Sometimes all we need is a change in our perspective. 

Changing one’s perspective is not easy, but it is a choice that you are able to make.  You can choose to focus on all the things that went wrong or you can choose to focus on what is good.  Sometimes finding what is good takes time, sometimes it takes creativity, other times it takes perseverance. 

The key for me is to FOCUS on the positive, the good.  That is often very difficult; but if I don’t look for the good, I often find myself drowning in negativity.  I don’t like how that feels, it is not healthy for me. 

Finding the good in a horrible situation is not easy nor do I mean to diminish the impact it has on its victims.  What I do know is that for me, focusing on something positive helps me move forward and live life.

The Possibility Thinkers Bible, by Schuller and Dunn, talks about filtering your thoughts, allowing positive thoughts while screening out the negative.   They highlight Philippians 4:8 as a guide for your mental filtering system; is it true, noble, just, pure, lovely, positive?  If so, “meditate on those things!”

Loss of employment is a situation where it is difficult to find the good.  For me, I always chose to look at it as an opportunity to find something better.  As one door closes, another will open. 

I found that when I lost employment with one company the next always provided a better fit with my life at that time.  Sometimes better money, sometimes better hours, sometimes more challenging and fun work opportunities.  During my times of unemployment I filter out the negative and concentrate on the positive; a chance to find something new and different, always praying that God would guide me down my intended path. 

Death of a child, spouse, parent, or anyone for that matter is difficult for those of us left behind on earth.  In many situations, it takes time to be at peace with our loss and find a way to move on with our lives. 

With the sudden loss of my husband, I planted a seed in my head that God had a plan for my husband. Who was I to judge God’s plan?  I focused on that thought and I believed that thought.  I also focused on God’s plan for me, raising our children and running a business. 

Forcing out the negative thoughts is difficult.  It takes time and it takes a willingness to change your filtering process.  Whether it be illness, divorce, unemployment, death, or any other challenging time in your life, evaluate your perspective.  I find the filtering process to be very helpful in keeping my life on track. 

Philippians 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

To stay connected click here.