Do you ever feel like your thoughts spiral out of control? Insecurities, self-doubt, regrets, fears, and worries – it can often feel like we are held captive in negative thought patterns, leaving us ridden with anxiety and frustration.
For example, although consistent workouts and community are good for my body and soul, there are plenty of times while I’m in an exercise class that negative thoughts pop in my head: “This is too hard.” “She’s so much stronger than I am.” “ I can’t do this.” “Why can’t my body look like hers?”
That’s why I had to buy this shirt when I saw it! “Mind your mind.”
I can’t stop thinking about the wisdom and necessity of this profound advice.
It implies we have the power to mind our minds.
We don’t have to be victim to our negative thought patterns. We can have agency over our mind and filter out the thoughts that threaten to hold us back.
To “mind” something means to pay close attention with diligent awareness. When we decide to “mind our minds”, we are choosing to stand guard and filter what we allow into our thoughts. In a letter to the early Christians in Corinth, we find Paul urging them to “take captive every thought” (2 Cor. 10:5). He recognized that if we are not intentional, our thoughts can and will take us captive, instead of the other way around.
And Paul didn’t end there:
“We take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.”
Friends, we have to begin by recognizing when negativity strikes and threatens. Then ask: does this thought glorify God? Does this sound like something a loving Heavenly Father would say to me?
If the answer is no, do not allow that thought to take root. We may have to get fierce and gritty, saying, “No! This thought is not obedient to Christ, and therefore I will not allow it to take residence in my heart!”
Yes, this is certainly easier said than done. It’s a habit that needs consistent practice to create lasting change. Journaling, praying, counseling, and a trusted accountability partner are a few strategies to implement. Print the above graphic with Paul’s encouragement and place it in a prominent place to serve as a regular reminder. Join our Summer Book Club (details below) to learn and implement proven strategies to break the strongholds of negative thinking.
Imagine the freedom and potential awaiting you when you choose to put this into daily practice. Mind your mind, girlfriend! You’re worth it!
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