Some people may forget that they may truly become what they consume. I have forgotten this myself from time to time. Please allow me to expound a bit, so please read on.
The consumption I am referring to is not always relative to what you eat or drink, although it is true. If you want to lose weight, look, feel & be physically healthy you must eat well, strive to maintain a caloric deficit and by all means exercise to where all of this becomes a way of life.
However what we see, and listen to is consumption as well. There is a rating system on movies for a reason. The brain of a human being doesn’t even completely form until the mid to late twenties. And just because you are an “adult” doesn’t mean watching violent, grotesque, and sadistic movies is appropriate for you being the audience. This is the same as watch what you hear & listen too.
Now, some might be saying. “Marty, you are just being a prude. You are being legalistic and judgemental.” Those that would say that are incorrect. My experience, studies, knowledge and certifications have proven that it does slant, desensitize, to the point of changing not only a person’s perspective, opinions, but much of their thought processes and decision making. In addition, human behavior experts also say that a person often becomes the average of their five closest friends. Those that they invest a majority of their available time with. A person themselves are also among those five!
The brain is a complex organ. If you are subject to certain environments, behaviors or thought processes, it can change a persons perspectives and characteristics. In addition, to their value system. Take for example someone is “down in the dumps” They become depressed. They will tend to focus on the negative, the bad things in their life, much more than the good things. This thought process becomes near a “broken record”, or what I often refer to tracks in a path. They keep pacing this path, until it becomes a trench unless they change their thinking and thought process or get some help. This can often become chronic or often called “Clinical Depression”. Once at the clinical level, the trenched path they keep their mind walking back and forth in can become rather deep, and it may take therapy, medication, or even to the potential of hospitalization to get out of that deep trench.
If you prefer medical or psychological terminology for all of this, I can provide them for you, as well as case studies. However, I am not making this post to quote medical, psychiatric, or psychological journals. I am posting this to share with you that as a fellow human being, that we all need to be careful what we consume physically, mentally, and emotionally. Watch what you eat, drink, view, listen to and think about. It is not that you only live once (“YOLO”), it is that you only physically die once, you live each day, each moment. It is a gift, and it is up to you as an adult on how you utilize that gift.
Are we, as human beings, going to dwell in our adversities, mistakes, present set backs, or are we going to take captive our thoughts and take care of not only our physical bodies, but that of our minds, and souls? And please do not tell me you do not have a choice. You do. You can either count your blessings, the smallest of blessings, or you can keep ruminating over your adversities, or set backs until you dig such a deep trench that medical attention is required, or worse.
I am sharing this with you as I am no stranger to adversity, set backs, trauma and tragedy. I am also sharing this with you as I have seen come back stories that will make your head spin and nearly cry with both surprise and joy. Simply take a trip to a 3rd world country. Heck, just take a tour to some areas right here in the USA such as the Appalachian region. Come with me to a children’s cancer ward, burn victim ward, homeless shelter. or soup kitchen…
Our present adversities, or past mistakes, do not define us, however it may make us stronger, and be a light to someone else. Remember, everyone loves a come back story. In fact, it may even save another person’s life.
Some of the best advice I was given are among the following, some started when I was a child:
~ Count your blessings, name them one by one, look what the good Lord has done.
~ The best way to get out of the fog, is to see clarity by serving others.
~ Really think about it, aren’t those things you are saying, or obstacles you are believing, are just excuses?
~ I know it hurts like hell, but praise Him anyway. (see Psalm 69:29–32 MSG)
~ If you were to rise each morning and list out 5 blessings, or at least 3 things you are thankful for today, and place them on your refrigerator, you would be too busy realizing how blessed you truly are, and how thankful you should be, than to count your adversities.
~ This too shall pass
~ You are not alone
~ You are wonderfully, miraculously, fearfully made, and made for a Purpose
~ The man whom complained he did not have any shoes thought it was bad, until he met the man whom had no legs.
~ Life is like taking a wonderful plane ride. However, at times you must land in unknown territory, it may seem to be tough territory, but it is only temporary until you get re-fueled and back in the air.
~ Your attitude can determine your altitude.
~ It is more than okay to ask for help. In fact it is wise. However it is foolish to lay back in the sludge, begrudge, and make excuses
Here are some profound bible verses that I like a lot:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Do Not Grow Weary. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. “ — Hebrews 12:1–3
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11–13
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:1–3
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:12–14
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8–12
