Do you find your thoughts lost in your mind and they are not the ones you would like to be wondering unsupervised in your head? Sometimes, the biggest battles we will fight will be between our ears. You are not your negative thoughts. Just because you think it does not mean it is real or that it deserves your attention. At times your thoughts are on a playback real from others. Don’t let anyone rent space in your head unless they are a good tenant. I heard it stated that “It all begins and ends in your mind, what you give power to has power over you if you allow it.” If your thoughts are not serving you well, take NSYNC’S advice and say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to them.
There are several ways to balance our thought habits such as:
Look for three things to be grateful for each day and write them down. On exceptionally difficult days, review past days journalling for encouragement.
When you are lost in a negative narrative in your mind perhaps revisiting past hurts, projecting future difficulties or having an overall hopeless internal voice press pause, use the power of the spoken word and create a disruptor word for yourself (see my post on the importance on picking a word for the year to focus on). Say that word out loud to interrupt the negative narrative you have playing in your mind and change your thought stream to something that will get you back on a more hope filled and joyful track. Get out of your head so you can be present and enjoy where you are. (Concept by Valerie Silveira with Warriors in Hope)
Grace Alliance suggested a tool called the 5 R’s. This strategy is to help you understand how you think in stressful times or events and how you can begin to process and reframe to a new default of security and safety.
Recognize: What was the trigger?
Review: What am I thinking, feeling, and experiencing?
Realize: What is the unhealthy thinking lens?
Recall: How can I challenge these thoughts?
Is there enough or contradictory evidence?
Will this matter in a year?
Is there substantial evidence?
How would a trusted friend or relative think about this situation?
Would I say this to a close friend or am I being harder on myself than I am on other people?
Recall God’s Heart- what would God say to comfort me in this situation? I have collected some verses to help you get started on this search.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Renew: What are my new thoughts, emotions, and physical experience?
All our problems have an expiration date. Step into a new day and leave the past. There can be joy in the morning.
Dwelling in Hope 
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