Is your glass half-empty or half-full?

Did you know that a “half-empty” outlook may increase your stress and lead to other health issues? That’s because, although half-empty, this glass still contains negative self-talk, pessimism, and the feeling that only the worst will happen.

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Family caregiver friend, our situations can be very stressful and unpleasant, at times, making it easy to embrace a half-empty mindset but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Don’t allow your circumstances to be the boss of you (click here to read more). 

How to shift your mindset

Are you mindful about your mindset, conscious of positive or negative thinking or self-talk? Hmm…when was the last time you took notice of how your thoughts are treating you and how they make you feel? Negative thinking can contribute to stress and we know that stress contributes to poor health in many ways. But positive thinking can help manage all of that. Click here read about the benefits of positive thinking here

I read this in an article about stress management: “Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way.“ –Mayo Clinic

Sounds easy, right? But (and it’s a BIG BUT), nothing changes without you, and that’s the hard part. It’s not like a switch you can flip on (and expect it to stay on) by saying, “I’m going to be positive today. My glass is half-full.”  It doesn’t work like that.

Changing your way of thinking takes some effort until it becomes a habit and Jesus can help.

• First, we must recognize the One who gave us the glass in the first place.
• Second, remember that everything is possible with Jesus, and 
• Finally, trust Him to be with you every step of the way. 

What will you choose

It all comes down to one choice. Will we sit with a half-empty glass and focus on our troubles, or will we stand up and look beyond them with faith and optimism to what could be? Will it be half-empty or half-full?

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” (Amplified).

That sounds like a promise to me. We were meant to enjoy life. 

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Do you need to shift your outlook on life? Why not choose to fill your glass with gratitude, forgiveness, love, hope, smiles, hugs, and laughter? And be sure to leave room for Jesus, too. Then, on the hard days (and they will come (John 16:33)), you can live confidently in the overflow (Romans 15:13).

You are worth the effort

Shifting your mindset from half-empty to half-full is worth the effort. You are worth the effort.

I believe embracing a half-full outlook, leaving room for Jesus, opens up your world to endless possibilities for good outcomes and may quite possibly set you on the path to a healthier life. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 (CSB)

Think about it. Why not half-full? You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. BONUS: The loved one you care for benefits, too. Being greeted with a smile is so much better than a frown.

How will you choose, half-empty or half-full? Let me know in the comments.

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#smilejesuslovesyou

This week I’m posting on the following link-ups: Grace & Truth, Anita Ojeda-Inspire Me Monday

Reference: Mayo Clinic article: Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress