“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.” — Philippians 4:8 NIV

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Life is not always joyful, right?  Circumstances surround us at times that are far from joyful.  Disappointments, hurts, misunderstandings, feelings of guilt or anger . . . these things can steal the joy right out of our hearts and minds . . . IF WE LET IT.

Now I’m not saying those things will never happen to joyful people.  I’m currently going through some situations and it feels as if every door that appears to be open is getting shut and not just shut, but slammed shut in my face.  I could dwell on these circumstances. I could fret and worry and get angry and internalize the hurt and let my self-esteem and psyche take a beating (which is a very sensitive area for me, anyway).  Or I can look for the joy in such situations — perhaps the job wasn’t a good fit, perhaps there’s something better in my future . . .

It’s often been said that what you put into your mind is what comes out of your mouth.  In his book, “48 Days to the Work You Love,” Dan Miller states: “Be very careful how you start your morning. You are planting the seeds for what the day will hold.”  He commits his first morning hours to meditation and then an hour on the treadmill while listening to motivational speakers or podcasts.  And it’s true . . . if I can get up before the children, take the dog for a short walk and then drink my coffee on the porch while reading a chapter or two from a motivational book or listening to a motivational speaker, my day goes SO MUCH BETTER!  On the flip side, if I wake up late, scramble to get the kids up and moving, chug my coffee in the kitchen,  yell at someone to take the dog out and then start my day . . . it is a chaotic mess all day long.

Miller, Dan. 48 Days to the Work You Love: Preparing for the New Normal (p. 97). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.