If you saw my Saturday post, you'll understand when I say that I've really been prompted to look inside this week. I've been looking at what's going on in me mentally and spiritually. If I don't change who I am and how I think, I can never really change what I am. Oh, don't get me wrong, I can lose the weight. But I have to also change my thinking.
I found this great little book by Tommy Newberry at the library. I liked it so much that I purchased a copy for myself. It's based on this verse from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians at Philippi. ...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) (Source: BibleGateway.com)
As an example, Newberry tells a story of his son and a broken arm which required a full six weeks in a cast. The boy could only think of all the things he wouldn't be able to do and was very depressed. Newberry gave him an assignment to write down 21 things he could do. Since he couldn't write dad helped. He started slowly with brushing his teeth, making his bed, and doing sit-ups. The more he came up with the faster the ideas came. He could ride his bike, go to the movies, eat popcorn. When he hit 21 things he didn't want to stop. He finally wound down at 35 things he could do with his arm in a cast. The next question from dad was, could you have made that long a list of things you can't do? The kids reply was "Yeah, but who'd want to make a list like that?" Whenever the boy's attitude started to slip into the negative, his dad would write for him as he made another list. The bottom line was when he thought about negative things, his life took a negative turn. But when he kept his thoughts on positive things, he lived positively.
This is more that a think happy thoughts book. It's practical. It shows us how we can change our outlook and thus the direction of our lives. Even though it's based on a Biblical principle, you don't have to be a Christian to benefit from this book. But it sure helps!
BTW, I gained 0.6 pounds this week. But I've also gained quite a bit of insight. Changing the way I think is of more value to me than changing the scale. The weight will come off. And this time, God's changing the rest of me, too, so that the weight will stay off
Check out all my friends and their progress at One Weigh at a Time.
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2 comments:
You are right, everything starts with our thoughts. Negative will give you negative and positive will give you positive. You have chosen a very wise path.
Have a terrific day Clara. Big hug. :)
Okay - I figured out how to post a comment on your blog! I couldn't figure it out last week. I have been trying to change my way of thinking too. That's one of the main things Bob Greene emphasizes in the book I am reading. He says to keep off weight we need to change the way we think. So I am working on that too! Good luck this week! Keep thinking positive! Sounds like you are doing a good job.
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