OUTLOOK: From Helpless to Hopeful, Bitter to Better, Terrified to Trying
Every day we are bombarded with conflicting information. Just when we think we have a great idea someone says it won’t work. Just waking up each morning during this troubling time can be draining The year 2020 is one we will look back on and hopefully say, “wow I made it!” If you are reading this, you are doing a great job!
The best way we can survive each day is to change the way we look at things. Wake up and say “Great day in the morning!” Watch how a small change in the way you view things can make all the difference in how you survive it.
As Anne Frank and her family were cooped up in an attic from 1942-1944 hiding from the Nazis during World War II, she kept notes in her diary and one cannot imagine a more dismal situation than her family faced– yet she found a way to live her life, such as it was, during that time. How was it that despite living every day with the fear of being found and killed she was able to find some good in her life?
What about you and I? Every day we are faced with news reports about a monster virus that could create pain and misery for all of us.
“I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.” –Anne Frank
Beauty that still remains?! How can we see beauty when we are quarantined in our houses? Well, for one thing walk into your backyard and you will see signs of spring– signs of hope for a future. Anne Frank looked out her window.
It wasn’t the life she would have wished for but she kept a positive attitude, and though she is gone, her words live on to educate and inspire generations. Anne Frank, as well as Helen Keller refused to give up despite the seemingly awful mountains they had to climb; they kept moving forward– and we can too.
It’s happening every day. People are choosing hope over despair. They are turning the TV off when they hear terrible news they can do nothing about. They are choosing power over being a victim; strength over weakness; and happiness and contentment over pity. Life is so much better when you choose happy over sad– and you have the power inside of you to choose.
Bible Verse:
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. —Deuteronomy 31:8
Quote:
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” — Anne Frank
Action Plan
Make a list of the things you are doing that are providing happiness or peace in your life right now. If that list is short– make a list of things you COULD be doing. Example: If you are scared to be around people, for fear you will get sick, yet you have to go to medical appointments or other essential trips. Come up with ideas on how you can deal with it– get a mask, get gloves, hand sanitizer. Don’t put yourself out here to live in fear.
Come up with positive things you can do and then leave it to God. We have to trust God. When we do all we can to keep ourselves and our families safe, that is the best we can do. And it’s enough to give us peace in our hearts. Take a few deep breaths and accept the peace that passes understanding that God is willing to give us.
One Last Thought
In order to fill the air-time, television stations are airing stories to sensationalize the situation and in turns it terrifies us. Every day we hear stories of what NOT to do and what WON’T work and what the doom and gloom outlook is. We have to decide for ourselves how we will respond– and stick with our decision in order to have peace of mind.
We (Rainbows for Kids) are giving out masks to our families of children with cancer in hopes of helping them feel more confident and keeping them safe during this time. But guess what? Every day it’s a new thing in the media: masks are good, masks don’t help. This is a perfect example of how important it is to have a good outlook on any given situation.
Stop fretting over every little thing you see. If you have a mask and want to wear it then do it and feel confident. Both the CDC and the World Health Organization see the need for the masks, but they also realize the medical profession needs them. Both organizations agree wearing a mask to stay safe is a good thing if one does it correctly.
My purpose in bringing this example up is: don’t second guess yourself. If you have a health situation, you must find a doctor you trust and let them do their job. If you make a decision — on anything– based on what you think is right, then don’t second guess yourself. Our outlook is what is going to carry us through this and we need to have powerful resolve. Make up your mind to survive. We can do this!
#ChooseHappyFindContentment
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Choose Happy; Find Contentment in Any Situation
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