Not Today!

 We've all had those days. You know the days that it seemed like nothing was going right. It seemed like one thing after another was popping up and they seemed like an inconvenience. Perhaps, wrong things didn't start to happen until the afternoon or evening of your day. Perhaps, it was your morning that didn't start off good. We know our morning sets the tone for our day. I'm not saying you can't get back on track, but sometimes it can be harder depending on the circumstances and we have to make sure we are intentional. You might think to yourself when those different things are going on- not today. Of all days, you may be saying "Not today." I've learned we can't always control our situations, but we can control our response and attitude towards it 😊. When we've had a bad morning or things didn't seem to be going right, being negative doesn't have to be our first reaction (It has been mine before though as I'm sure it's been yours too!). When someone says something in a wrong manner or in a rude or belittling way in person, on the phone, the comment section on social media, through text or email, we have a choice of if and when we respond. Sometimes I pause before I say the next things or respond to the text, email, or posted comment. Other times, there is no pause and I respond back immediately because I know what needs to be said. Do I always say the right thing or use the right tone of voice every time? No! Do I ever think back after of how I could have said something differently than I did? Yes! I'm thankful for God's help in those moments I don't know what to say or want to say something I know I shouldn't. Even in the midst of a bad day or difficult time, we can still find something to be thankful for 💚. We can still be determined to get back on track and have a better day or end the day better than we started. We can choose to have a different attitude, walk away when needed, log off social media, unfollow the page or person on social media, suggest to have the conversation later, or choose not to respond at all. Lately, I have been encouraging and reminding myself not to let anyone or anything disturb my peace. People and things have definitely tried me, especially lately, but I'm determined and I tell myself, "Not today." You see, peace is valuable and something I strive to have daily 💚. God wants us to have a peace as it will keep our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Our heart is where the issues of life flow from (Proverbs 4:23). Our mind houses the thoughts that lead to our actions. Peace is important in making the right choice. Is is possible to be calm all the time? No, we all have panicked about something before. We can also see in our world around us that there's not peace everywhere. We don't have to let it dictate how we react however. In times of our panic (whew, have I had my share of those times!), we know we can pray to God, say what His Word says, talk to a trusted person in our life (friend, family member, coworker), and do something physically to get our mind off of it. A few of my favorite things to do is to go walking (or at least get up and stretch if the walk isn't possible right then), listen to music, write, watch a funny or inspirational movie, call and talk to a trusted person in my life, step outside, cry, pray, or paint my nails (very calming and therapeutic to me!) 💕. With peace as my goal, I can't let the small stuff get to me and have to constantly remind myself (anyone else with me?!). Now, I have come a long way and gotten better about not letting the small stuff get to me, but every now and then, it creeps up and it's hard to shake. I'm thankful for my growth and that I don't let the thoughts sit as long as they used to 👏. I'm also thankful for the people God has placed in my life to remind me not to let it bother me either. As I was having a recent conversation with one of my Aunts ( I love my family as you all know 💕) and I was telling her about a particular situation, she said don't even let that bother you because you know what you're good at. That was a powerful reminder! Circumstances, things, and people will have you questioning if you're equipped to do something you know you have been called to. That's when you tell it- Not today!  Keep rehearsing what God has said about you over and over again 🙏. If you have to start with one verse, then start there and work your way up. If you're not sure where to start, you can always go back to the Scriptures in my last blog post, "Something's Different About You." So, when negativity, rudeness, jealousy, complaining, doubt, low self-esteem, comparison, feelings of unworthiness, and not good enough try to rise up against you and get the best of you, stop and tell yourself, "Not today!" and put a Scripture on it. Remember, hold on to your peace today. It is to be treasured and valued, just like you 😊. I love you all and may God bless you 💚!!