Sunday, November 13, 2016

i've been thinking too much: positivity edition

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Hey, y'all. I wanted to share something with you that has been on my heart as of late: positive thinking.

As a self-proclaimed Serial Overthinker, I have a lot of thoughts. A LOT. Which could potentially be a wonderful thing, provided that I'm thinking about something beautiful, like the mountains, or music, or cozy coffee shops.

But more often than not, the thoughts swirling around in my head are worries and fears about schoolwork or my body or the future, which in turn affects my mood and the way I view the world around me. And how I see others and myself changes how I treat people. 

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Something I have been learning about in my entrepreneurship class is direction. The direction in which we choose to approach a problem or goal can determine the outcome.

FOR EXAMPLE: If I wanted to learn to play the violin, but came at it thinking that I wasn't going to be very good, or that I couldn't do it, I might not be as successful in my violin lessons. 

This was so interesting to me: the way we think about things affects how we act. Perspective is so vital. Our thoughts influence how we hold ourselves, how we speak to others, our outlook on the day. So, I've been contemplating how my negative thought patterns are actually keeping me from living that full, joyful life that Christ died to bring me. 

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Changing my negative thoughts to positive ones is still something I'm thinking about, and I admittedly haven't figured it all out yet. But I'm excited to keep moving forward.

WHAT I WANT MORE OF:
Thinking joyfully. Having a mindset of thanksgiving and prayer instead of trembling with fear and anxiety. Being grateful. Seeing myself and others the way God does. Replacing worry with the Word. Celebrating with others instead of envying them.

+ Blogging fam, I'd love to hear your heart on this matter. How do you approach positive thinking? How do you get rid of negative thoughts? Do you struggle with this, too? What encourages you?

18 comments:

  1. Im really glad you brought this up. Ive been learning the same thing in my psychology class and its been super interesting to me. since Ive become aware of how destructive my thinking patterns can be, I've found myself noticing them more and more. Im working on correcting them to change. It reminds me of Romans 12:2. "do not be conformed to this world. but be transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND." (Thats one of my favorite verses.)

    GREAT POST :)

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    1. That's so cool that you're learning this too right now! Psychology classes are so awesome. I wish I had explored that field a bit more. And I love that you brought up Romans 12:2 because that verse has been on my mind lately. The renewing of your mind part is so vital, because the mind shapes how we walk through life. Great verse! Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment. Made me smile. :)

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  2. I am the absolute worst at positive thinking. It's something I'm trying to work on, but honestly I think it'll always be a struggle--some people are hardwired to think more positively, some more negatively, and finding the right balance (positive, yet realistic) is tough. This post was really inspiring, though. Thanks!

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    1. Oh, me too! It's so difficult. I would agree that different personality types may be more prone to ruminating or focusing on negative thoughts, but it's still something we should work to overcome. A lot of prayer helps me, and replacing my bad thoughts with the Bible. I'm glad this post could inspire you! Thanks for your sweet words. :)

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  3. Wow. I really needed this. Thank you. My entire morning has been me worrying over silly things and bringing myself to tears in frustration over tiny things. This post really helped me. :)

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    1. You're so sweet! I'm glad it helped. More often than I care to admit, I find myself in that overthinking/worrying space, often with tears! This week has been all about giving those worries over to the Lord (sometimes kicking and screaming) and letting Him take care of everything. Thanks for commenting!

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  4. This is the most beautiful thing... I want more of this. I want to frame this and put it on my wall. This is awesome and such a light and so needed. :)

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it. I want to frame your comment and put it on my wall, haha. It's so interesting to see that we all struggle with this. It just goes to show you can never know what anyone is really struggling with in the mind, because it's unseen. But we are the lights. :)

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  5. I'M SO BAD AT POSITIVE THINKING. I'm a complete overthinker too, and overthinking leads to worrying and it's just a bad slope. I'm trying to work on being more positive and thankful, too. I try to take lots of photos of happy things, and then look back on all of the moments I can be grateful for when I'm stressing out.

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    1. OOH GIRL ME TOO. No lie, it's something I'm writing about right now in hopes that it will encourage me to make that change. I like the idea of photo taking. That's a great visual reminder of all the things that are truly right and wonderful with the world! :)

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  6. A positive attitude is a difficulty for me, but I do my best. Writing down things that make me happy in my journal certainly helps.

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. Journaling is one of my absolute favorite things in this universe. I'm so glad you mentioned it! :) I love making happy lists in my notebook, or even just writing out on a bad day all the things that actually went right. It truly helps. Thanks for commenting! :D

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  7. My thoughts have been my greatest struggle since I was a very young child. I have spoken so much negativty into my life, and have watched it all fall apart in front of me.
    I have been challenging myself lately, to really walk out this life in a positive way. This post spoke much truth into my life today, so thank you for that.
    btw, your blog is the absolute coolest!

    Destinee Nicole | destineenicole.com

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    1. Destinee,
      Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest about your struggles! Something that resonated with me about what you wrote was how you yourself have spoken the negativity into your life. I feel that on a personal level! So many times, the negativity in my life starts with ME. I'm the one who has the bad outlook, or is saying bad things about myself - nobody else. So it starts with us, and asking God to help us actively choose to think positively.

      Thank you so much for your kind comment! It means a lot. :)

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  8. The mountains, music and cozy coffeshops... Everything that's on my mind. Your words are so true Erin, and I guess we are all worrying about the future, in times like these.
    Love ya,

    www.rainandrecords.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for your sweet comment! Worry definitely creeps up but there is complete peace in knowing that God is aware of everything that goes on. Even when it feels like He's not. Have a great Thanksgiving today! :)

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  9. Wow, I relate (like, I overthink so much too).. thanks for sharing, Erin. This especially: Replacing worry with the Word. I need to be more intentional with choosing positivity, and this was a great reminder. xx

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    1. Oh, I feel ya, girl. The overthinking is too real. But the Word is what changes my mindset back to positive the most. Hope your Thanksgiving is radical!

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Go with grace.