 The
nightly news has story after story of things that can go wrong and are going
wrong; shootings, global warming, problems in the economy, droughts, wars, and
uncertainty. At times it can feel overwhelming and it can feel like it’s all
right at our doorstep. How are we
to live in the midst of it all? Is it
okay to be happy? We
live in a stressful world and there are so many things that can cause us to
worry. These concerns can be big or
small and sometimes they can consume hours, days, and even years of our lives. Did you know that the majority of what we
worry about never becomes a problem, and the little bit that does become a
problem… we handle it?! Pain is
going to be experienced however … prolonged suffering is optional. First
of all, our brains weren’t created to handle hour after hour of media reports
on everything that’s going wrong all over the world. When we live life in the
present we experience happy and sad emotions. When we watch a movie or remember
events our brains and emotions react as if it’s happening in the moment. We
notice this when we watch a scary movie, we know that it’s not true, but we
still feel the emotions. Turn off the
TV: Limit your intake of news to short shows or reading headlines
that don’t sensationalize to draw on your emotions. You can be informed without
spending hours focused on world events. Look for
what is going well around you. With our thoughts focused on the
negative our brains are on alert looking for more negative. There are so many
good people and blessings all around us. Start looking for them every day. Too
bad we don’t have news shows on all the good things happening, like the flowers
blooming, volunteers helping those in need, and beautiful sunsets every
evening. Get out and
live life: Sometimes we get so caught up in watching the negative
and thinking of the negative we get buried under the covers or stuck on the
couch. Putting down all the technology and getting outside in the garden, going
for a walk, or visiting with a friend helps us to get perspective and realize
there is so much more going on in life than what the television leads us to
believe! Connect with
others! Spend time with
friends or family enjoying each other.
We are created for relationship and being with other’s helps to put life
in perspective. It’s okay to laugh and enjoy the company of others or even to
discuss things that are bothering you, this helps to put life in perspective
and enjoy the moment. What
do you do to be at peace when the world around you is at war?  Today's
blog is written by Anita Griffie. To contact Anita or to
schedule an appointment to meet with her, email her at livingwater.agriffie@gmail.com or call her at 503-477-2957. |
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CategoriesChildren and AdolescenceFreedom from the Past Healing Hope Love & Relationships Premarital Counseling |
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