Happy Monday!
It was a rainy weekend in SoCal. Cold, windy, stormy – the perfect staying-in weather! I enjoyed every moment! Interestingly, others I know were not so enchanted and were quite annoyed. It just shows you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, the mind of the observer.
Okay, before you begin poking fun at how my mind works, let’s keep it real. We all have opinions and variations on what makes us happy or unhappy. Sometimes we’re similar in our assessments; sometimes, not so much. What fun would it be if we all were cookie-cutter images of our friends? It’s good to spend time with like-minded individuals; however, our diversity creates depth and richness in our relationships. Recognizing our right to have independent thought and take ownership over our minds is one benefit of our humanness.
Some of us become uncertain with every challenge to our thoughts, though. We may become insecure and easily guided down paths we’d rather not visit. We begin to second-guess ourselves and become confused about our true desires. It’s as if we forget that we’re created for independent reasoning.
Sometimes we begin to believe that our thoughts are so flawed that we don’t have the right to think them, having been swayed by another’s line of reasoning. This condition is possible when we lose our sense of self and determine to consent to what others want. Frequently, that line of thinking overrides what we know to be in our own best interests.
Marcus Aurelius, known as one of the last of the Five Good Emperors circa 170 AD, shared the commentary that appears below:
Marcus Aurelius could easily be a contemporary speaker and motivator, with these words ringing as valid today as they did when uttered in his time. We are often easily influenced by words, movements, or admonishments from outside sources. We accept what we see in social media as accurate and without exception. We listen to our gurus and motivational speakers with an unaltering focus.
Yet, we fail to acknowledge the ability we carry within our minds to reason, level ideas against our integrity, and align what we hear with our character and values. Sadly, we do this to be counted among those we regard as wise, trendy, or knowledgeable. The truth is that we need to look at things from the perspective of how we’re influenced, not from the judgments that occur outside, knowing that we hold within us all the tools we need to access clear thoughts. We are more than capable of accessing reason and gathering strength. But, we need to recognize that the power is within and not give way to outside influences.
Scripture is replete with verses that encourage us to honor the power of God that’s within:
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV)
“You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35 (WEB)
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (TLV)
Finding strength can be more accessible than we think. We can recognize our inner strength through faith. We can exercise our minds’ soundness by considering what’s in our best interests and supporting our wellbeing. And we can remember that outside forces don’t have the last word on who we are or who we will become. We can choose. We can gain strength in each journey of mental awareness. And we can become experts in our rights to inner peace and guidance. We should be aware of outside influences, but we can prevent them from intimidating us.
Have a great week pondering on your inner power and allowing your strength to rise up to guide you in balancing your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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