Have you
ever considered how complicated and personalized the thinking process is? For
example, some of us are usually upbeat, while some of us have to struggle to
find contentment. Yet, that’s a simplistic explanation. There are all sorts of
factors involved:
- The food, liquid, and chemicals we put into our bodies
- Whether we live/work in a negative or positive environment
- Our B vitamin levels
- Our serotonin and dopamine levels (These are the substances that promote a feeling of well-being.)
- How much sunlight/mood-boosting light we’re exposed to
This is not
a science blog. We don’t need to launch into a ton of detail. Let’s sum it up simply
this way: what’s going on inside our bodies and in our situation contributes to
our state of mind.
We’re all “Wired” Differently
We must be patient when people have different capacities for happiness. Many of us are not able to turn cheerfulness
on at a moment’s notice; there’s no getting around it.
Our minds
are not water faucets that we can quickly turn on and off. Our brains are
complicated organisms.
It doesn’t end there, though. Recent research
shows our intestinal systems are also involved in mood regulation.
Challenges to a Positive Mindset
Environment (Jason)
This man grew
up in a true Cinderella home—complete with a wicked stepmother and stepsisters.
His recent work environment was also toxic in every way imaginable. Jason is a
financially successful man, but he is struggling with his self-image right now.
He is also making poor choices in many areas of his life.
Mindset (The Prophet Elijah)
He seems to
have suffered from depression. In I Kings, chapter 18, he wows a crowd of
hundreds, maybe thousands, when he defeats the priests of Baal. The power he
showed was truly amazing! However, by chapter 19, he is running and hiding in a
cave. He sees only negatives in the present and future, including his own
imminent death.
Eventually,
he is coaxed out of his hiding place. He is reminded of his duties and given a
good meal. The prophet is able to faithfully fulfill his responsibilities from
that point.
My Conclusion
Our attitude is always
a decision we make. However, please
keep in mind that joy is not a quick, easy choice for some of us. There are many
variables contributing to our state of mind at any given time.
It’s not
only a matter of the glass being half empty or half full. What is the glass
filled with? Does it hold crystal-clear water—or toxicity?
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”—Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
Our thoughts
define us. Some of us are deep thinkers, as the prophet Elijah was. Others
prefer uncomplicated thought processes. They want to ride only the surface of
the sea of life. That’s okay. Varied ways of reasonable thinking make
the world a healthier place.
For more on
accepting people of different personalities, please see my book, Accept No Trash Talk: Overcoming the Odds
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with positivity?
