THINKING SOBERLY

Song for Today: "Mayfair Song" by: Air

What is an insecurity? It seems almost inevitable that imperfections, when pointed out, would make one insecure. And how do you tell the difference between someone just being a jerk, and something you should actually change? and what if it's something you CAN'T change? is it healthy to go around repeating mantras about how great you are? I believe in speaking life and not death, but I think everyone needs a dose of sober thinking about themselves.

That being said, no matter who you are, you have the potential for growth and leadership. We never stop growing as long as we are on earth. Thinking soberly about yourself is one thing, but using someone else as your standard is never a good idea. Everyone's strengths and weaknesses are different, and you will wear yourself out trying to be someone else. Be you, work on you, let them be them. I believe that insecurities come when we start comparing ourselves to others. This can be a hard habit to break, but freedom is available to everyone. When you accept Christ as the standard, you realize how futile comparisons are. That doesn't mean self-improvement is futile by any means, it simply means that you don't have to be perfect! AMAZING HUH?!?!

IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Song for Today: "Slow Your Breath Down" by: Future of Forestry

It's been a little while. I know. I've been... preoccupied  :)

"...but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

- 1 Corinthians 13:11b

I'm back to encouragement. It's no easy task. Especially when everyone around you seems set on bringing you down, or turning your ideas into problems, or drowning you in negativity. There's something in the atmosphere hat gives people no hope. It's unfortunate that people get stuck in a "dead end" state of mind because they see very little to look forward to.

keep perceptive.

keep focus.

Recognize the lesson in today, realize you're building something for the future. I'm having to remind myself of these facts constantly. Remind myself not only what I know I'm capable of, but that ultimately my life is submitted to God's plan.

http://www.accd.org/

POSITIVE TRUTHS

Song for Today: "Flight Test" by: The Flaming Lips

I read an article today about people who are bi-polar. Apparently the most successful cases are those of patients who believe they have some amount of control over their emotions. Now, I'm not bi-polar (or am I? ...kidding, I'm not) But this article was extremely encouraging. It put legs to what I've been trying to accomplish in myself, controlling my emotions.

I'm not talking about not being lead by your emotions, I'm talking about using the power of your mind to conquer negative, hurtful, or wrong emotions. ITS AWESOME. Every time I feel insecure I'll start talking (sometimes internally) positive truths about myself. I'm funny, I have nice hair, I'm awesome at the bass guitar etc... try it!

Also I've found that mornings are crucial. Every morning I wake up I meditate on 3 things I'm thankful for and the love of God.

The brain is fun.

BOARDING UP THE WINDOWS

Song for Today: "Northern Lights" by: Super Furry Animals

I've had a revelation. I am in control of my emotions. I can CHOOSE what I feel. but the problem is sometimes I think I want to be upset. go figure.

I can get desperately lonely out here. I've been brought to the point of tears because of loneliness more than once since I've been here and it's all because I chose to feel it. Yes I'm lonely, but is dwelling on it helping me at all? probably not. Hurricane Irene is a perfect illustration of these storm like emotions. People were freaking out big time before she hit the coast. and now that she's here... well... lets just say that boarding up the windows was a bit much.

I'm over-reacting just like the people over-reacting about the storm. If you spend your life avoiding risk, you'll never try anything.

View this video on the VIDEO page.

TO CALM MY MIND

Song for Today: "You See Everything" by: Low

I slept like a tornado last night.

Every once in a while when there's a million and a half things going on in my life, my brain won't shut off. It runs through every conceivable outcome of things past, present and future. This prevents me from getting any kind of sleep, even restless sleep would be nice, but relief won't come. I continuously think about employment, relationships, insecurities, responsibilities, the list goes on and on. I went to bed around 10:30 last night, and the last time I checked before I FINALLY fell asleep it was 3:30 am. I was lying wide awake in my bed for 5 hours.

The sad thing is, this isn't a new thing for me. Usually I have to really try to calm my mind before falling asleep. What does that mean? do I think too much? should I think less? and how does one think less? just accept things for what they are and not read into them?

There I go over-thinking about over-thinking... I bet if I spent less time and energy analyzing I could spend more time and energy on other important things. Like creativity. Wouldn't that be something... but how?

Does anybody know?