“…be transformed by the renewing of the mind…” Romans 12:2b NKJV Bible
I love this scripture. To me, it signifies the necessity to change. It starts with the mind. If you are able to change your mind, you can change your life. I realize there is more to this scripture, but I am led to only address these few words in the passage at this time.
Often, I speak with people who are so unhappy with their present situation. They feel powerless and victimized by whatever unpleasant circumstances that hold them captive. They know what needs to happen, but they do not know – the how. The act of transforming for some is a complete mystery. It is difficult and tedious, yet so necessary to move someone from a bad place to a better place, depending on how they think and the choices they make.
trans·for·ma·tion
1. the act or process of transforming.
2. the state of being transformed.
3. change in form, appearance, nature, or character.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transformation
The “how” takes time. Through self-discovery and self-empowerment, there is growth in several areas of our lives. It’s a journey and an adventure!
I recently read in someone’s blog, the simple steps that lead to a transformed life:
* The desire to want to change.
* A desire to let go of the past and put it all behind you.
* Living in the now and looking forward to the future with hope.
* Allowing the mind to dwell on the positive.
* Being committed to a daily program of new habits to renew the mind.
I thought this was a good list to start with. Wanting a different set of circumstances in your life does tend to be the first step in the process. Whether it is your career, family issues, poor health, lacking finances, etc., it is necessary to change the situation. Some people think that just by telling others their problems, it helps. Personally, I pray about it and wait for a divine response. This was not always my solution. It took time and a desire to change to get there.
Letting go of the past, is probably one of the most difficult challenges for people to conquer. As long as we remind ourselves of past mistakes and hurts, we are bound by them. Sure, if you have mastered tracing your past and erasing it, then a purpose is served. However, if you are good at going back to unhappy places on a constant basis, then I say – knock it off! It serves no purpose other than to keep you stuck in that unhappy place mentally. So, change your mind.
Hope is one of my favorite terms. Without hope we are completely stiffled. I remember listening to Bishop Wellington Boone when he was in Phoenix about a year ago at The River of Life Tabernacle. He delivered a series of sermons on HOPE. At that time, I began to realize the true significance of hope in our lives. Bishop Boone stated, “Hope defeats death and despair and releases you from the pain of the past into a new life of joy and power.” I bear witness to this statement. My hope at this stage of my life is to make a difference in the lives of others. That is why it is so important for me to continually grow and transform my life. It is also necessary for me share my journey in hope that my transparency will allow someone else to breathe a little easier while going through it.
Along the way, it can be real tough to keep positive thoughts flowing in the mind. We are always reminded of old habits because those tapes are on auto-rewind in our minds. Sometimes, things we see and aromas we smell remind us of unpleasant and negative experiences. I often replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts in a real deliberate manner. For instance, if I tell myself that I am unable to accomplish something, I quickly replace that thought with the positive aspects of why I could meet the accomplishment. It takes time and practice, but eventually it is mastered.
Committing yourself to a daily routine of improved habits is a huge part of the transformation process. Without daily prayer, I would be lost. My commune with God is so important and definitely how I must start my day. Reading the bible is also highly essential for me. That is how I get the answers I need to my pressing issues. As you can see, I am starting to track and share my Qivana Essentials journey to a healthier body in this blog. Those are just some of the things I do that have become routine and demonstrate my transformation. For you, there may be other ways of being that work in your life.
For some people, transforming their lives is so natural and routine that they are not aware it is happening. They have positive habits and are not feeling any specific life pain. On the other hand, there are many of us who are broken and need repair. Those are the people I am most concerned with. I want my blog to serve as a positive tool and resource to those in need on their journey.
Peace and blessings,
