A year ago today, when we were traveling in Florida, I wrote the following in my journal:
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“I woke this morning with Vinny out in the kitchen making coffee. I could hear the soft mumbling voices of him and my new “dad” (Vinny’s dad) talking. I felt comfy and warm inside, laying there and hearing the birds singing. It brought back a memory of being a little girl waking up on a summer day, and my Mom and Dad in the kitchen making breakfast. I hear the sound of dishes clanking, and the smell of bacon sizzling on the stove. They were talking peacefully and lovingly. Maybe they were planning our camping trip coming up? Or something else wonderful? I felt safe. I felt provided for. I stretch and yawn, feeling the cool early breeze coming through my window. The smell of the toast cooking, and my parent’s gentle voices beckon me to pull the covers back. Good morning world. I can’t wait for the adventure of today!”
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When I read this again, I literally smelled toast! The positive memory was connected to another positive memory, and together they seemed to cause multiple synapses in my brain to fire, producing such a strong “déjà vu” feeling, that the scents and sounds were resurrected as if they were really happening again.
Our thoughts are powerful tools for good or bad.
I heard about a study done by neuroscientists, that concludes that in order for the human brain to have a good, hopeful view of something or someone, that it actually has to “hold in suspension” something positive about that situation or person for at least 15 seconds. This is because the tendency of our thoughts is actually on a negative bias, not a positive one, and, something like 90% of our thoughts are useless, repetitive, and/or negative.
Our thoughts influence our emotions, which influences our actions, which influences our results, which influences our reality.
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If you want to find a treasure such as gold, you will not be discouraged at the dirt you find, whether in someone, or in a situation. You will focus on the gold, and throw away the dirt. Yes there is dirt. But do you believe that is all there is? If you focus on the dirt, you will fall short of getting to the gold. And without the gold, your life remains poor.
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Yesterday I was tackling an outdoor project of removing a huge pine tree that we had to cut down last fall, that was blocking the view of the pond. Vinny recently cut it all up with a chainsaw, and I have been clearing and stacking the branches. It was the second day of doing it, and I began to notice my thoughts were taking a negative turn. Things like, “this is going to take such a long time,” and, “all the projects on the property will never get done.” But then I caught myself, and remembered the values that were instilled in me by my earthly dad. We built a house together bit by bit, project by project. And suddenly when recalling (“suspending for more than 15 seconds”) this positive memory, I felt my dad with me. The feeling was so real! I stopped and clearly saw in my mind’s eye the two of us stopping for a break and sitting on the big trunk, snuggling close and having some cocoa. Standing there yesterday, I cried. Right then and there, I was giving and receiving love from my dad, that back then (when I was older), I was too judgmental and fearful to fully enjoy! It was a very healing moment.
It’s not easy to catch ourselves, and the hopeless, negative “rut” we may be in with our thoughts. Replacing them with positive and helpful thoughts takes a conscience effort. But it’s worth the effort.
I actually woke up this morning excited to go back outside and work some more on my project! Which reminds me… I need to take a before and after picture.
But first, I’m going to have some toast! :-)
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Philippians 4:8… 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.
Romans 12:2… Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Proverbs 4:23… Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Matthew 15:11… What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.
Very nice story Pam…and to think we are in the home you and your Dad built…bit by bit.
Keep working hard…it will pay off…
Often when we are on the 6 acres in the front we feel the same way but we are older…and we say…how long can we do this?
God knows!
Keep up the good writing and work!
Thank you Maggie and Jim! I’ve been thinking of what you said, about being older and all the work of a homestead such as yours/ours. It keeps coming back to me, that our land and dreams are not meant to be our own, but in context of community. Together, we CAN do it. But not alone. And that includes a couple. A married couple is one flesh. That one flesh needs a 3rd element to be reproductive. Many applications… but we can talk more about it.
I love this! It rings so true. I am learning more and more how powerful our thoughts are. It may take more “effort” to focus on what is positive, loving and good, but those thoughts are so much more powerful than the negative rut. The thoughts aligned with love resonate with the life of our Source within, and reflect who we truly are!
Such a beautiful story and reminder of the power of the overflowing love within, where we are hidden with Christ in God. Everything is possible when living from that place.
Much love to you!
Amanda
Thank you Amanda. So true what you shared. Much love to you too!