“Gratefulness inspires the dreams that attract your heart’s desires.”
Dr. Lynn F. Austin
I was reminded recently of the power of gratitude and its connection to our heart’s desires. I still battle pride and ego in my walk as a Christian, and the negative energy they create, particularly when I sense, or interpret, that I am being taken for granted, not treated with respect, or left out of matters that affect me. I have not mastered how I feel in those moments, but I am learning to recognize the feeling and repurpose the energy behind it.
I cannot always influence how another person acts. What I can control is the energy that flows to and from me. Here are three things I return to when I need to reset.
Recognize the Feeling
The first step is to name it: the energy, the feeling, the hurt, and the possibility that it is laced with an ego or pride-infused interpretation. Naming it honestly is what makes the next two steps possible.
Three Scriptures I Return To
- Proverbs 18:16, which reminds me that God has put a gift inside me that the world will make room for, so that I fulfill the desires of my heart according to His will.
- Psalm 1:3, which reminds me that, like a tree planted by a stream, I will prosper and bring forth my fruit in my season.
- Deuteronomy 30:9, which reminds me that God will make me prosperous in the works of my hands.
Move the Energy
Exercise or a brisk walk does the rest. Generating physical energy disrupts the stinking-thinking and lets me reset, give thanks, and generate and receive positive energy in its place.
Regardless of what I encounter, my response is the only thing I truly have power, or choice, over. With gratitude in my heart, I release thanks to all and make room for the energy of possibilities, promise, hope, and opportunity.
Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.
Respectfully,
Dr. Lynn