Joy of Restraint

 

    You can find joy in restraint when you use it to control your negative thoughts.  It will help you from over reacting or going into a self-defeating reaction.  Negative thoughts are a poison that kill you very slowly.  If you drink the poison, then you are more likely to give it to other people too.  

    You can starve your negative thoughts.  Stop them in their path and redirect your thoughts.  It is your choice to exchange the negative thoughts for productive thoughts.  You will not defeat negativity by embracing it.  You have to starve the thoughts that lead you down that road.  

    Your mental restraint or lack there of is a habit.  That means that it can be developed or destroyed.  Learn restraint by stop venting.  Other people don't really care and it only produces negativity in them.  Venting will only make you feel better short term, but can have long term effects.  It does not address the root issue of your negativity.  If you have to vent, then do so in a journal.  Be sure to use it to find the root of the issue though.

    Fight negative thoughts as they appear.  Tell your self that they are not worth it or take ownership on why you feel negatively.  Try to give people the benefit of the doubt until you can talk to them.  Drop the negative thoughts, so you can relax and avoid damaging relationships.

    It takes self-discipline to keep a cool head.  Use a cool head to catch negativity early.  You have control over your state of mind.  You are able to solve problems, deal with life's stress, overcome your challenges, and embrace joy given by God.

Proverbs 25:25-28, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Galatians 5:22-23, & James 1:19-20