Consistency is hard enough at any time let alone when the going gets tough. Our brain is not geared to like to work hard in fact, our brains are wired to conserve energy, which often leads to taking the path of least resistance. This natural inclination toward laziness can make it tempting to avoid challenges or fall into easy routines, as our minds prioritize short-term comfort over long-term growth.
Our brains are also geared towards patterns, especially familiar patterns because they offer a sense of safety and predictability. Recognizing and repeating known patterns allows the brain to operate more efficiently, reducing cognitive load. When faced with new information or experiences, the brain must work harder to process and adapt, which requires more energy. This is why habits, even ones that may not serve us well, can be so hard to break—they provide a mental shortcut that our brains prefer over the uncertainty of change.
However, this preference for familiarity can also keep us stuck in unproductive or even harmful cycles. When our brains become too comfortable with certain patterns, we may resist new opportunities or challenges that could lead to growth. This aversion to change is rooted in our desire for stability, but it can limit our potential. To grow, it's essential to push beyond the comfort of the familiar and challenge our brains to embrace new experiences, fostering resilience and adaptability.
So, when we are faced with adversity or tough times, our brains like to check out. The extra load of trying to maintain the familiar while dealing with a problem can send it off the rails. Suddenly, your determination to keep a healthy routine is now overruled by your brain trying to deal with a new situation and adapt to it. In times of adversity, our brains naturally resist consistency because they prioritize survival over routine.
When faced with stress or uncertainty, the brain shifts into a heightened state of alertness, focusing on immediate threats rather than long-term goals. This fight-or-flight response, designed to protect us, can make it difficult to stick to regular habits or maintain discipline. Instead of consistency, the brain seeks quick solutions and relief, often leading to impulsive decisions, procrastination, or avoidance.
Additionally, adversity disrupts the brain’s sense of stability, making it harder to focus on consistent actions. The mental energy needed to manage stress and navigate challenges often depletes the cognitive resources required for discipline and routine. As a result, maintaining consistency can feel like an uphill battle, as the brain prioritizes coping mechanisms over sticking to plans. Overcoming this instinct requires conscious effort and strategies that remind the brain of the long-term benefits of consistency, even when short-term comfort is tempting.
So, what's the answer to keeping your consistency in your business, health, and daily routines, when tough times happen? Overcoming the brain’s resistance during tough times requires intentional strategies that help reinforce consistency and resilience. Here are some effective methods:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and increase awareness of negative thought patterns. Meditation trains the brain to stay present, making it easier to manage anxiety and maintain focus on long-term goals rather than short-term discomfort.
- Break Goals into Small Steps: When facing adversity, large tasks can feel overwhelming. By breaking goals into smaller, manageable steps, you reduce the mental burden and make it easier for your brain to commit to consistent action. Celebrating small wins along the way can also boost motivation and reinforce positive behavior.
- Establish Routines: Creating a consistent daily routine can provide stability and a sense of control during chaotic times. Even small rituals, like morning exercise or a set bedtime, can anchor your day and help the brain navigate uncertainty by providing familiar structure.
- Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations: During tough times, negative self-talk can easily take over, reinforcing the brain’s instinct to avoid challenges. Replacing these thoughts with positive affirmations helps to shift your mindset, encouraging resilience and a commitment to your goals, even when it's difficult.
- Seek Support and Accountability: Sharing your challenges with a friend, coach, or support group can provide the encouragement needed to stay consistent. External accountability adds pressure to follow through on commitments, helping to counteract the brain’s urge to take the easy way out.
- Focus on the ‘Why’: Reminding yourself of the deeper reasons behind your goals can strengthen your resolve. When you reconnect with your purpose, it becomes easier to push through discomfort, as the brain recognizes the value of staying consistent despite adversity.
By using these strategies, you can train your brain to prioritize consistency and resilience, even when facing tough times.
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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, ambitions, and endless to-do lists. But what happens when God intervenes and calls us to rest? This divine pause can be both challenging and transformative, offering a profound opportunity to reconnect with our true selves and with Him. I had to explore the beauty and purpose behind those moments when God made me rest and discover how to embrace this sacred gift with an open heart and mind.
Six months ago, I had a total knee replacement. I went into this surgery thinking I would recover easily and quickly like I usually do, though it didn't quite go like that. What I didn't realize is that this was one of the top five major traumatic surgeries you can have, and my recovery was going to be anything but painless and quick. I fought hard to get back to my office and what I thought I should be doing. My leg wouldn't tolerate sitting in the chair and my body was recovering from trauma so it wanted to sleep, rest, and recuperate.
MY MIND WAS AT ODDS WITH MY BODY!
I struggled, fought, felt guilty, and even told myself I was just procrastinating! Yet, none of that was true. After a couple of months, I stopped fighting and telling myself what I wasn't or should be doing, and started listening. I realized after praying, and listening, this was a time to "pause" and reflect on exactly what I was doing, and did I need to make yet another change in my life. Of course, just about when I decided to do this, I got the dreaded Covid again and had to rest.
Recognizing the signs that God is calling you to rest can be crucial for maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some common signs that might indicate it's time to pause and rest:
1. Persistent Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night's sleep, can be a signal that you need to slow down and rest. It's a reminder to take care of your body and spirit.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Heightened stress and anxiety levels can be a sign that you're overextending yourself. God might be nudging you to find peace and solace in Him.
3. Illness or Health Issues
Frequent sickness or health problems can be a wake-up call to prioritize rest and self-care. Your body needs time to heal and rejuvenate.
4. Loss of Joy and Passion
When activities that once brought joy and fulfillment start to feel burdensome, it may be time to take a step back and recharge.
5. Difficulty Hearing God's Voice
If you find it hard to hear God's guidance or feel disconnected in your prayer life, it might be a sign that you need quiet, undistracted time with Him.
6. Irritability and Short Temper
Being more irritable or losing patience easily can indicate burnout. It's a signal to slow down and seek peace and rest in God's presence.
7. Lack of Productivity
Struggling to stay focused or productive can be a sign that your mind and body need a break. Rest can help restore clarity and efficiency.
8. Neglect of Personal Relationships
If you notice you're neglecting relationships with family, friends, or even your relationship with God, it might be time to pause and invest in these connections.
9. Feeling Overwhelmed
A sense of being overwhelmed by life's demands is a clear indication that you need to step back, breathe, and rest.
10. Circumstantial Obstacles
Sometimes, circumstances such as canceled plans, delays, or unexpected free time can be God's way of providing you an opportunity to rest.
11. Scriptural Reminders
Coming across Bible verses or teachings that emphasize rest can be a divine reminder to heed this important aspect of spiritual discipline.
12. Inner Promptings
A persistent inner feeling or sense that you need to slow down can be the Holy Spirit urging you to rest and recharge.
13. Nature and Creation
Observing the natural world and its rhythms can be a gentle reminder of the importance of rest and renewal, as even creation itself follows cycles of rest.
Recognizing these signs and responding to them by taking time to rest can help restore balance and find a deeper connection with God. Remember, rest is not a luxury, but a necessary part of a healthy and spiritually fulfilling life.
So, next time you're feeling like you're trying to walk through mud, or pushing on the door so hard it's exhausting, take a moment to reflect and see whether it's time to embrace a Divine pause, rest, and see where God leads you next!
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The first words out of my mouth after I walked in was "Honey I feel like a fake!"
I had walked in for surgery with no limp, no walker, no cane, no wheelchair, so why was I here? Everybody else had not walked in without help of some sort.
I knew that answer.
A knee replacement. A constant cry from my orthopedic doctor for seven years!
I did the gel shots and they worked at first, but then in June they worked no more.
I couldn't exercise the way I used to.
I couldn't walk the mountain.
My body was being pulled out of alignment because my left leg was out of alignment because of the chronic arthritis, and the bone on bone situation in my knee.
I would go to the chiropractor and she would put me back only for my leg to pull me right back out.
My brain would tell me I was ok, it was ok, but somewhere that voice inside said, "Nope, you ain't OK!"
Turns out my brain was used to, and was suppressing, the actual pain I was feeling.
No wonder, I was tired, dragging along without motivation, purpose, intent, and struggling to get through each and every day.
My normal exercise routine was out the window, I was beat by five o'clock, my memory and mind was foggy, and I told myself it was managing a large family, with work and life balance.
All baloney, and what my mind had got used too!
"I feel like a fake!" That statement came from all of my brains efforts to "keep calm and carry on." Don't rock the boat. You're fine, take a pain pill.
Well none of it was fake, my brain was giving me misinformation and I was buying it.
Twenty-four hours after surgery, I have less pain, and my mind is sharp again. My first thoughts this morning was, "It's November 1st! The Thirty Day Abundance Challenge."
No more drowning in repressing pain and the feelings that came with that.
What do you feel fake about?
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Being self-aware regarding unhealthy habits is an essential step towards personal growth and well-being. It involves a conscious recognition of behaviors or routines that are detrimental to our physical, mental, or emotional health. This awareness is like shining a light on the dark corners of our lives, where these habits often lurk unnoticed.
It begins with an honest assessment of oneself, which can be both enlightening and challenging. Acknowledging these habits takes courage because it means facing the truth about our choices and their consequences.
Once we become self-aware of these unhealthy habits, we gain the power to make positive changes. This newfound awareness allows us to take responsibility for our actions and empowers us to break free from destructive patterns. It opens the door to self-improvement, as we can now set goals, seek support, and develop strategies to replace these habits with healthier alternatives.
Self-awareness regarding unhealthy habits is a vital step on the journey towards a happier, more balanced, and fulfilling life. It's the first step towards taking control of our destiny and shaping a future that aligns with our values and aspirations.
Learning to be self-aware is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance personal growth and well-being. Here are some ways to develop and improve self-awareness:
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Practicing meditation and mindfulness techniques can help you become more in tune with your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. These practices encourage you to observe your thoughts without judgment, promoting self-awareness.
- Journaling: Keeping a journal allows you to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Write about your experiences, goals, and challenges. Regularly reviewing your journal can help you identify patterns and gain insights into your behavior.
- Self-Reflection: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your life, choices, and actions. Ask yourself questions like, "Why did I react that way?" or "What are my core values?" These introspective moments can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for honest feedback from friends, family, or colleagues about your strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes, others can provide insights you might have overlooked.
- Practice Active Listening: Improve your listening skills by being fully present when others speak. This can help you better understand their perspectives and, in turn, enhance your self-awareness in social situations.
- Mind-Body Connection: Pay attention to your physical sensations, such as tension, discomfort, or relaxation. These bodily cues can often provide clues about your emotional state and areas of concern.
- Therapy or Counseling: Consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor. They can offer guidance and techniques to explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
- Personality Assessments: Take personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Enneagram, or the Big Five personality traits. While not definitive, these tools can provide valuable insights into your personality and behavior.
- Set Clear Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals. Knowing what you want to achieve can help you evaluate your progress and whether your actions align with your objectives.
- Learn from Mistakes: Embrace failure and mistakes as opportunities for growth. Analyze what went wrong and what you can do differently next time. This process can reveal areas for self-improvement.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess your overall well-being, including your physical, mental, and emotional health. Adjust your routines and habits accordingly.
- Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset by continuously seeking to learn and explore new things. The more you learn, the more you understand yourself and the world around you.
Remember that self-awareness is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort to develop, but the benefits are profound. By actively working on self-awareness, you can make more informed decisions, improve your relationships, and lead a more fulfilling life.
The Bible also contains several examples that highlight the importance of being self-aware of unhealthy habits and the need for repentance and change. Here are a few notable biblical examples:
- King David's Adultery and Murder (2 Samuel 11-12): King David's affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, serve as a powerful example of the consequences of unchecked desires and a lack of self-awareness. It was only when the prophet Nathan confronted David with a parable that David realized the gravity of his actions and repented, demonstrating the need for self-awareness and moral reflection.
- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): In the parable of the prodigal son, a young man squanders his inheritance on sinful living and eventually hits rock bottom. It is only when he becomes self-aware of his mistakes and the consequences of his actions that he decides to return to his father in repentance. This story emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's unhealthy habits and making the choice to change.
- The Apostle Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75): Peter's threefold denial of knowing Jesus during His trial illustrates how unaware we can be of our own weaknesses. Peter confidently asserted he would never betray Jesus, but when faced with the situation, he crumbled. This experience prompted Peter to confront his own limitations and ultimately led to his transformation and strengthened commitment.
- Saul's Persecution of Christians (Acts 9): Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was initially a zealous persecutor of Christians. His journey to self-awareness occurred when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. This transformative experience forced him to confront his misguided beliefs and unhealthy habits, leading to a complete change in his life's direction.
- The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22): In this story, a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus advises him to sell his possessions and follow Him, but the man cannot let go of his wealth. This encounter demonstrates the struggle many people face in recognizing and overcoming attachments to material possessions and the need for self-awareness in making life-changing decisions.
These biblical examples illustrate the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing unhealthy habits and sinful behaviors. They show that true repentance and transformation often begin with a deep reflection on one's actions, motives, and the consequences of their choices. Through self-awareness, individuals can turn away from destructive habits and seek forgiveness and redemption, aligning their lives with God's will and purpose.
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Circumstances have an uncanny ability to shape the landscape of our thoughts, often leading us down paths we would rather not tread. When faced with challenging or unexpected situations, our minds can become overwhelmed, seeking to make sense of the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us.
These circumstances can trigger a cascade of unwanted thoughts, ranging from self-doubt and anxiety to fear and frustration. For example, a sudden job loss can prompt thoughts of inadequacy and financial stress, while a health scare can spawn a web of fearful conjectures about the future. It is during these trying moments that the power of our circumstances to influence our thoughts becomes most apparent.
The connection between circumstances and unwanted thoughts is not merely coincidental; it's deeply rooted in our human psychology. Our brains are wired to respond to external events and situations, and when these events disrupt our sense of security or control, our thoughts can spiral into negativity.
However, it's crucial to recognize that while circumstances can shape our initial reactions, we possess the capacity to reframe and redirect our thoughts. By cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience, we can regain control over our mental landscape and ensure that our responses to circumstances are more balanced and constructive, ultimately steering our thoughts in a more positive and empowering direction.
Distinguishing what's true in a circumstance from mere thoughts or perceptions can be challenging but is crucial for making informed decisions and maintaining emotional balance. Here are some strategies to help you discern truth from thoughts:
- Seek Objective Information: Start by gathering facts and concrete evidence related to the circumstance. Separate these verifiable details from your interpretations or assumptions. Often, emotions can cloud your judgment, so relying on objective information can anchor you in reality.
- Question Your Assumptions: Examine your beliefs and assumptions about the situation. Ask yourself if your thoughts are based on facts or if they are influenced by biases, fears, or past experiences. Sometimes, our minds jump to conclusions that may not accurately reflect the current circumstances.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions in the present moment. This awareness allows you to observe your thoughts without immediately accepting them as truth.
- Engage in Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the validity of your thoughts. Challenge irrational or exaggerated beliefs by asking questions like "Is this thought based on evidence?" or "What alternative perspectives might exist?"
- Consult Trusted Sources: Seek advice or perspectives from trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide a more objective view of the circumstance. They can offer insights you might not have considered.
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the circumstance. This can help you externalize your thoughts and gain perspective. As you reflect on what you've written, you may identify patterns or cognitive distortions that need addressing.
- Time Perspective: Give yourself some time before making decisions or conclusions about a circumstance. Emotions often peak initially, and with time, they may subside, allowing you to think more clearly.
- Professional Guidance: In complex or emotionally charged situations, seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor can be invaluable. They can provide an objective perspective and help you navigate your thoughts and emotions.
- Accept Uncertainty: Recognize that not all circumstances may have clear-cut truths or answers. Some situations are inherently ambiguous, and accepting this uncertainty can relieve the pressure to find absolute truths.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself during this process. Acknowledge that it's normal to have thoughts and emotions, even if they don't always align with reality. Self-compassion can help you stay grounded and open to growth.
Finding what's true in a circumstance over what is just a thought is an ongoing practice that requires self-awareness and critical thinking. By applying these strategies, you can develop a more balanced and accurate perception of the world around you, leading to better decision-making and emotional well-being.
The Bible also contains several verses and teachings that emphasize seeking truth over our thoughts and understanding. Here are a few key passages:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse encourages believers to trust in God rather than relying solely on their wisdom.
- Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This passage underscores the vast difference between God's understanding and human understanding, emphasizing the need to seek God's wisdom.
- Proverbs 16:2 (NIV): "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord." It reminds us that we might think our actions are right, but God examines our hearts and motives, highlighting the importance of seeking His guidance and truth.
- John 8:31-32 (NIV): "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" This verse emphasizes that true freedom and knowledge of the truth come through following Jesus' teachings.
- James 1:5 (NIV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Here, believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom through prayer and trust in His guidance.
In summary, the Bible encourages individuals to rely on God's wisdom and seek His truth above their understanding. It emphasizes humility, trust, and faith in God's guidance as a way to navigate life's challenges and uncertainties. Seeking God's truth is seen as a path to righteousness, freedom, and spiritual growth.
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