Sometimes my emotions feel like the movie, Groundhog Day. The same feelings occur day after day. Sometimes these emotions are negative, which result in negative thoughts or vice versa.
One of my favorite quotes illustrates this truth.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Watch your words, for they become your actions. Watch your actions, for they become your habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.”
Our thoughts can become our destiny. Is your destiny being controlled by negative thoughts?
We are often encouraged to find and live out our true selves. The danger is that often our true selves conjure depressive, hopeless and discouraging thoughts. Instead of striving to be your true self, push to be your best self.
Our days don’t automatically begin with positive thoughts and emotions. However, by investing in our best selves, we have the ability to implant those thoughts and emotions and avoid an endless snowball of emotions.
I draw a lot of positives from my faith. One of my favorite verses says we are to think about whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Often times those are not my first thoughts. When reviewing my thoughts, I find it powerful to put a question mark at the end of them.
Thinking “Nobody will care about me today,” leads me to believe it. However, if I put a question mark at the end of it, it leaves room for hope. Now I can investigate and most likely will find there are people who care.
Controlling emotions will always be difficult. What’s good for us will always be hard. Eating that amazing looking doughnut, knowing it will be delicious and most likely brighten your day, will sidetrack you from your goal of keeping a healthy lifestyle. In the moment, our emotions may trick us into thinking they are the right feelings to live by, but in reality, they may ruin what we have worked toward.
At the grocery store, you would avoid moldy fruit that has flies. Why then in our minds would we nurture thoughts that are harmful and moldy? Be in control, pick the best thoughts, and be your best self.
For more information, or to speak with a chaplain, contact the Luke Air Force Base Chapel at 623-856-6211.
