Opening Notes

Writing this series has been incredibly challenging. Here I am, trying to empower people to seek truth, freedom, and renewal in their lives and wardrobe; yet, I am in need of these same revelations.

In my attempt to encourage readers to let go of what people think; there are still days I hold on. As I seek to encourage a healthy thought life; I am fighting every day to speak truth into my own mind. While I encourage readers to break out of their comfort zone, redefine boundaries, and reach into new waters of freedom; I think of all the times (even moments recently) that I’ve lived in immense bondage.

Writing before I’ve shared parts of my story, short summaries of sermons I’ve enjoyed, and revelations I’ve had in my own seasons; but for these pieces, I wanted to do something different. This blog series is meant for something more.

Within the words, I write I want to share what God says regarding these topics. Not because they’re easy to write, not for my own liking of them, nor for the reason I think they’ll attract an audience. Instead, I write because I believe in calling. And for some reason, I feel called to exactly this.

The ideas I have, the beliefs I hold, and the concepts I share are imperfect- incomplete- and perhaps not even relevant to you. Still, I believe there’s power to be found between the lines and in each readers interpretation. I believe God can speak to you through my writing. For, He has placed this on my heart for such a time as this. For that reason – I am grateful, excited, and deeply honored to make these attempts.

My hope is that these words become real to you; that they help, inspire, encourage, and bring light to you. I pray that they break through to you, and replace any insecurity in your life with beauty, kindness, and hope.

As we dive in together to discover what God has, may our efforts be blessed. May the search for truth, freedom, as renewal not stop here. May this act as a small spark that starts a great fire within us. May it warm us in every season to come.

Planting Truth

Truth is a hard topic to start with. In a world filled with so many voices; it’s nearly impossible to know what is even true anymore. How do we line ourselves up with reality when we’re not even sure what’s “true” in the first place. Moving standards, differentiating expectations, and an overload of opportunities fester us into the frustration of us not knowing what to do, how to do it, nor why. From there, it’s easy to speak incapability, insecurity, indecisiveness, and blame over our lives.

One of the most detrimental things I myself do is entertain negativity, and for too long. I internally decide that I dislike a characteristic about myself (or another person), and eventually, it’s all I can focus on. In different seasons I jump to the conclusion that I am stuck or in a place without meaning, to soon lose sight of the greater purpose within my process.

For this reason, I want to propose that no matter what our previous beliefs and experiences say, we have the choice to find goodness in all situations, by simply shifting the way we think. For as we speak positivity over ourselves, others, and the present moment- we have the ability to control our thought life and end up on top within other parts of our life too.

As we point out the flaws in our thought life and take intentional steps in renewing our minds, Jesus will meet us in providing new strength and changing our perspectives.

Break the Victim Mentality

The worst place we can place ourselves is in the position of a victim. For when we view ourselves as inferior to others, we give up the authority we have over ourselves to be victorious. If we constantly blame our “lower rank” on the decision or character of another person, we need a reality check. No one on the outside can define your value – except for you and God. If we allow other people that voice instead, it will produce instability within our own identities over and over again.

On the other hand, if people in your life feel entitled to defining your worth, that’s something they need to recognize in their lives, as you choose to deny it’s power over yours. It is in our control who we allow having a voice within our hearts, and whose words we allow to fall outside the door.

So, when we take feelings of not being loved, cared for, or needed enough and place that responsibility on everyone but ourselves; we need change in perspective. That starts, with changing our minds.

Claiming in your thought life that you have the ability to make decisions and enforce that obedience as the first step into a victor’s mentality.

We aren’t fighting against people who make us feel crappy nor needing to control how people view us. Instead, we internally need to view our own lives in a light that says “I am victorious. I am beautiful, worthy, cared for, loved, and capable of controlling my own thoughts, emotions, and reactions.”

Get Uncomfortable

It is always uncomfortable to break out of old thought patterns. If you’ve struggled with worrying about what other people think, it can feel incredibly unusual to let go. But, it’s only going to get harder the longer you do it, so better yet stop now! If you’re used to constantly hating on yourself, or perhaps practicing the opposite-pride, it’s going to be uncomfortable thinking humbly of yourself (“Not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less”), but totally worth it.

Whatever your game plan may be in order to shift your thoughts from negative to positive, and your position from pauper to princess; it should be outside your comfort zone. New habits feel weird, but choosing to press into the discomfort of change will be so worth it in the long run.

Investigate the Root

Why is it that you think the way you do? Is your habit caused by a past relationship, experience, or habit that has stuck with you for too long? The deeper we can get in digging up negativity in our lives, the more we understand ourselves. From there a whole world opens to receive healing from the past and act in productivity towards the future.

God can so clearly reveal to us where the roots are. Spend time in prayer seeking God in why you view particular situations or people in a certain way. Then, seek out what He thinks, and commit to taking that view until it becomes more real to you.

Start Small

Sit down and search out particular thoughts you have throughout the day that aren’t helping you. Start right there by altering it in a way that is beneficial to the atmosphere around you. Focus on that small piece and don’t allow room for compromise. It could be telling yourself you are beautifully and wonderfully made the second you begin to self-hate. Perhaps it’s claiming tasks that you once saw as “difficult” as still difficult, but following it with saying you’re capable of that task. In work that you view as pointless, declare it as valuable over your mind.

If self-control towards your thoughts is too great of a task, don’t be discouraged. Make the change in something smaller. It could be committing to 30 minutes less of social media a day, reading a good book before bed, cooking one meal for yourself daily, or sending an encouraging message to a friend every week. These are all choices we get to make that are tangible! The process of realizing your ability to make these will help you step into breaking out of greater habits, such as the practice of a negative thought life.

Keep Goals Simple

We don’t need to stand in the mirror for an hour and recite an essay about how amazing we are. It’s not necessary to listen to five encouraging pod-casts a day or remove every person from our life who isn’t helping it. Making realistic boundaries that are simple is key to long-term success. It truly is the small, consistent, care-filled (and realistic) things we practice in our day to day life that shows stable progress over time.

I have recently enjoyed setting three “escape thoughts (call them prayers if you may)” that I recite in times of mental drowning. They claim what the fear/worry/negative emotion that is currently clouding my mind, and rebounds it with a truth that contains positivity. For example, if I’m in a season of uncertainty regarding my next step I may say “Yes, I am unsure what’s next; but I trust that the right time will come; and when it does, all this will be worth the wait.” Doesn’t hurt to also add phrases such as, “This is a time of growth. I am being prepared for my next season. Have faith in the process.

At the end of the day, it’s astonishing the freedom available when the bondage of negative thinking is broken: and you are worth that freedom. Even if you’re starting small and keeping it simple, this is a valuable practice to implement in your life. Plus, with time, it will become only more natural.

No matter how weak you feel, you still have the power to change your mind and in return to change your life. If you are seeking that life change, I just want you to know that it is possible, and you can have it.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

WISE ADVICE FROM

WONDERFUL WOMEN

What benefits does uncomfortably have?

I associate uncomfortably with growth. When you are getting uncomfortable it is because you are most likely trying something new, stepping outside your “zone”, or being challenged. Nobody gets uncomfortable from doing the same things, on the same days, while thinking the same things. Being uncomfortable means you are growing and learning and reaching for something beyond yourself. Matthew 5:11 says this, “Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.” The more uncomfortable you are, most likely means the closer you are to truth of some sort. (Martin)

Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations a lot of the time results in growing or learning something that seems scary to try. That’s a pretty standard answer but when I’m in uncomfortable situations I try to remind myself that the next time I do it, it probably won’t be uncomfortable and will be well worth the pay off in the long run. This is something I really struggle with though (going out of my comfort zone) and would like to take my own advise on more. (Canter)

Discomfort has benefited me in so many ways, if I’m constantly comfortable, I’m not growing. I spent a lot of my life trying to create comfort for myself in so many ways that my ability to create relationships and gain knowledge about the world around me was stunted. When I let myself feel that discomfort I starting thriving, because instead of avoiding it I confronted it. I gained so much awareness for the people around me and I grew a lot stronger and more confident in myself because I was more prepared for all aspects of life. Discomfort is so important, a lot of life is uncomfortable, and the better we know how to weather it the more positive of an impact we will have on ourselves and the people around us. (Mealy)

It’s vital to live in the realm of uncomfortably because only there will we be stretched and grown. It’s often the most painful, uncomfortable parts of our lives that create a fight and passion within us, giving us something to live for. Lives of comfort breed complacency and stagnancy. (Arsenault)

How can we find the roots of hurt in our lives? And then what?

Some people say time heals all wounds, some say talking does and some say it will last forever. The thing about roots, is that they are connected to whatever is growing above them. We are the answer to ourselves. The roots of our past, our emotions, and our stories all come back to the same place…us, as individuals. Personally, I find the roots of hurt in my life through constant prayer. I look within myself and within God and I pray or meditate (or whatever you call it in your life, that is okay), but I soul search and then I find the strength that is undoubtedly in me to face it and to move on. Old hurt and pain in our lives is like a wound that was never cleaned or healed but it scabbed and skinned over anyway, trapping that dirt and infection inside, causing a constant dull pain and ache. Sometimes in life we have to reopen those wounds and it hurts, but we have to properly clean them out before letting them heal again, this time the right way. (Martin)

For some people it’s easier to understand themselves that it is for others. One way I can uncover things I haven’t realized before is writing down my thoughts. Often when I do this I end up with an idea, thought, or emotion I hadn’t realized I’d been feeling. Once you know why or how you’re hurting it’s easier to deal with even if the pain doesn’t go away. (Canter)

I begin to identify the root of hurt in my life by first identifying what it is that triggers that pain. If I find myself becoming upset over something or behaving in a way that is not benefiting me, I try my best to stop and ask myself where that behavior or thought pattern is coming from. Taking time for  journaling and self-reflection can really help in the process of understanding where these feelings stem from. From here, I try to start recognizing these emotions as a response rather than a part of my identity, allowing me to step back and ask myself “is this serving me or my life any longer?”. If it isn’t, and it usually isn’t, I take a moment of gratitude for the ways that pain has served me in my life so far, and then I try to let it go. (Hammer)

I don’t think you always can find the roots of pain in our lives. I think the first step to trying though is to stop blaming the people around us for anything rough we might be going through. Know what’s yours and what isn’t. A lot can be traced back to how we were raised and who had the largest impact on our lives and what their values are. Sometimes it’s worth confronting and sometimes it’s good enough just to know and to move forwards with awareness of what is behind our reactions and responses and personal views. (Mealy)

The only way I’ve known to find the roots of pain in my life has been through the gentle guidance of God but His Holy Spirit. The deeper the pain, the deeper and more planted the roots. As humans, our defense mechanisms naturally bury these roots further and further down, so we need God to bring us into revelation and then from there healing by the power of God, which surpasses all understanding. God doesn’t dig up old roots without replanting a new garden, but He can’t plan the new without digging out the old. (Arsenault)

What are small and simple ways we can start planting truth in our thought lives?

I believe that knowing and living truth starts within ourselves. Tell yourself one truth about yourself every morning when you look into the mirror. “I am beautiful.” “I am smart.” “I am talented.” If you have a hard time complimenting yourself, start out with the one thing that is true about all of us, “I am a child of God. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Once you start speaking truths about yourselves into you daily lives, your minds will become more positive and your hearts will becoming more faithful, and YOU will start seeing so many more truths then the lies that the world tries to feed us. (Martin)

We need to begin to shift our perspective away from the lies this world feeds us on a daily basis. It’s all about what we fill our minds with. For me – I strive to surround myself with a strong and supportive community, play clean and truth-filled music, read literature based on truth and fill my own words with encouragement and uplifting positivity. These small changes have the power to alter atmospheres around you. (Arsenault)

What tips do you have in regards of goal setting?

Just set one, what a great way to start! I think a lot of time in life we spend too much time planning and creating itineraries of what we want to do and how we want to do it, that by the time we actually get to it, we are almost out of time. There is a time to plan and there is a time to schedule, there is also a time to just say to yourself, “That’s something I want to accomplish” and then you make it happen! Don’t just set goals, make them happen by jumping to it and getting excited about it and making that idea a reality. (Martin)

Goal setting needs constant observance to really work. Once you set your goal do monthly, weekly or even daily check ups to see how your progression is. Set small tasks regularly to complete your bigger goal and focus on one at a time rather than having a massive overwhelming list of things to do. One quote I really like is “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” Be okay with achieving your one or few goals without regretting everything you didn’t do. (Canter)

Make a list each day of what you can get done TODAY, don’t focus on the intimidation of the entire goal, think about today. (Mealy)

I always lay out a goal, pray about it and solidify if it’s something I truly should work towards. When I find peace and clearance I run after it. I make a strategic and realistic plan about how I will execute it (time line, due dates, budget, etc.) And then begin following the steps it takes to complete it. (Arsenault)

Finding Freedom

Freedom: When you know you can, but you don’t have to; it’s not the rule that stops you, but the choice to follow set parameters that will keep you safe.

You roll out of bed in the morning and head straight for your closet. Another morning of “what to wear.” Your first hope is to look cute, with also taking into consideration your agenda for the day. Yet, after a few indecisive moments, insecurity seeps in. You begin to worry of what your body looks like, what’s in style, what you haven’t worn in a while (what if someone sees you in the same shirt?), and what others may think of you.

An hour and a half later your wardrobe is on the floor as frustration comes over you like a flood. “Nothing looks good on me, all my clothes suck, and why do I even try.” (I’ve been in this place a countless number of times). From too flashy to not flashy enough. One outfit is perfectly revealing if you run into “you know who,” but risky if you walk into someone else. After many doubts and concerns, the lasting question is: Why do we even care about what people think in regards to what we wear? Does what we wear even matter? Should we give in or give up when it comes to being “fashionable”?

Let’s start with identity. For when we know who we are, we know that our identity does not lie solely in what we wear anyways. Our individual style is a beautiful art in which we can express who we are, what we love, and the creativity within us; but it should not define us. When it does, simple tasks such as getting dressed become as overwhelming as the scenario above.

So, how do we escape the frustration of laying too much weight on our outer appearance?

Let it Go

How do we release ourselves from the expectations of others? What do we need to let go of first? What do we need to give?

I have learned that sometimes (perhaps even most) we just need to let go of any rules, regulations, and expectations that are holding us in bondage. If you have moments where you’re heart burns with desire… but then it’s put out solely by holding on to an outside influence too tight, I encourage you to seek a breakthrough.

It may start with publishing your personal writing, sharing a dream with your family, posting what you actually want to on social media, wearing an exotic piece of clothing, taking a break from school, a job, or relationship (especially if causes you to be bound or unhappy), just take a chance!

Still, there are boundaries that keep us safe, but also those that keep us living in fear. Meditate on or discuss with a loved one what it is that holds you back from freedom, and come against that in breaking perfectionism in your life.

Is it fear of man, fear of failure, or a negative experience in the past that haunts you? Love, let it go.

Focus on Somebody Besides Yourself

“While my journey from severe depression and amidst mental health challenges has been multifaceted, one thing I have learned is this: The more I try to fix myself, the more captive I become. However, the more I rest in my intrinsic value and worth, the more freedom I experience. Additionally, the more I forget myself, the more wide-awake I am to the people and experiences around me.”

“I’ve discovered the further I take a genuine interest in other people, the more secure I am with who I am. One beauty secret is this: You will become more beautiful in one day by loving other people than you will in one year by trying to get other people to love you. I now believe in the splendidness and freedom of self-forgetfulness.”

-Allie Marie Smith

Be Aware of Your Influencers

“If you’re concerned with understanding people around you and becoming a better, more confident, more caring person, be careful to not absorb feedback from just anyone. It can be difficult to have a full perspective of yourself from your own point of view, so this is when character feedback becomes important. Think about whose opinions you value: your spouse, your best friend, your parents; your boss, employee, or co-worker; mentors, pastors, or coaches. Whoever it is, determine who are the people who can best speak into your life and help give you direction. These are the people who really know you and can help you recognize the difference between a momentary failing and a negative pattern. These are the outlooks that matter.”

-Leslie Tulip

Wear What You Love

When we look at our wardrobe as a whole, there are usually pieces we don’t even like, others we haven’t worn in ages; then there are pieces we can’t get enough of, and ones we’d buy the same of again. To add on, there’s usually even more than land in between.

I started making serious progress in the way I spent money, got dressed, and organized my wardrobe when I began to minimize my pieces by – keeping, wearing, and buying only clothes and accessories that I love. For someone like me, I know there’s a tendency to “love” a lot of items, so I took it one step further to consider functionality. What clothes are actually adding value to my life? Do they express who I am and what I value?

That may seem to be overkill to you- but really what’s the point of investing in anything that doesn’t add value to our lives or the lives of others? We may be quick to purchase something that is “in style,” but do we know ourselves well enough to discern whether or not we will actually wear it… and personally, love it.

This is another practice that starts small, yet eventually leads us to simplify our lives, understanding our identity, and standing strong in who we are. Why? Because we are seeking purpose in the aspects of our lives that were designed to be influential in the first place. How you dress is influential, and the first person it influences should be yourself. Then, the world too can benefit greatly from seeing who you are.

Give Yourself Time

We often jump into ‘discovery mode’ believing that results will remain the same. Yet, isn’t the best part of discovery is just that- the exploration into something new. When we step into newness we must accept that it isn’t going to look, smell, feel, or sound like before. The temptation to compare our present to the past continues. Grasping on to how things once were, how a relationship ended before, or how a past scenario went; we place ourselves in God’s position, “knowing” what is going to come next. Regardless, we are blind to what the future holds and what results are going to come from new endeavors.

If we are going to take the step into finding God, ourselves, our style, and what works best for our life; we gotta remember that not everything is going to work. And, when they do, they probably will not start working right away. So my friend, give yourself time. This journey is a process.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

Galatians 5:13-14 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Renewal: to make like new: RESTORE to freshness, revive, rebuild, resume, restore, repeat

Reinventing New

New is exciting. I witness over and over again in my life the excitement of a new beginning. Yet, no matter how much I desire change, I often feel stuck in the same old routines. “I’m the same old me, with the same old goals, relationships, job, struggles, and hobbies.”

I urge for enhancement in position without enduring the process necessary. And if that enrichment doesn’t happen fast enough, then it’s off to the next. (talk about impatience!)

The need to experience the newness of change disturbs my present commitments as it becomes more important to “keep up” and “keep moving” than it is to “hold on” and “press in.”

I propose that this type of approach is caused by our present society driven by “instant gratification,” and it’s stripping value from the power of wait. For me, it’s also a root leading to constant anxiety about my future.

So, when we arrive in the stir-motion of “I want this and I want it now,” we may only need to declare the inaccuracy of “the grass is greener on the other side,” and break out of the box we’ve put ourselves in. I love the quote “the grass is greener where you water it.”

The box is built by the predetermined boundaries, beliefs, fears and the doubts that keep people out, us in, and the world small. It’s the walls in our lives that hold us in the captivity of hopelessness, which eventually holds us back from all we can become. Such a box is a place where we sit alone and let bad experiences eat away at our ambition.

Being quick to believe a negative situation has no way of changing, that something we’ve been given to us has no sense of value, or restraining our future by claiming that the past will always define us, will quickly rot away the beautiful potential within us that we have the right to. When we become trapped in the box of negative thinking, we give that right away.

There’s a great chance we’ll also get stuck by remaining over-fastened on something, someone, or even a place: leaving no room for adjustment.  These times are amplified by conclusions such as “ if this doesn’t work this exact way, it can’t work at all; and if it doesn’t work at all, there’s no chance of another opportunity like this coming.” Now, we have placed ourselves back in the box, away from the hope for miracles, good stories, and new beginnings.

As our expectations, thoughts, and practices remain old, so do we. For the predetermined belief that something (or someone) is incapable, unchanging, or worthless instantly devalues any potential placed within that person, place, or thing but God to become great. Seriously, the worst of the worst still has room for redemption into new… no matter how broken or old.

Aim for Excellence

Despite what season we find ourselves in, there’s always situations, relationships, projects, and so on, that we could work better at. Even in our own self-care, hobbies, and skills; there’s always room for improvements along with the potential for excellence. This has been challenging for me in seasons that I’m not doing exactly what I love. The flaw is that it’s my choice whether or not to love what I’m doing. Plus, I always end up enjoying the work I do when I complete it with excellence. That for me means no shortcuts. It means doing it the best to my ability and completing it in the time I’m given. This can look like doing a thorough job on a task given to you at work or loving well in a friendship; practicing forgiveness, authenticity, vulnerability, and integrity with the people already placed in your life.

Gain New Perspective

There comes a time that you just gotta lock down and love yourself; as well as open your mind to more than you already know. Do whatever you can to gain new perspective; it will aid you in turning old pain into new energy- hopeless into motivation.

Do what you can to see your story in a new light. From there, you can broaden that blaze in other areas of your life.

I think it’s incredibly important to know how you process and put that to use. For me, I am a verbal processor, so if I need a new perspective I must talk it through with another person. Perhaps it’s better for you to write, challenge yourself physically, create a piece of art, listen to music, or spend alone time with God. Make space in your days and weeks to get out, meet with friends, practice self-love, and pursue travel.

The first step to finding renewal may simply be going something new, even for a day; and that’s up to you.

Do Your Best First

A powerful place to start it by doing the best you can…. with what you’ve already got. It’s unreal what can happen when we utilize the objects/relationships/gifts laying right out in front of us. Open your eyes, get creative, practice gratefulness. Don’t trade in who you OR what you already have, for what is “new” “cool” or “in.” Instead, live a life of trend by being who you are, expressing what you’ve been through, pouring into positive relationships, practicing mindfulness, and work towards your dreams one day at a time.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, but remember the small changes we can make to arrive at a new place. If your best is to put two dollars aside a day to go eat lunch out of town on the weekend- do it. If it’s putting one hour aside to invest in someone besides yourself, even if it’s for your own well-being too- schedule it. We are beyond blessed to be able to make these commitments for ourselves and in the process better our longevity of living better, loving well, and reinstating renewal.

Romans 12:2 says,  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Closing Notes

I believe with my whole being that there is truth, freedom, and renewal waiting for us all. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’re from, or how people see you; you have been gifted with potential deeper than understanding. I believe no matter how empty you feel right now, there’s a fullness offered to you beyond comprehension. No matter how dead, dark, hopeless, pointless, or reckless your life may seem, there is a light at the end of your tunnel.

This isn’t a scheme to get you involved in a particular religion, organization, or cause. I’m not trying to talk you into believing what I believe. This is not a bribe, but it is also not a joke.

This is real, its raw, it’s relevant, and it’s life changing.

So, if you have never accepted Jesus into your life, He can renew and redeem your heart, your mind, your work, your family, your relationships, your perspective, your past-present-and future unlike any blog, person or practice can.

The best part is we don’t have to measure up to anything to follow Him. There are no rules, regulations, expectations, bondage, or barriers in choosing Christ; instead truth, freedom, renewal, blessing, and life.

He is solely the one that has helped me execute all that I’ve written in here and more. My biggest dream is for you to know that power and love too.

It as simple as asking Jesus right now into your heart. Like I affirmed before, you are worthy of a full and abundant life, and I believe this is the new beginning you’ve been waiting for.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and is justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10