Positive thinking-get your week started right!

Today is Monday and you want to make sure that you make an intentional effort on starting your week off right. This week’s motivational message: when in doubt, silence it out! It is inevitable you are going to come across people that are going to rub you the wrong way whether it is your spouse, children, boss, a family member, or random people along the way. This week make it a point to avoid retaliating with you words. There is so much power in the ability to remain silent when dealing with a difficult person that is getting under your skin and they know it!

The thing is once words are said; they can no longer be taken back. The majority of us say things that we later regret in the heat of the moment. The safest thing to do is when in doubt, is silence it out! It is not going to be easy by any means because as people we naturally want to snap back when spoken to or approached in an inappropriate way. Strength lies in silent moments. It is much more difficult to hold your tongue than it is to let that person know exactly how you feel without any restraint.

Ask yourself these questions:

·         Is what I am about to say going to reflect the Christ in me?

·         Is what I am about to say going to have long lasting negative effects on my relationship with this person?

·         Is what I am about to say going to damage this person’s self-esteem, confidence, or self-worth?

·         Is what I am about to say going to take me out of my character?

·         Is what I am about to say negative, harmful, toxic, or malicious?

·         Is what I am about to say below the belt (unfair)?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then whatever you were going to say should not be said. Often times when you decide not to retaliate in a moment of conflict with someone else, it will force them to look at themselves and their actions. When the toxic words are so loud because it is a one-sided argument, that person will have no choice but to pay closer attention to what they are saying.

Take the high road and be the light in the midst of darkness. Make other people say, “Wow, I don’t know how she is able to keep herself so composed in such a hostile situation.” They will wonder how you are doing it and that will be your perfect opportunity to introduce them to the Source of your strength, Jesus Christ! Remember out of the heart one speaks, Luke 6:45. What is the condition of your heart? The words that come out of your mouth will tell whether your heart is bitter, angry, and hateful; or whether it is filled with love, peace, and joy. Make it your mission this week to pick your battles wisely, remaining silent when it is not worth the fight!