On the Upside
The Wonder and Wickedness of Words
Last month in my article, “The Words of Your World; Speaking Words of Life Into Your Every day (https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ontheupside/2019/10/speaking-words-of-life-into-your-every-day/) I discussed the fundamentally important power of words and how they can set the tone for our emotional lives-everyday-24/7. Words create, define, characterize and illustrate you; they are at the heart of the artwork known as you.
It’s simple and true: What pours forth from your heart, mind, and mouth reveal the true colors of who you are; at least at that point in time.
The uglier, more negative, hopeless and self deprecating, the more we know you are hurting on various levels. By the same token, the complete opposite of the former and latter likewise reveals the magnitude of your spirits; positive, healthy words equal a positive, healthy you.
I can’t say it enough and I apologize if I sound like an annoying, broken record but: It’s all about choices.
Today, we discuss the option for infiltrating our inner and outer worlds with more signposts, affirmations and language that helps feed the mind, body and soul in mutually beneficial and healthy ways.
Good Words Bring Goodness and Quality
Proverbs 12:25 professes “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Leave it to the bible to speak the truth so plainly, clearly, powerfully and accurately.
It is my personal belief that the axis of self help philosophy, thinking and world is fully interconnected to and rooted in this one statement here. Words deriving from fear, pain, anxiety and any type of negativity are the shackles that keep us down; limiting language and beliefs that hold us back from the truth of how monumentally loved we are by God and how great we are in and through him and his son above all and anything else.
When we find the courage to flip it all around on its head, reclaim our self worth by defying and inverting the manipulation of negative words and thoughts by countering them with life giving, compassionate, affirming, kinder and uplifting professions, everything can turn around in a split second; we are right there and then, inching, climbing or leaping on a quantum level, towards the upside (pun intended), towards gladness, hope and joy.
The old adage claims “practice makes perfect”; and yes, it is precisely the same premise when it comes to positive words and self affirmations. Make it a regular and consistent habit to formulate and apply them and watch how they brighten or “gladden” your mood, day-everyday life.
A Practical Application of Positive Thinking
Building on the theme of the importance and practice of integrating encouraging and enriching language into the hear and now, try the following simple exercise either in the privacy of your own home or on your own time; or even in a group setting should you wish to share this and/or apply it to a collective arrangement and activity.
- Purchase and use for example, cue cards, stickies, notes pads, write them using erasable markers on an easel, build a bond fire and send out smoke signals-whatever floats you boat, and formulate 3-5 affirmations (to begin with) that you can use in times of need to help respond to stressful situations and counter negative words and thoughts.
- For example; “I can get through this, this is temporary; it will pass; I am stronger than I imagined; God is always by my side; I don’t have to believe my thoughts; will this matter in the near or distant future; more action is less worry” etc… Should you wish, you may even write down inspiring bible passages or famous quotes that you appreciate and that you know will help put things in a different perspective.
- Here are some bible passages that have and continue to help me when anxiety attempts to sink its claws into my mind and heart:
2 Corinthians 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Isaiah 26: 3: “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace; in peace because they trust in you.”
John 16:33: “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace; in the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.”
As you continue this practice (and I hope you do) and master it to the best of your ability, you can continue to add to your list of affirmations and develop your own library and lexicon of positive words, bible passages, proverbs and sayings for your benefit and wellness.
Consider this method a modus operandi for maintaining and improving your mental health; readily available tools and weapons that you can pull out for your protection and care immediately or ASAP.
Preparation, vigilance and accessibility are key. “Stinkin thinkin” can decide to infiltrate the parameters of your inner world at any given time; that is the nature of the lies and cunning associated with negative self talk and anxiety. Just like that, it’s looking to take you out and ruin the plans of your life; often at the most importune times because negativity loves to waste your time, rain on your parade and drain your energy and execute the ultimate goal of you giving up and quitting.
Be ready for the fight; shine, store and clear the path leading to your weapons; swing with all your might when the time comes; protect yourself, honor yourself, stand firm in your God given dignity: Take it to the enemy one round at a time.
Enjoy the joy and hope of the gospel and an invigorating life of freedom and empowerment by choosing “good words”.
Photo by Jeanne Menjoulet on Foter.com / CC BY-ND
Photo by <a href=”https://foter.co/a3/3b6e2f”>Jeanne Menjoulet</a> on <a href=”https://foter.com/re5/b94341″>Foter.com</a> / <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/”>CC BY-ND</a>
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