"Strategies to make every day better." It sounds too simple, doesn't it?
I hear you saying, "If I'm having 'one of those days,' how on earth can I make it better?"
But you can, I can, we all can.
If we choose to grab hold of the power. Here's how.
1. Decide to make it a good day
When I was a young mom I read a book that challenged my thinking.
The author maintained that more than any other factor, our thoughts dictate the happiness level of our lives. Each day we decide it will be a "good" day or a "bad" day and then act accordingly.
Could that be true? I thanked God our life was good and I wanted to be a happy mama, but most days I was more of a dreary mama.
The next day I woke up in a lousy mood, then remembered what the author said. (Insert groan.) Okay, I would try it for myself. I would fake smiles and act cheerful and not expect much in return.
Surprise. My husband smiled back and kissed me more enthusiastically before he left the house. All day our children squabbled less and seemed happier. When problems arose instead of awfulizing and complaining to God, I murmured, "Lord, help me."
And one way or another, He did.
Looking around the dinner table each family member seemed more contented, including me. At bedtime even our balkiest child trotted upstairs without argument.
As for me, instead of my usual rundown of "what ifs" I fell asleep quickly.
The next morning I tested that far-out theory again, with the same pleasing results. I promised myself that every day I would decide to have a good day.
Over time that simple practice bore a lovely crop of good fruit in our marriage and our kids.
Did I slip up now and then? Sure. Then I would start over again, asking the Lord's ever-present help.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10 NIV
2. Believe you are--or will be--well and strong
At first this strategy made no sense. If I'm feeling achy or have an actual health problem, that's beyond my control. Right?
Not necessarily.
Chalk it up to how suggestible we all are. Healthy or not, any time we ask ourselves, "Where do I hurt?" we can find some area or body part that doesn't feel quite right.
Then we begin to wonder what it means, maybe even spend time on Google trying to figure it out.
That line of thinking guarantees we'll feel worse.
Even if we have chronic health problems, our thoughts make us feel better or worse.
Every time it helps to concentrate on, "I know God is with me and He will never leave me."
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
3. Choose to live love
Love is all about emotion. We're "in love" as long as we feel love toward another person.
Isn't that what we all believe and read and watch on the screen? (That's fiction, remember?)
To build something more lasting we do well to consider a basic principle of Marriage Encounter. It runs contrary to popular thought:
"Love is a daily decision."
Not a feeling. Not a mood. Not an emotion.
Every day we decide all over again to love. To speak and act in loving ways and work to strengthen our relationship.
We decide today to love the person our spouse is today.
If that sounds artificial, think back to before marriage. Didn't we take care to speak love and show love even on our bad days?
In every stage of life we can pick out what's good or fixate on what's missing. Whichever we choose will affect how we treat each other.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. --Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT
It's not rocket science
I wouldn't pretend I've lived these strategies perfectly and I'm not much for "programs." All I know is these principles changed me and changed my life for the better.
Whatever your situation, why not give it a try?
Lovingly,
Lenore