There are a million things to write about and even now as I type I can’t decide which one to focus on. So I’m just going to start typing and see where it goes….
It is the eve of 2016 and of course I can’t help but reflect back on the year that has been. My first reaction when I think about 2015 is always the same. I simply don’t have many kind words to say about it. But then a quiet voice reminds me to stop focusing on the surface layers and dare to dig a little deeper. One of the post grad papers I did this year focused on the neurological state of the brain (understanding human psychology) and I learnt that what they say is true - not just metaphorically - but medically. It IS so much easier, and more natural for the human mind to focus on the negative. It stems right back to the cave man days where humans spent their entire lives fighting for survival, the old fight or flight and constant defensive thinking and acting. Fascinating stuff. But the question is – were we made like this or did we learn it somewhere? My personal belief is that this default way of thinking, processing and reacting is a learned behaviour. It is not naturally who we are and the way we were created. Yes it is EASY to focus on the negative, especially if you never challenge yourself to step out of the mud pit, and yet within us resides the power of life, love, hope, creation and exquisite beauty. We can choose at any given moment to see things differently, to put on a positive lens, to allow thankfulness to overflow into every area of our lives. Yes we can. It’s actually quite easy when you learn how to make THAT your default habit.
I’ve firmly decided it’s all a matter of perspective. And if there has been one word that just keeps tumbling out of my mouth lately it’s that. PERSPECTIVE. Anything negative can be turned into a positive – its all a matter of perspective and the willingness of your heart to be influenced, and your mind to be moulded into new habits. It really is our choice. And if that wasn’t enough, the promise is clear. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
So I’ve decided that I will play my part in keeping this truth close to my heart and enter into 2016 with a renewed mind and forgiving heart. I believe forgiveness is the key to all of this and with this belief comes a challenge and conviction. What is it that’s eating away at your heart and who do you need to forgive in order to find release and peace? Go on…ask yourself. I’ll start the ball rolling: Just a few days ago I discovered that this cancer started to grow around 8 months ago. Those of you who know my journey know what happened 8 months ago and the extremely difficult path we’ve walked ever since. One of the hardest journey’s I’ve ever walked and that’s saying a lot considering everything I’ve personally been through. Is it a coincidence? Maybe, but somehow I think not. Am I angry? Yes I was for a moment….(hello - I’m only human!)..UNTIL I decided to change my perspective and accept that the only way I was going to be able to move on is to embrace forgiveness in its fullness. A disease like this feeds off the way you feel – again this is medically proven, which is why they are saying now that I must not entertain stress anymore. If you are sick, consider the state of your heart and choose you this day….this new year in fact - to heal it through the simple yet powerful gift of forgiveness. It’s your choice. Can I blame anyone for everything that’s happened this year? No. That would be too easy. It’s my life. I have a choice and I know the truth. My only obligation is to get better, be at peace, and let Christ do a work in me.
We navigated 2015 quite well all things considered and thanks to a faithful and loving God. But we were in survival mode. To do 2016 like we did 2015 is not an option. There was greatness in 2015, alongside many lessons that built us strong and steady. God was all up in it and everywhere to be seen. I can’t even deny that. But 2016 has to be a victory march. Not for our glory but for His. I pray and declare the same blessing for your life. Bring it on and welcome to my life 2016!
Bex xo
On to the next blog
Back to the beginning
Subscribe to keep up to date
Join our facebook page to keep up to date
---------
My daughter came into my room yesterday and said “Mum, when are you going to write another blog? I just read all your blogs and you need to write another one. Why aren’t you writing????” I was quite amused by her not-so-subtle demand and responded by telling her the straight up truth. I said “Well there’s something about having your boob chopped off that doesn’t exactly inspire you to want to write”. “In fact, I may begin my next blog by saying exactly that”. Did I get the reaction I was looking for? Yes. Priceless.
It is the eve of 2016 and of course I can’t help but reflect back on the year that has been. My first reaction when I think about 2015 is always the same. I simply don’t have many kind words to say about it. But then a quiet voice reminds me to stop focusing on the surface layers and dare to dig a little deeper. One of the post grad papers I did this year focused on the neurological state of the brain (understanding human psychology) and I learnt that what they say is true - not just metaphorically - but medically. It IS so much easier, and more natural for the human mind to focus on the negative. It stems right back to the cave man days where humans spent their entire lives fighting for survival, the old fight or flight and constant defensive thinking and acting. Fascinating stuff. But the question is – were we made like this or did we learn it somewhere? My personal belief is that this default way of thinking, processing and reacting is a learned behaviour. It is not naturally who we are and the way we were created. Yes it is EASY to focus on the negative, especially if you never challenge yourself to step out of the mud pit, and yet within us resides the power of life, love, hope, creation and exquisite beauty. We can choose at any given moment to see things differently, to put on a positive lens, to allow thankfulness to overflow into every area of our lives. Yes we can. It’s actually quite easy when you learn how to make THAT your default habit.
I’ve firmly decided it’s all a matter of perspective. And if there has been one word that just keeps tumbling out of my mouth lately it’s that. PERSPECTIVE. Anything negative can be turned into a positive – its all a matter of perspective and the willingness of your heart to be influenced, and your mind to be moulded into new habits. It really is our choice. And if that wasn’t enough, the promise is clear. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
So I’ve decided that I will play my part in keeping this truth close to my heart and enter into 2016 with a renewed mind and forgiving heart. I believe forgiveness is the key to all of this and with this belief comes a challenge and conviction. What is it that’s eating away at your heart and who do you need to forgive in order to find release and peace? Go on…ask yourself. I’ll start the ball rolling: Just a few days ago I discovered that this cancer started to grow around 8 months ago. Those of you who know my journey know what happened 8 months ago and the extremely difficult path we’ve walked ever since. One of the hardest journey’s I’ve ever walked and that’s saying a lot considering everything I’ve personally been through. Is it a coincidence? Maybe, but somehow I think not. Am I angry? Yes I was for a moment….(hello - I’m only human!)..UNTIL I decided to change my perspective and accept that the only way I was going to be able to move on is to embrace forgiveness in its fullness. A disease like this feeds off the way you feel – again this is medically proven, which is why they are saying now that I must not entertain stress anymore. If you are sick, consider the state of your heart and choose you this day….this new year in fact - to heal it through the simple yet powerful gift of forgiveness. It’s your choice. Can I blame anyone for everything that’s happened this year? No. That would be too easy. It’s my life. I have a choice and I know the truth. My only obligation is to get better, be at peace, and let Christ do a work in me.
We navigated 2015 quite well all things considered and thanks to a faithful and loving God. But we were in survival mode. To do 2016 like we did 2015 is not an option. There was greatness in 2015, alongside many lessons that built us strong and steady. God was all up in it and everywhere to be seen. I can’t even deny that. But 2016 has to be a victory march. Not for our glory but for His. I pray and declare the same blessing for your life. Bring it on and welcome to my life 2016!
Bex xo
On to the next blog
Back to the beginning
Subscribe to keep up to date
Join our facebook page to keep up to date
---------
My daughter came into my room yesterday and said “Mum, when are you going to write another blog? I just read all your blogs and you need to write another one. Why aren’t you writing????” I was quite amused by her not-so-subtle demand and responded by telling her the straight up truth. I said “Well there’s something about having your boob chopped off that doesn’t exactly inspire you to want to write”. “In fact, I may begin my next blog by saying exactly that”. Did I get the reaction I was looking for? Yes. Priceless.
