Negative thoughts and you.

             First it is worry, then it turns to doubt.... 

              Some days ago, I had an issue with someone. It was not a fall out, or anything big actually, just one of these harsh statements by individuals, that pierce through and through, and make you wonder if some things are actually  worth the stress. So, almost immediately after that took place, I began to worry so deeply. I was almost drifting off..., but then I remembered something. Something which made me stop dead in my tracks to depression. My mind went to something, and I realized that I had almost crossed the boundary. I realized I was going to be doubting my abilities soonest, so, like a reflex, I took the necessary actions. In no time, my joy was back, and all of those thoughts discarded😊.
         Most of us are familiar with Dunsin Oyekan's song that says..."first it was fragrance, then it turned to fire. My worship is my weapon.." .How about we rephrase it this way concerning our thought life..."first it was worry, then it turned to doubt. My thoughts are my weapons". I do not want to add that battle part, because reading our own phrase, what would follow logically is "..this is how I lose my battles", but that is so not happening. We are winning these battles by God's grace, Amen🙌.
            But to win these battles, we have work to do, as regards  our  mind and all. Let me begin with a few questions you should ask yourself now:

• How far do you allow your mind to wander, before calling it back to reality?.
• What is the first thing that comes to mind when you have an issue?.
• How quickly do you curtail negative thoughts?.
• What's your back up plan to fall back to, whenever the weight becomes heavy on you, and you don't seem to have control of your mind any longer?

                  The essence of these questions should not be underplayed. Most times, we are caught up in life's activities, that we fail to pay attention to these tiny things that actually matter a lot. These are things that actually  happen on a daily basis...for example, you may have a battle of words with someone, and you guys are so mean to each other, and on the face of it, you may seem to be in control, yet at the end of the day, you go back to think about all he/she said to you, and begin to question  his/her statements about you. Or maybe you have just killed yourself over a project which, to you came out as good, and you are still in the process of recuperating all lost energy, when someone  brutally demeans that project before you... not constructively or anything, but in a bid to cause you sorrow. Or say, someone just comes, and says something really awful about you, and still tells you that you deserve it.
               In most cases, you go back, and begin to think twice on that issue. You examine all the components of that statement, and ask yourself too many questions in one minute. You question your greatness, and wonder if you were fit to try out that stuff at all. Then, at some point, you are gradually agreeing with that person, and you say, maybe it's true.. I'm not so good after all😔...
               Okay, it's enough,...it's time to breathe, friend...

               Now is the right time to take a break from those statements or people, and focus on you.

            Just don't dwell on that negative thought for too long.
                 Do not be too harsh on yourself yet, and decide to set a boundary instead. Now you have to know the difference between thinking to look for solutions, and worrying with hopelessness.
                 You have to know when worry is drifting into unbelief in yourself, and when you should stop.
                You have to be able to identify the statements or thoughts you should discard, as soon as you come across them.
                  You know why,  because the cycle keeps going, something keeps giving birth to something, and slowly you are destroying your mind. Today, you are simply worrying about what someone said, and tomorrow, you begin to doubt your abilities. It may be too late before you realize it, and you may have lost so much in the process.
                  So, how really do you tackle this?
Have a backup plan. Yeah it goes a long way ✌️. Maybe music....the word of God....a shut out from everyone around to refuel,...or saying something reassuring to yourself.  Just know whatever works for you, and lavish yourself with it. There is no hard and fast rule to it.

                  Friend, this begins today, there should be no procrastination, because you really don't know what tomorrow would bring to the table. Set the boundaries now, and figure out your best backup plan. Don't forget you were born to rule, and rule you will!. Also, you are the best version of yourself, so don't let anyone make you feel less about it. I'll still say something about this in my next post. There is something more to know. Just stay tuned. Meanwhile, let me in on your thoughts in the comment section below, maybe your favourite back up plan, or how you handle yours best. I want to learn too☺️.
Think positive today, and have a great day ahead. Your favourite writer, Joy💜.