Transformation

“Change is inevitable, but transformation is a conscious choice.” Heather Ash Amara

By: Gabriela Yareliz

The quote above has been my lock screen wallpaper now, for months. (Thank you The Chalkboard Mag!) It has been a sort of theme in my life.

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

King Solomon gives us his words of wisdom. I stumbled upon these, this morning.

I then read the following quote:

“The spiritual transformation proposed by God is brought about through our thinking, through our thought processes.”

[pg. 15, Stewardship: Motives of the Heart, by John H. H. Matthews]

Transformation, if we seek it, begins in the mind. Our thoughts, contrary to what many believe, are subject to our control. And interestingly enough, our thought choices then control how we feel. Our emotions do not control our thoughts, unless we allow them to. We have the power to choose our thoughts and have our emotions follow.

This is a powerful message that is a game changer. I hope that as the new year is beginning, you feel empowered. Empowered to not only let change happen to you, but empowered to seek transformation in the midst of it.

Whatever you are seeking— whether it is a spiritual, mental, body, relational, health, and/or style/presentation transformation, it starts in your mind. We are made up of thoughts. Choose what you think, and therefore, choose who you will be.

On the mind, tip: When we are faced with something that we know needs improvement, a step we often overlook is that rather than focusing on the negative, like focusing on subtracting things, we should focus on adding things. What do I mean by this? This doesn’t mean some things don’t have to go. It’s likely some things will need to go or be eliminated. But, rather than focusing all your energy there, see what needs to go, but focus on adding positive things that will help your situation.

In diet, think: What can I add to my diet that will bring more nutrients and feed wellness in my life, rather than making a huge list of things to remove.

In a relationship, think: What can I do differently and add to my behavior to improve the relationship, rather than focusing on a list of negatives.

In body transformation, think: What extra movement can I add to my day, rather than spending the extra five minutes in front of the mirror dissecting what I don’t like.

Let’s focus on the positive. Where we lead our thoughts, our hearts will follow. Practice makes perfect. And remember, if you aren’t controlling your thoughts, something is or they may well be completely out of control.

Choose to add something positive to your days in 2018. Choose to guide your thoughts to where you want to go as a person. For, scripture reminds us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”