Day 1 As a Person Thinks, So Shall it Be

In troubled times we have a choice about how we will respond and it is that choice which will determine if we continue living in light or walk further and further into darkness. Most of our choices come forth from our minds and our thoughts. If our thoughts are positive, we see all surrounding us soaked in light. However, if some or all of our thoughts are negative, it’s as if someone has switched off the light. So, we must firstly choose through troubled times how we think, “for as a man thinketh, so shall he be.” Don’t believe that thinking negative thoughts leads to great light or meaning or wisdom, for sadly they do not. If we choose to want greater light in our lives through our troubles, we must begin to listen to the thoughts that are going through our head. If we live in fear or dread or gloom or despondency or hopelessness, our thoughts will be as if another is coming along and blowing out our lit candles. If we try and find peace and solace and reassurance and positive messages and surround ourselves with those who see clearly and well, it is like adding another lit candle. It is our attitude in troubled times which is paramount. "But how can I be or think positively and look for the good, when I am surrounded by so many things that speak of darkness like poor finances, family breakdowns, poor health, unhealthy relationships, unemployment and an uncertain future?" But to dwell on all the “what ifs” in life will lead you to the rocks where your ship will be broken up. Turning out lights will lead you into deeper darkness where you will lose the ability to see clearly and you’ll feel blind inside. To choose to dwell on all the bad things is like being caught at the bottom of a deep dark pit. Each day your negative thoughts are like digging a little bit of the pit. At first, you can climb back out and continue as normal. However, the day will come when you’ve dug down so far that you will no longer be able to climb out of it. Then as you continue to dig deeper and deeper, you will begin to feel trapped and contained and imprisoned. You may try to climb out but without help, that might prove to be impossible. For those trapped at the bottom of the pit of desolation or self pity or depression or self harm or substance abuse or degraded living, there needs to be help and support and a ladder lowered into the pit so that they can be led out.

However, the wisest thing to do is to stop yourself from starting digging this pit. If you spend your time thinking and acting out negative thoughts and behaviours, you are digging your pit. When you can stay looking at the world that still contains beauty and kindness and truth and life in one form or another, these are days when you are laying down your spade. Choose life. Choose truth. Choose light for they will never lead you into the darkness of the pit. Be careful what you think, for it will set you on a trajectory into stormy waters and seas which might prove incredibly difficult to sail out of and come back from. Learn to listen to your thought life. If it is negative, spend time surrounded by words that will bring you life and hope and meaning and purpose. Eat from life’s meals and throw death’s meals in the bin.

Become aware of your thoughts as you wake up. Are they mostly positive or negative?

Become aware of your thoughts when something goes wrong. Are they reassuring or disheartening?

Do you tend to dwell on the negative more than the positive? Why is that?

Do you ever feel like you are digging a pit of your own making? If so, how might you stop yourself from digging?

Spend five minutes dwelling only on beauty, kindness, goodness, peace and joy. How did doing that make you feel?

How else might you help yourself think more positively?