Have you heard the expression that “misery loves company”? It’s the idea that people who are miserable find some sort of comfort by being around other people who are miserable. I’ve also heard it used to express the idea that people who are miserable find some sort of comfort by sucking other people into their … Continue reading The opposite of ‘misery loves company’
positivity
A toxic thought life
Whenever I write about our inner ‘thought life’ I get more responses than usual. People say things like, ‘How did you know?’ and ‘This is what I needed to hear.’ It’s not because I’m a mind-reader. I’m not. It’s because most of us have an active ‘thought life’—these are the non-stop thoughts we have throughout … Continue reading A toxic thought life
Never trust your self-defeating thoughts
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. You know the days. The bad thoughts or feelings start to steamroll. It’s the opposite of positive momentum. You feel deflated. Then you catch … Continue reading Never trust your self-defeating thoughts
Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Human (noun): “a homo sapien who has the ability to breathe, reason, and become an expert at second guessing themselves and dwelling on the negative.” Okay, you’re right. That definition isn’t in the dictionary… but it could be! Especially after Christmas. You’d think that after celebrating the birth of the Messiah we’d be on cloud … Continue reading Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Speak Life (and a request for some help)
A few words can alter someone’s life: “You got the job!” “It’s a boy!” When we think about life-altering words, we usually think about big events with photo-ops and months of planning. But you can also have a positive, life-altering impact in your everyday conversations with the people around you. “I’m proud of you.” “You … Continue reading Speak Life (and a request for some help)
Celebrate a victory anniversary
Yesterday my friend Courtney messaged my wife and me. Courtney reminded us that it was the third anniversary of our daughter Anna’s baptism. She had led the service because on that day I just wanted to stand beside my wife and children and be a dad (and not just the pastor). Her message was a … Continue reading Celebrate a victory anniversary
Arm wrestling the January sads
Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (ESV) Today's Thought Why are so many people sad in January? I saw a cartoon about December: There was a jolly snowman, beautiful snowfall, and twinkling Christmas lights. Then there was one about January: The snowman was half-melted and crooked; … Continue reading Arm wrestling the January sads
