When we think about negative thought processes, I’d argue that such a mental complex doesn’t merely spring up overnight. I believe that there are a number of contributing factors that can lead us down said road. But, if we can identify them successfully, and consciously fight back, I trust that we can begin to see the best in many more situations. Additionally, if we understand how impressionable that we can be at any age, we can combat thoughts that are ‘below the pay grade’ of the man/woman that we want to become.
Anybody out there have kids? Anyone ever say anything (maybe under their breath) only to hear their child repeat it? Bec and I are expecting our first in April, but even prior to that, I grew up with so many little ears, it was impossible to not get in trouble with Ma and Pa. I remember the first time that I said, “Fricking A,” at home. Six repeats later and you can guess whom it was traced back to with ease lol.
Even though we grow and develop and discernment increases, that doesn’t mean that we become immune to absorbing what we surround ourselves with. None of these sayings are “bad words,” necessarily, but have any of you taken notice of the following jargon filling your home in the last 9 months?:
“Unprecedented.” “2020 sucks.” “Coronavirus, ‘the Rona,’ Covid-19…”. “Worst year ever…”. Don’t misunderstand me: we still can consciously refuse to buy into the negativity and turn away from such talk. But the more we allow negativity in, the more it seems to seep it’s way into our thoughts.
In addition to listening to poor life outlooks, I’ve noticed my worldview begin to trend downward if I listen to poor music, watch less than uplifting flicks, and continue to wallow in misery. When’s the last time that you watched the news and said, “Golly G! It’s so great to be alive!” (I’m not speaking against the news, just be cautious).
Ever have an athletic coach who used this saying?: “The only things that we can control is our attitude and our effort.” While I do think that there are additional and varying levels of controllability (as we’ve discussed in previous blogs) I do also believe that this adage is largely true.
My point is therefore twofold:
1) We ARE in control of our attitude and that is something to continually remind ourselves of in this season.
2) With that being said, it becomes a heck of a lot harder to maintain that mentality when we continue to let in negative thoughts, verbiage, music, etc.
At the end of the day, I’m not advocating for rainbows and unicorns. “The world is a mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are; it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it,” Rocky Balboa once said. But, the last part of that quote is what I find to be most rewarding: “If you let it.” I’ll take a ‘battle-tested’ individual whom consciously fought back the odds stacked against him/her over a victim-mentality-driven person every day of the week.
Ok. So, how can you successfully process either the year that was, or continually difficult seasons that may pop up down the road? Well, I’m no expert. I’m not ex-Special Forces or big-time CEO that has handled multi billion dollar dealings or other high stress situations, to that degree. But, I have found a “system,” if you will, that allows me to process and continue to put my best foot forward.
- Trust: Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.” If the Creator of the Universe has it covered, what does worrying and a negative mindset help whatsoever?
- Surround myself with truths, life-breathing friendships, and my journaled purpose.
- Minimize/delete poor music selections as well as what passes in front of my eyes (social media, shows, etc.).
- Give thanks! It’s really hard to be down in the dumps, when you’re grateful. We live in the U.S. of A for crying out loud!!
- Acknowledge the situation and continually ask, “What can I do better?”
What about you? What have you found to be most helpful when processing negative situations and approaching it with a ‘can-do’ mentality? Please share!
Until next time,
– Brock Baumgarn, CA, Nutrition Consultant, Health 1st Chiropractic