Let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion. Philippians 4:16 The Passion Translation

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GO

We are in unprecedented times where the negative is outweighing the positive. I was remembering the three times that I was laid off during my career. The stress was high and the pressures mounted. Looking back on each time in my life from my current vantage point and perspective I can declare that each time I ended up in a better job with a bigger salary and was given a greater opportunity.

You ALWAYS have a choice to pick the thoughts you will embrace.

Research has shown that you cannot think a negative and a positive hope-filled thought at the same time.

That tells me that you can choose to switch the HOPE switch when a thought enters your mind. The key is to capture the negative ones and flip them.

Capture the negative thoughts

It is a recommended practice before you go to bed to write down any negative thoughts that are swirling in your head. I like to create a mind-map. At this point, don’t try to talk yourself out of the thoughts or be embarrassed by what is on the paper. Get them out in the open.

Is it currently true or in the future?

Most of these thoughts are worry about the future. You are fine right now but the “what if’s” pop up and plague your mind and can derail your purpose.

If it is currently true (such as losing your job or being furloughed), ask for help. Step back and regroup. This is not the time to panic because this is the answer to that prayer where you wanted your life to change.

Ask Jesus to replace the negative thought with truth

Pause and pray asking for a different perspective on what is going on. You will be amazed and surprised at the revelation of truth that can flow from this exercise.

Celebrate the opposite

What currently seems like the end is actually the beginning of a new day. What have you always wanted to do but were too stuck to take the steps toward the life that only you can live.

You have been given a gift of time to step back and look at your life from a different perspective.

Focus on what you control.

How are you going to move forward?

How will your life improve after this current crisis is over?

STOP

Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.