There is a famous quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, I’ve also seen a similar version attributed to Gandi:  Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.  

Basically, our thoughts become who we are. If one is constantly filled with negative talk, they will be a negative person with low self esteem. If one frequently has fearful or worried thoughts, they will be a fearful and worried person that is trapped in their own fear.  If one is fillIed with thoughts of greed and bitterness, they will be a person who never helps others, or thinks of others feelings. On the other hand, if one is filled with thoughts of gratitude and joy, they will light up the room when they enter and people will feel their love of life.

Have you met someone like the latter? Have you ever been drawn to someone that is so comfortable to be around and each encounter leaves you with a pleasant feeling?  That person, likely, practices positivity. This may come more naturally for some than others, but it is possible to increase your joy factor.  Some people do it by enjoying nature, others read self help books, some do it with exercise, others, like me, start their day in the Word. I use the YouVersion app and do my own virtual study each morning while enjoying my coffee. This is not to say I light up the room when I walk in. I struggle with my own thoughts of worry, but I do try to be one of those positive people.

If you are one who finds yourself in constant fear, worry, jealousy, or negative self talk. Try to recognize what triggers your thoughts. Try to capture those thoughts and replace them. Listen to inspiring music, podcasts, or videos. Hang around encouraging people. Do something fun, challenging, or inspiring often.  Don’t compare yourself to others; you are uniquely you. Some of the most inspiring people are not what modern magazines would call beautiful. They are simply inspiring for who they are and the positivity they portray with each encounter. Lastly, don’t compare your intelligence to that of others. We each have gifts unique to us; for some that is textbook brilliance, for others it might be your artistic or cooking ability, for others it may be a skill with your hands or ability to see how things work.

All of this isn’t to say that simply thinking of butterflies and lollipops will cure negative thoughts due to anxiety or depression. Battling worry or anxiety is a lifetime commitment. I don’t struggle with depression or anxiety, but I do know people who do, and it takes daily devotion and determination to overcome. Today, it is more acceptable to admit you are depressed or have anxiety. There isn’t the stigma attached to it that there once was.  I think there have been so many famous people who admit their own struggles that society understands the deep rooted problem anxiety and depression can be.  Unfortunately,  we’ve seen the sadness of suicide by some famous people in the media. If you have depression, mental illness, or anxiety; seek help if you are not already doing so. There are lots of resources out there; reach out, talk to someone, and don’t give up.

Finally, aspire to be that one who lights up the room; that one that people are comforted by. This doesn’t mean you have to be gregarious and extroverted if you are an introvert. You can be that magnet and light without being boisterous; it’s your inner beauty and energy that will draw people to you like a firefly is drawn to light. Be beautiful, be inspiring, be bold.

Please share what you do to influence others, or share your experience with someone who inspires you.