By Bernadette Joy Graham, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
MA, LPC, NCC,
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
The Truth Contributor
Our brains are the epicenter of our body. The brain allows us to move and function. The mind is that part of us that serves as the filing system of that epicenter. From the time of our conception, our mind begins to collect data from our environment. What we see, hear and experience become that information in which we interpret in our minds to make some sense out of our lives. Many individuals grow into adults being controlled by what others think (about us). Why are you the way you are? What do you think about yourself?
If you are unhappy or unfulfilled in your life, you may want to consider renewing your mind to help you better manage your mind. What we think will determine how we feel and how we feel will determine how we behave. If you fail to manage your mind, it will continue to give you what you already have (other’s thoughts about us). Our minds may help us grow or they may keep us small. Thinking can make us see circumstances differently. If you think of your life as a problem, it will be a problem or you could think of that problem as an opportunity to grow (change).
Attitude is a product of our belief system created in our childhood. We were taught how to speak, what to think and how to live. Some had a positive belief system which led to more positive and productive thoughts and thinking but for others a negative belief system is still producing negative thoughts into adulthood which delivers us into a belief system of unhappiness.
Our development is the perception of who we are, why we think we exist and a sense of significance our life holds. Changing your perception of who you are and why you think you exist will alter your development. Life must have purpose and as living beings we all have purpose. Part of managing your mind is finding your purpose then pursuing it. Apple trees are here to produce apples. Not everyone will eat apples nor does everyone like apples which is why it is important not to compare yourself with others as it will be like comparing apples to oranges. Think of yourself as a tree of whatever it is you want to produce. Having a purpose means producing something for others in this lifetime.
Take a mental health moment to ask yourself about the management of your mind. Remember that your thoughts control how you feel. The first step to changing your thoughts is to begin with changing your attitude (belief system), just because someone told you as a child you weren’t smart enough or tall enough or lacking in other areas doesn’t mean it to be true. Increase your aptitude on what it is you want to work for and eventually your altitude will change which is our level of association. You will begin to attract different people who think more like you. Toxic people will pollute your life and no one is responsible for your life but you. I don’t know of any apple trees flourishing in rocks or oil. Get into your mind to see what changes need to be made for the results you desire.
Refuse to be in bondage by your negative thoughts. You can only be how you see yourself. You can only see yourself through your thoughts. If you want to be happy, think happy, if you want to be successful, think only successful thoughts.
“As a man thinketh in his heart, and so is he” (Proverbs 23:7)
Bernadette Graham is a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Provide feedback or reach out at graham.bernadette@gmail.com For appointment information please call 419.409.4929 (Telehealth is available for ongoing and new clients at this time as well as in person appointments available on Tuesdays and Fridays only). Office location is 3454 Oak Alley Ct. Suite 300 Toledo, OH 43606 www.bjgrahamcounseling.com