What is your LifeView?
Many people like to talk about their worldview but one’s lifeview is more focused and has a greater impact on our everyday life.
It is a bit of a cliché to ask if you view life as half full or half empty but the old adage explains how you approach your life. When you woke up this morning what did you expect? A good day or a bad day?
The Struggle is Real
Life can be extremely difficult at times. We experience the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job or even a serious health crisis. This is just the short list. However, when we have a positive lifeview we find ourselves in a better place mentally and emotionally to deal with these circumstances. No a positive outlook does not make our life perfect nor does it make our problems magically disappear.
“Your decisions may not have put you in your current situation but they can get you out!” – John Michael Morgan
A negative lifeview can cause you to see good things as bad
I recall one time when I offered to help someone complete a task , they promptly notified me that they were more than capable of doing it by themselves. Instead of seeing my offer as me trying to be helpful, they saw it as a slight. I was just trying to help.
For a few years I was a major grump and proud of it. I woke up each day expecting the negative and since that was my expectation I found the negative each and every day. However, one day I woke up and discovered I did not like myself very much. I decided to make a change.
How to change your lifeview
- Limit your negative inputs – For years I consumed large amounts of talk radio. A constant flow of negativity and drama flooded my ears. I did a forty day fast and kept the radio turned off. I was shocked by the change in my mood after those 40 days.
- Choose your battles – The fact that the waiter got your order wrong or you got stuck in traffic for an extra thirty minutes this morning really are not life changing events. Don’t sweat the small stuff ( sorry for yet another cliché)
- Forgive – Forgiveness is one of the most powerful actions there is. Sometimes we just need to let things go and move on. This also means we have to offer forgiveness when not asked. Forgiveness benefits you and the other person. Holding a grudge has never been good for anyone. – Remember choose your battles
- Look for / Expect the good – Part of Matthew 7:7 says “seek and you will find.” Now Matthew was talking about seeking God but this verse is also a life principle. What you look for you will find. If you look for the negative, the negative is what you will find. The world really is not out to get you.
- Live in community – Be proactive to make friends and be engaged with others. Make sure your closest friends have a healthy lifeview. Life was not meant to live in isolation.
- Be a life giver – No matter if you meet a friend or stranger find a way to be an encourager. I always try to use the name of the clerk checking me out at the store or the server bringing my food. Even if the service is not that great, I most always tip the full twenty percent. Life is better when we live a life of grace. It is often the little things we do that have the greatest impact.
- Be grateful – Take time each week (if not each day) to be thankful for the good things in your life. Whether big or small, take time to reflect on each one. Remember if you look for the good, you will find it.
- Choose to be positive – Yes sometimes it really is that simple. Work at it and make it happen
How is your lifeview? Let me know if you need some help getting yours turned around.
John Michael Morgan quote is from his blog post Is your Excuse Worth It?
photo credit: akahawkeyefan I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW via photopin (license)
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