“7 Steps to Certainty” Step 6 – Make an Attitude Adjustment
This month we’re discussing “7 Steps to Certainty” as 2021 offers new possibilities and opportunities. Rather than allowing the uncertainty of 2020 to follow us into the New Year, we ‘re looking at ways we can recognize and experience certainty in our lives in uncertain times. To review the previous steps go to www.yourrefresheldlife.com.
1. Create Simple Routines.
2. Set Personal Goals.
3. Know God as Never Before.
4. Pursue Personal Health and Wellness.
5. Make Up Your Mind.
Today we’ll consider Steps 6 and 7. We know we can change the things we think about, but often have the false assumption that we have no control over our attitudes. The reality is that you can change your attitudes.
6. Make an Attitude Adjustment-
You may awaken in the morning with a negative attitude. You either repeat in your own mind or verbalize these words, “I can’t believe it’s another rainy day. I’m so depressed. I don’t feel like doing anything. Why bother getting up? Ever since the onset of COVID I feel restless, lonely, and bored.” You’ve already set your attitude for the day (or at least created an obstacle to overcome before the day even begins).
Attitudes are the feelings formed by our thoughts. In the same way that you can change the way you think, you can also change your attitude. Life is cause and effect. If you determine every morning to awaken with positive thoughts, positive attitudes will follow. You might choose to repeat the Bible verse, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us (me) rejoice and be glad in it.” You could add a prayer, “God, thank you for a new day. I rejoice in it because You are here. I look forward to sharing this day with You and watching for special things You have planned for me today.”
Or choose gratitude. When you find yourself heading down a negative mental path that leads to a negative emotional path, begin reciting those things you are grateful for…health, a roof over your head, food for yourself and your family, sunshine, friends, a church family…and the list goes on. It is impossible to maintain a negative attitude while being grateful. Choose to let gratitude override pessimism.
When you have a negative attitude, acknowledge it, and ask yourself what caused it. Then choose to change that attitude with God’s help. Patterns which become habits of positive thoughts and emotions will dominate your life and the lives of all you impact. These are life-changing principles which create a life of peace and certainty instead distress and upheaval.
7. Nurture God’s Gift Within You-
In uncertain times, we tend to believe that we have no control. We become victims of everything around us whether the morning news and its perilous predictions or the opinions of friends, certain of foreboding outcomes and a despairing future.
But the truth is we do have some areas of control. While we cannot control our world, with God’s help, we can control how we act and react. God is the One in control of the universe. He sees our broken world and is constantly transforming and recreating it for us (His cherished creatures) to bring about His ultimate glory.
But He has also gifted us each with skills, abilities, experiences and talents to use in difficult times to not only encourage ourselves but to also help others. Do you like to paint? Paint a watercolor for the sheer enjoyment of delighting in the beauty of creation. Do you love music? Sit down and play that instrument that sooths your soul and fills your heart. Is baking your sweet spot? Create a meal simply to enjoy the pleasure of its color, taste and aroma. Delight yourself in the everyday things of life. Be intentional.
Are you gifted in sewing? Create a blanket for someone who is cold. Are you gifted in writing? Write a note to someone who needs to feel loved today. Are you gifted in cooking? Take your elderly neighbor food he’s unable to prepare. Or surprise the family next door with pizza delivered to their front door.
These are simple things that can bring certainty into our lives and the lives of others when everything seems in chaos. God is ready and waiting to show us how to fulfill His purpose for our lives each day even when times are tough. Ask Jesus Christ how He can use you today!
