inspired writing Tuesday--looking on the bright side of things and an attitude of romanticizing life

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! Have you ever read the book On the Bright Side by Melanie Shankle? It's one of my favorite books of all time, and it's what inspired the idea for today's blog post. I hope this post inspires you in some way! 

I have always been the type of person who looks on the bright side of things in life; I know this characteristic can be annoying in people, so I try not to be overly obnoxious. I know that life is so hard for a lot of us, but I honestly think it's best if we don't dwell on all of the negative. I also don't want to brush someone's pain aside and tell them to just think positively. Life is hard, and often feels debilitating, even for those of us who walk closely with Jesus. I don't ever want to make someone think that I'm negating what they're going through. That being said, I do think it's important to dwell on all that is good. Here's a passage that I love that inspires me to do this: 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

I'm definitely not saying that life is perfect; it's often the furthest thing from that! We all have our things that keep us awake at night, and mine feels like a mountain. Even so, dwelling on negative things really starts to take a toll on all of us. Things can be hard, but we can focus on what is true. And for my believing friends, what is true is that the Lord loves each and every one of us. What is true is that He will continue to provide for us whatever we need. What is true is that He will take something bad that we've gone through and use it for good in our lives, and for His glory. What is true is that each of us have family members and friends who love and care for us; they're there to help us carry those heavy burdens. It's important to learn to lean on them! 

Focus on things that are lovely. What is lovely? Nature is lovely, because God created it for us to enjoy. When you're feeling yourself go down a dark path, step outside and move your body. Sometimes this can't be done, so if that happens, maybe just go out and breathe in some cold air. It's refreshing and opens up the lungs! Do a few jogs in place, or jumping jacks or whatever else you can think of; it's just important to get outside. 

What is lovely is that each of us have everything that we need and most of what we want. We have homes to live in, vehicles to get us around, jobs (even if you're in retirement) that He provided for us, animals to make us laugh, many of you have spouses who love you, kids to love, grandbabies to dote on. I could go on and on, but you get my drift.

What's something that's worthy of praise? God is worthy of praise. As you pray, consider starting with praising Him for who He is to you. To me He is Savior, Creator, Provider, the God who sees my tears and hears my cries, Guide, Husband, Father, Friend. Who is God to you? That is what you can think on that is praiseworthy! 

Speaking of praise/prayer, it's important to remember to pray about the things that keep us awake at night. I have to tell myself this all the time! If it's bothering me that much, I should stop worrying and start praying. I am reminding myself of this once again as I write this, because all too often, I'll worry about something and not take the time to pray. I am a huge fan of asking people for prayer! I'm of the belief that the more people praying, the better. 

All of these things I've talked about are things that help me to be the type of person who looks on the bright side of things; also, this a part of why I am who I am today. Many of you say kind things to me, but it's not really me that's trying to be that way. I've been the recipient of God's love, grace, and mercy; it's because of Him that I am like this. I give Him all the honor for everything in my life, because it's nothing I could have done on my own.

Additionally, I am of the mindset that it's always good to have things to look forward to; I have said this before and will say it time and again. 

I often romanticize my life. What that means is that I look forward to everything, even the smallest of things. Here's what else I look forward to on a regular basis that I'll add to the this list pictured above:

• a new morning and fresh starts
• that first cup of coffee each morning
• a new season (Spring!)
• reading a good book
• the prospect of an afternoon nap
• watching a great show
• making future plans
• time out with friends
• towels fresh from the dryer
• a long, hot shower
• sunshine
• the weekend
• the ice that's still on my driveway and road melting
• seeing Chris after he gets off work some days
• Galentine's day at Mare's
• Valentine's celebrating with my Chris
• getting a new color on my nails
• the next time I'm scheduled to get highlights
• Summer!
• going back to school after six days of snow/ice days
• good food
• planning a date with Chris...something simple like eating dinner at home, and going to chase a sunset in a field
• getting dressed each day

Does any of this resonate with you? Tell me which part and why, because I love hearing from you! Thank you for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jenn 🩷