Have a Positive Outlook on Life . . . in 3 Minutes!

Are you a glass half-empty or glass half-full type of person? Do you always look to the negative or try to find the positive?

For many years I swayed toward Miss Negativity. I could have an almost-clean house, and I’d mope over the one area not yet sparkling. Or I’d read a dozen great reviews of my books and then cry over the one negative comment. For years I battled this, and it was only recently I realized how far I’ve come.

Through the years I’ve developed a habit that has guided me to to having a more positive outlook, and it has brought joy and thankfulness to my soul. My work and home life is better for it too! And the habit only takes three minutes!

See God . . . as ruler over all

As a homeschooling mom, support group coordinator, and author, I get overwhelmed often. Whether it’s a kid’s bad attitude, worries about one of the teen moms I mentor, or an impeding deadline, I tend to carry the world’s weights as heavy chains around my neck and heart. (Or at least I used to!)

One day, unable to function in the midst of all my numerous concerns, I rushed to my room, climbed under my duvet, and cried. Then, realizing the crying wasn’t to get me very far, I focused on God instead. I pictured God on His throne and Jesus by His side. I pictured those bowed before Him declaring, “Holy, holy, holy.” I pictured the earth spinning under His direction and His gaze of love looking down at me in my miserable state. And I imagined a look of love and compassion in His gaze.

When I climbed out from my bed, my heart was changed. My burdens were lifted, and I had a more positive outlook on life. And when I looked at the clock, I realized it had only been three minutes.

Three minutes reminded me of God’s place and His power. It took my thoughts off myself and my worries, and it put those thoughts on Him.

I’m sure my limited imagination barely grasped the awesomeness of being in His presence, but that exercise helped me. Seeing God—imagining Him—put my mind at ease. He is a great and loving ruler. My tasks and worries are tiny in comparison to Him! The next time I took my three-minute escape I pictured myself lifting my small concerns and handing them over.

First Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.”

Once we attempt to wrap our minds around the Lord’s greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, it’s easy to adore Him, and if we’re busy adoring Him, then it takes our mind off our concerns.

It also helps me to realize that God’s in control. He can guide me, help me, and give me peace. And He does all that as I fix my mind on Him!

Look, Fix, and Repeat

My three-minute escape was a habit that helped me for years. The more I “got away” to fix my gaze on God, the more positive my outlook on life became.

As I made a habit of seeing His greatness and goodness, the smaller my own worries became. Instead of backing away from new opportunities, I stepped toward them, realizing God’s greatness and power would guide me. Instead of carrying my heavy burdens, I made a habit of turning them over to Him. And instead of fixing my thoughts on the clutter in my home or the negative comments, I began to understand deep in my heart that the things on this earth pale in comparison to the things of heaven, and that too began to transform my life.

Now, I don’t need to escape to my bed for three minutes. Instead, I think of God—at His throne—in the midst of my busy day. I can picture Him reigning over all as I do the dishes or put in a load of laundry.

I also look to Scripture to help me fix my mind on Christ. There are so many Scripture verses that speak of God’s power, strength, and majesty.

Do you need a more positive attitude?

I highly recommend a three-minute escape whenever you start feeling overwhelmed with your schedule, your worries, or you feelings of inadequacy. Also, print up this FREE pdf of some of my favorite Scriptures and tuck them in your purse or post them on your refrigerator. Use them to help you focus on the One who reigns over heaven and earth—He’s also the one who loves you completely and wants to carry those burdens for you!

Blessings,

Tricia