M is for Mindset

{My A to Z Challenge for 2013 has the cool theme of being chronically ill. It’s going to be fun, so stick around!}

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M is for Mindset
Mindset. Yes, I know it probably feels like I’m talking about this a lot for the challenge. The reason for that would be because it’s such a huge part of my life. Sometimes it feels as if that’s all the control I have over how I feel. If I’m taking my vitamins, cleanses and eating the right foods, I’ll probably feel better than if I wasn’t doing that, but it doesn’t guarantee that I’ll feel good. Yet if I wallow in self pity and continually dwell on my poor state of health, that’s pretty much a free ticket to feeling horrible. I know because I’ve experienced it, and believe me, it’s not worth it. 
So, what do I try and have my mind set for? Well, positive things, of course! Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 
It’s hard though. It can be really just plain hard to keep a good mindset. Especially when you lay in bed for hours during the day, too worn out to move or even read, and yet not able to sleep. Especially when you know someone isn’t understanding what you’re going through. Especially when you can’t eat what everyone else is having and you feel left out (actually, I got over this one a while ago… It did really bother me for a while though). 
Yet, if you stick to positive thoughts, cutting off those negative ones right in the bud (even when they make you feel justified!), and replacing them with positive thoughts, it really does help. This is still something I’m working at. 
Some things that help me:
1. Reading positive books (such as books by John Maxwell, or Zig Ziglar, the Bible, Etc…)
2. Listening to the Bible, especially when I don’t have the energy to read
3. Making a commitment to myself to cut off negative thoughts right away
4. Thinking of things I’m thankful for
5. Encouraging other people
6. Imaging what it will be like when I’m health and feeling well
7. Reading/watching stuff about WW2 or other difficult times, and realizing that I really don’t have it that bad after all (this only works at certain times though)
8. Listening to positive songs, here, here, and here

5 thoughts on “M is for Mindset”

  3. Anonymous says:
    Reply

    I love what God has taught you through this, Aidyl! He shapes us in different ways, and His work in you is now shining through to us! And I love Praise You In This Storm. 🙂

    This is one song I have passed to lots of people going through hard times. It's really encouraging! 🙂
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ti1SULYteI “Sometimes He Calms the Storm.”

    Rebecca

    Like

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