Want to Thrive in Your Midlife and Senior Years? Check Your Attitudes!
“Let this same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5
I wish I always looked as perky and happy as this young woman, but I don’t. At times, I find myself grumpy, irritated, and even sorry for myself!
How about you?
Does life always cater to your preferences, your schedule, your desires—or mine? No, it doesn’t. Do people always do what you want, see your point of view, acknowledge you are right? No, they don’t!
So, what do we do with our negative emotions and self-talk—especially when we’re called to glorify God not just in what we do with our bodies, but also in what we allow ourselves to stew over in our minds?
Over my decades of ministry, I’ve walked through these struggles with many women. I’ve also faced them myself because we are all human! I’m also familiar with sensing the Holy Spirit convicting me that I need to change my attitude! I even wrote about this in my book:
“I’m Too Human to be Like Jesus”
Here’s a quote from the chapter titled: “You Mean I Have to Change My Attitude?”
“I’M ONLY HUMAN"
Admitting we aren’t perfect isn’t all that hard for most of us. Usually, however, we’re careful not to let others know the details of what’s eating us… Often we don’t want to admit even to ourselves what’s deep down inside. When we do, it’s cushioned by the consoling thought, I’m only human.”
How true! We are only human, but God doesn’t want us to use that as an excuse when our attitudes don’t reflect Him.
As followers of Christ, meant to be salt and light in the world, we’re called to experience change and growth at every age.
Scripture shows us what we need to do, with God’s help:
How about you?
Does life always cater to your preferences, your schedule, your desires—or mine? No, it doesn’t. Do people always do what you want, see your point of view, acknowledge you are right? No, they don’t!
So, what do we do with our negative emotions and self-talk—especially when we’re called to glorify God not just in what we do with our bodies, but also in what we allow ourselves to stew over in our minds?
Over my decades of ministry, I’ve walked through these struggles with many women. I’ve also faced them myself because we are all human! I’m also familiar with sensing the Holy Spirit convicting me that I need to change my attitude! I even wrote about this in my book:
“I’m Too Human to be Like Jesus”
Here’s a quote from the chapter titled: “You Mean I Have to Change My Attitude?”
“I’M ONLY HUMAN"
Admitting we aren’t perfect isn’t all that hard for most of us. Usually, however, we’re careful not to let others know the details of what’s eating us… Often we don’t want to admit even to ourselves what’s deep down inside. When we do, it’s cushioned by the consoling thought, I’m only human.”
How true! We are only human, but God doesn’t want us to use that as an excuse when our attitudes don’t reflect Him.
As followers of Christ, meant to be salt and light in the world, we’re called to experience change and growth at every age.
Scripture shows us what we need to do, with God’s help:
- “Be transformed by the renewing of your MIND” (Romans 12:2)
- “Take captive every thought to make it obedient” (to God’s Word) (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- “Put off your old self…Be made new in the attitude of your mind… put on the new self, created to be like God…” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
But, how does God give us the power to respond in ways that honor Him?
CHECK WHAT YOU’RE TELLING YOURSELF!
When you find yourself slipping into a negative attitude, choose to be honest with yourself and with God. Ask God to help you identify:
Current research affirms five attitudes that help us flourish—and they are all found in Scripture!
1. Be grateful: We have so much to thank God for. Choosing to say thank you to family, friends, and any others who have positively influenced you in the past also does you good, as well as them. Try it!
2. Be optimistic: Remember: You are not alone. You are cared for as God’s beloved. He promises wisdom as you ask for it. He is full of compassion. Comfort and strength are yours through His Word and His Spirit. Ask for it!
3. Count your blessings: Don’t let a day go by without doing this! No matter what you’re dealing with, you are blessed. Think about all you have—from possessions to people who care! Smile and be glad!
4. Use your strengths: You’ve been given gifts, skills, capabilities. Discover them. Use them. Bless others through them. Doing this increases your personal wellbeing and honors God. Do something today!
5. Do acts of kindness: Helping others also helps us. When we love one another, serve one another, and share with one another, we glorify God with our bodies. Pray for direction and step out!
Want to take care of yourself? Want to improve your happiness? Take care of your Body and your Attitude!
Email me if you have some thoughts, comments, or want to share what has helped you deal with negative attitudes.
Blessings,
Poppy
When you find yourself slipping into a negative attitude, choose to be honest with yourself and with God. Ask God to help you identify:
- What’s really going on in me? (Psalm 42: 5)
- Why am I thinking this way? (Psalm 139: 23-24)
- How can I see this differently? (Psalm 119:33-37)
Current research affirms five attitudes that help us flourish—and they are all found in Scripture!
1. Be grateful: We have so much to thank God for. Choosing to say thank you to family, friends, and any others who have positively influenced you in the past also does you good, as well as them. Try it!
2. Be optimistic: Remember: You are not alone. You are cared for as God’s beloved. He promises wisdom as you ask for it. He is full of compassion. Comfort and strength are yours through His Word and His Spirit. Ask for it!
3. Count your blessings: Don’t let a day go by without doing this! No matter what you’re dealing with, you are blessed. Think about all you have—from possessions to people who care! Smile and be glad!
4. Use your strengths: You’ve been given gifts, skills, capabilities. Discover them. Use them. Bless others through them. Doing this increases your personal wellbeing and honors God. Do something today!
5. Do acts of kindness: Helping others also helps us. When we love one another, serve one another, and share with one another, we glorify God with our bodies. Pray for direction and step out!
Want to take care of yourself? Want to improve your happiness? Take care of your Body and your Attitude!
Email me if you have some thoughts, comments, or want to share what has helped you deal with negative attitudes.
Blessings,
Poppy
Referenced scriptures:
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 10:5
Ephesians 4:22-24
Psalm 42: 5
Psalm 139: 23-24
Psalm 119:33-37