In episode 87, “Capture Thoughts Through Choice Part 2”, we discuss chapters 11-14 in Jennie Allen’s book, “Get Out Of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts.” The Bible tells us that we, as Christians, have the Holy Spirit within us, and that it can help us with capturing thoughts, without the overwhelm; we simply just need to make a choice.
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Choose Joy Over Cynicism
It is just as easy to find the bad as it is to find the good. What’s your default way of thinking? Sometimes we can be quick to say that it was a day, when really it was just a rough five minutes. We have to make the choice to consistently choose joy over cynicism. If we continue to leave this unchecked, it’s too easy to spiral into a lifestyle of negativity.
We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control our reactions. Stay rooted in the truth that God has a bigger, greater plan for all the ugly that happens. Sure, we can keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Or, we can rest in the fact that we know that God is working all things together for good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Choose to Serve God & Others
Need a life hack on feeling better? Do something kind for someone else. There’s a reason that we literally feel better when we do this. Being other minded, and being a servant leader reflects what Jesus does for us. We are meant to walk this life in community, serving others, and knowing that we don’t have to handle anything alone.
When we’re God-centered, is sure does make our path more clear. What does it look like for you to have god in the center? Are you creating a lifestyle of choosing to put others before self? Remember to keep your thoughts and motivations in check.
Choose to be Grateful
Evidence shows that there is power in being grateful. Numerous times in the Bible we are to choose joy and see the good in every situation. It’s not always easy, but just a simple practice of daily gratitude can change your life. We highly recommend journaling as a gratitude practice (we also give several other examples in this episode of how that can look).
It’s important to remember that you are going to leverage your experiences (good or bad), so you choose how you’ll do that. Find a way to point everything back to God. When you’ve gone through and to the other side of a trail God has given you the roadmap! Show others the way through a similar situation. Your experiences provide help for others. If you can choose gratefulness and shift to a joyous perspective
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Choose to Use Your Giftings
There is only one you, and God has made you uniquely. Each of us has a God-given purpose and the great news is that He will equip you for whatever He has called you to do. Time after time in the Bible God equips His people with the exact skill set they need in order to fulfill their purpose. Looks like we’re in good company!
At Witty & Gritty, we like to always remind our listeners/readers to check the motivation that is driving the behavior. Is what you’re doing (the daily life you’re living) based in the motivation that you want to serve God and further His kingdom? We give some tactics here in the episode that will help you make sure you’re on the right track with this.
We hope you enjoyed “Capture Thoughts Through Choice Part 2”, and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out episodes 84-91 to hear this entire mini series on how to stop toxic thoughts from spiraling out of control. You can do this! We’re here to help.
Links from the Show
- The GOOYH mini series page
- Get Out of Your Head (book affiliate link)
- Witty & Gritty Patreon
- Faren’s Miscarriage episode (#36)
- Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly Mini Series (ep 28-38)
- Switch On Your Brain Mini Series (episodes 55-62)
- Callie Ammons, Enneagram Subtypes (episodes 74-76)
- The Comparison Trap (devotional study) affiliate link
- Giftings & Passions Finder (freebie!)
