to put it nicely).

Your thoughts are shaping your life experiences.

A better life starts with YOU. Love you. You are doing the best you can do, and if you aren’t confess this and choose to give it your all.

I’m not talking about perfection. I am encouraging you to see the progress within yourself. Give yourself a break, pat on the back, bear hug…smile at yourself in the mirror. Not a fake smile. A real one. Like so big your eyes squint.

You are loved. Act like it. Accept God’s love and let this fill you up. Choose Him. Focus on His presence, which is found in the present moment.

Stop letting your negative thoughts shape your life. Stop caring about what other’s think. Start reflecting on what God thinks of you. By doing that you will find great peace and purpose in life.

Where to start?

Speak love and kindness into the moments you are given. Live with integrity. The world doesn’t know your story and likely won’t understand you, but He does. Be submissive to His Will. He doesn’t want your sacrifice, He wants obedience.

What is God’s Will?

We can find it in His Word.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”(Romans 12:2 NKJV)

We must be TRANSFORMED. Not just with our outward reactions, but also our internal–the way we think and feel. We must start with transforming our minds.

Change your thoughts and you will see your life begin to transform before your eyes.

Practice.

This takes practice. Every time you choose to see yourself and the world through His eyes you step further into the journey of transformation. Each life experience brings a new training course. A deeper fullness.

Overcome bad thoughts with God thoughts.

This may require changes in who you surround yourself with, what you listen to, read and what you allow yourself to take in through any of your 5 senses. Use your 6th sense to determine what is right for you. Pray about it.

Start NOW.

Every day is a new beginning.

Have confidence in your choices and make the most of your 1440 minutes.

Elizabeth

 

 

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