Encourage!

What's the most effective strategy to combat the effects of negativity in your life? This may sound "counter-intuitive" but the most effective way to turn the tide of negativity is to focus your thoughts on showing love and compassion for someone else! In other words, replace negative speech that usually limits and condemns with encouragement that builds up and releases!

Just try it. When you find yourself thinking of all the reasons why your life is feeling limited or trapped, be VERY INTENTIONAL someone you can call and immediately encourage. Who do you know who is feeling depressed, lonely, or anxious? Is there anyone around you right now who has expressed incredible disappointment or frustration? Try taking out a pen and paper (you could do an email, but pen and paper is so personal!) and write them a note telling them that you're thinking about them and praying for them.

I know what you might be thinking. This is such simplistic advice and doesn't get to the root cause of what I'm really feeling right now. How does encouragement break my own negative feelings?

Well, think about it. If we're having a difficult time seeing God's possibilities over our own lives then a great exercise it to help someone else see what they can't see in their life. I've always sensed that it was easier to see what God is doing in another's life than my own. Have you ever felt the same way?

Simply speaking encouragement to someone else's situation begins the process of "re-wiring" our own thinking. Recent studies in brain science suggest that this is also a physiological re-wiring. Our brains actually change neural pathways when we practice a shift in thinking. Even our languaged becomes "re-programmed" using the vocabulary and grammar love and compassion rather than condemnation and criticism. It also forces us to exercise our eyes of faith which sooner or later will reveal God's presence and light in the midst of my own situation.

Not only that, but when we encourage, we step into the very life and design we were created to fulfill. God never intended that we live simply for ourselves. We were created to live in life-giving, compassionate, and joy-filled relationship. It's when we "practice" our design that we move more deeply into the very heart of the Father.

And then finally, making someone else feel good makes us feel good! Do it often enough, and you've created a new pattern of living and being.

Feeling discouraged? Then ENCOURAGE!