It’s really annoying when we get an “ear-worm”; a part of a song that just keeps going around our head. You can’t turn it off, turn it down or skip to something different. It just keeps repeating itself, over and over and over again.
There are also times when we repeatedly play over in our minds words or phrases that have been said about us: “I can’t do this”, “I am no good”, “I always mess this up…” These “tracks” that play in our thoughts can hold us back, damage our self-image and destroy our confidence.
At times, I find myself repeating the negative comments that I have heard others say about me or I just beat myself up with my past failures. I have felt the negativity that these thoughts bring; holding me back from getting on with things, stopping me giving my best or limiting my enjoyment of what I am doing. It can take a great deal of effort to remind myself that I am okay, I have achieved things before and I can surprise even myself in what I am capable of doing.
Recognising what these negative thoughts are, for each of us, can be the start of a journey to change these messages and alter the way we see ourselves. It is not just a matter of pressing the pause button on such thoughts. But, switching them for other more positive views that can help us change the way we see ourselves and affect the things that we do.
I recently read again Paul’s encouragement to his friend and pupil Timothy; “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline”.
These words challenge me to keep seeing myself as God’s sees me and to define myself by what I can do and not what I can’t do. To be bold in my actions, caring in my relationships and discerning with my choices.
All I need to do now is just get this pesky tune out of my head!
God bless,
Alec
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