If you’re anything like me or the other 7.4 billion people on this planet, you know the biggest hinderance to your No Small Life is perched nicely between your ears. That’s right it’s your brain. And all the negative thoughts it tries to launch your way.
Our minds juggle so much information. Some important and some inexplicably random. Example, if we ever play a movie trivia game together? You want me on your team. My ability to retain knowledge about movies I’VE NEVER EVEN SEEN, borders on embarrassing.
Thoughts dart in and out of our brains all day long. Some of them spur us on in our God-given destiny, while more common than not, the negative thoughts steeped in things like fear and insecurity, jerk our momentum to an abrupt halt.
Recently, I heard a stat that says the average person thinks approx. 60,000 thoughts a day and 80% of those thoughts are negative! 80%!
That stat might seem shocking… until you start focusing on all the thoughts you’ve already had run through your brain today. What were you thinking as you woke up? When you got dressed? As you fought traffic? When someone didn’t respond to your “funny” joke? (Don’t worry. I know you’re funny.)
Personally, I fought through a slew of negativity before I even made my way out the door. Why? Because not only is the enemy of our souls ruthless but too often WE are our own worst critics.
I wholeheartedly believe that our thoughts control our behaviors and our behaviors shape the destiny of our No Small Lives. So REALLY, I can’t think of a better area for us to discuss than our thinking, can you?
No worries, this isn’t going to be heavy, but rather full of solution! Negative thinking is an area I’ve struggled with and have yet to master. Because, human.
BUT, I do have 5 resources, powerful resources, that have helped me tremendously. 5 Resources that are my go-to’s when I know I’m starting to buy into lies. And because I love you so, I’m sharing them with you today. So settle in, grab your black coffee with Liquid Vanilla Stevia (no? just me? 😉 )and let’s dish.
The Bible talks over and over again about “setting” or “fixing” our minds. I love that word picture. The fact that it takes a physical action to reign in the “theatre of our minds.” And like Romans 12:2 says if we’re transformed by the renewing of our minds, fixing our thoughts on truth and the what God says about us, our life and our future, is getting us halfway to Victory.
HOWEVER, if we’re really honest, do we know how to do that? Do we have the strategy to set our minds on truth when negative thoughts start firing against our brains?
Well friend, here are 5 resources to fuel you with truth and strategy. Because the truth is, when lies start messing with you, you can know how to mess with them right back.
1. 21 Day Brain Detox by Dr. Caroline Leaf
21-day Brain Detox is an online program created to help you learn how to control your thoughts instead of letting them control you. The great thing about this program is that it only takes about 7-10 min a day. Dr. Leaf teaches you how to break down toxic thoughts and build healthy replacement thoughts-literally breaking down HOW to renew your mind in very practical steps. For more GREAT books by Dr. Leaf, click here.
2. Revelation Wellness Podcast
It’s something I was too ashamed to talk about for years, but I have struggled with body image the majority of my life. God has done a tremendous amount of healing. And while my inner critic can still be a big loud jerk at times, the Lord faithfully reminds me who I really am through Him and all the through grace and love I get to view myself because of Him.
You are so much more than an image or a body. If that’s something you’ve struggled with, I CANNOT recommend this podcast enough. If that’s not something you’ve struggled with, I cannot recommend this podcast enough. 🙂 The episodes I love the most are called “Reving the Word.” Designed to listen to while you workout, the combination of driving music, the word of God and Alisa Keaton speaking truth over you, will breathe life into your Spirit, Soul, and Body in such a powerful way. My favorite episode is this one. Give it a listen.
3. “Crash the Chatterbox,” by Steven Furtick
I downloaded this as an audiobook (‘cause that’s how I roll ) 🙂 and am currently on my 2nd listen. Repetition=Sinking In. You’ll appreciate this book. It’s not only packed with truth, it’s also very authentic…like, shockingly authentic. My respect level for Steven Furtick went up a couple of notches due to how willing he was to be vulnerable for the sake of transparency and freedom for his audience. This book is also PRACTICAL. At its core, its based around overcoming lies in 4 areas of your life and replacing them with truth. The 4 areas are Insecurity, Fear, Discouragement, and Condemnation. And just to give you one more reason to read/listen to this book, here’s one of my favorite quotes:
“God has given us the ability to choose the internal dialogue we believe and respond to. Once we learn how, we can switch from lies to truth as dilberately as we can choose the Beatles over Miley Cyrus on satelight radio.”-Steven Furtick
4. “The Promise of Security” by Beth Moore.
From the first word to the last, this booklet is jam-packed with so much truth. But because it’s from Beth Moore, it reads like you’re having a conversation with a loving mentor over a Latte. The next great thing about this resource is the investment, both time and money. You can get this in paperback or Kindle form for…$0.99! OR, you can do like I did and buy it for $5.00 on iTunes so you can listen over and over in your car or as you’re cleaning. I could use a good dose of truth when I’m cleaning, couldn’t you? 😉 If you choose to get the audio version, guess what? It’s only 45 min! So so do-able even if you’re short on time.
Even the layout is practical and very user-friendly. Here are some of the headers for the days you have 5 min to combat the lies you’re dealing with:
“When life seems unpredictable…”
“When you long to be healthy and whole…”
“When you lack confidence…”
“When you feel alone…”
I have recommended this to so many girlfriends. And it’s one I listen to over and over again.
5. “Power Thoughts” by Joyce Meyer
Proverbs 23:7 says, “(as a man) thinks in his heart, so is he.” In a nutshell, we become what we think. And once you’ve taken the steps to memorize what the word of God says about you, you can combat the lies that creep into your heart and mind much quicker. “Power Thoughts,” in true Joyce Meyer fashion, is extremely practical and applicable. The goal of this book (taken from the promo :)) is to help you:
-learn 12 specific thoughts to positively affect every area of your life
-Learn how to think right thoughts on purpose
-Become decisive, confident, and productive
Where do I sign up, am I right? Now, full disclosure: I have not read this entire book. I know, I know, stop looking at me like that! :p I’ve only skimmed the book, BUT I did listen to all the podcast’s that she preached on the book. It’s on my read/listen to 😉 list, BUT I wanted to share it with all of you so bad, that I couldn’t wait until I finished it. A speed reader I am not.
Like I said before, this book is super practical. The 12 thoughts you memorize are all one sentence based on a scriptural truth. As a quick reference, I saved them in the Notes App on my phone. Because this girl needs as many blatant instant reminders as humanly possible. 🙂 I’ve also had friends that have printed them out and hung them on their fridges or over their desk. I think you’re really going to enjoy this one.
Have you struggled with negative thoughts? Good news, you’re normal. Great news? They don’t have to defeat you. You are not your struggle. Your life is not small. You are an overcomer.
I hope these resources bless you like crazy.
Want a bonus resource? I mean, of course, you do! If you’re just feeling Stuck, we wrote a free ebook for you. Just click the button, get the ebook and get free help and encouragement from us each week.
Until Next Time,
Meg
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These resources look great! Thankyou for all the time you spend on and research you guys do for these posts💕
Thank you so much Aunt Judy! I hope you find a new favorite, they’ve been a huge asset to us! 🙂