Speak to the MOUNTAIN!

In this life you will have problems, there is not a person on the planet that will not have challenges and problems to overcome. Our goal in life is not to avoid problems, unexpected or expected problems and challenges will happen. Our goal is to have the wisdom and knowledge on how to solve and or overcome our problems. Many times people spend useless time and effort talking about the problem (s). This can be in the form of complaining, gossiping, speaking fear, anger or doubt; which only compounds the situation.  The problem(s) will take on a life of its own and begin to dominate your thoughts, causing negative and destructive behaviors, such as overeating, depression, excessive alcohol use, drug use (legal and illegal).  

You may say, “Dot, you do not know the BIG problem I am dealing with, it seems like there is no end or no way out!”  “What can I do?”  I am glad you asked that question.  My answer …… SPEAK TO YOUR MOUNTAIN!Your mountain is any challenge or problem that is overwhelming, seems insurmountable. Your words are a powerful force, they can create and they can tear down. The Bible says “The power of life and death is in the tongue”. The tongue is like a rudder on a ship, it can direct you to achieve your dreams and life goals. If you say you can do it, you will, if you say you can’t, you will not.

This may seem over simplified, but in reality, what you say about your problems and what you believe, have more impact than what others say or believe concerning your situation. Say to the Mountain, “Move”! I am not saying that you should avoid seeking help from others, but ultimately you must believe in your God-given ability to overcome victoriously. It’s important to know that you can transform a seemingly impossible task or problem by speaking to it. You may say… “I will not be destroyed by this problem, I have the ability to overcome.”   

 Being a woman of faith, I speak to my problem (s), (Mountains), in this manner… “I Can Do All Things through Christ who strengthen me”. When challenged with a health concern… I speak, “I walk in Divine health and wholeness”. We are not to deny the fact that the symptoms are there, but deny its right to remain in your body. A favorite verse of mine:“Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen”.

I will summarize with a reminder that we are spirit, soul and body. The soul (mind, will and emotions), if not kept in checked, can cause havoc to the body and weaken our spirits. We must speak to the MOUNTAIN, words of peace, calm, faith and rid our thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief. It’s important first to rid your mind of negative thoughts, take every negative thought captive and cast it out. Thoughts are seeds, which become actions and actions create destiny. 

Say to the Mountain “Move”!

To Your Health and Happiness!

                                                                      Take Care of Yourself         Part II of II

Last week’s column highlighted the importance of Self-Care. I mentioned that caring for yourself does not negate our responsibility to serve and care for others. But you cannot help others if you are not “whole” yourself.  “Whole” refers to being strong physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Here are a few tips on how you can take care of you: 

1. Exercise your body. A little exercise will go a long way to reducing stress. Even just a brisk walk in the morning will energize and motivate you for the day ahead. Set your alarm for a little earlier than usual and hit the pavement or the treadmill. Save time by preparing the night before. Lay out your exercise clothes so that you can get going with minimal preparation time.
2. A brief morning meditation.  I personally use biblical mediations. Think about all the things you are grateful for and give yourself some positive encouragement. A favorite Bible verse of mine. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.
3. Keep a journal. Writing is a therapeutic activity. In just a few minutes, you can write down your thoughts, worries, gratitude, or whatever else comes to mind. Keep the journal near your bed and make a habit of writing a few paragraphs or even sentences each night before you go to sleep. 
4. Read a book. Reading is a relaxing activity that helps us escape from the pressures of our lives and expands our intellectual abilities. 
5. Call an old friend. Reconnect with someone you haven’t had time to talk to in a while. Busy lives get in the way of friendship. Friends become distant memories. In the social media age, people tend to keep track of friends through various social media sites, but rarely ever pick up the phone.
6. Schedule time for yourself. When we fill out our calendars for the day, we usually don’t schedule in time for ourselves. Schedule time for some exercise, and quality time with family and friends.
7. Unplug from technology. People tend to grab their phone first thing when waking up. Leave the electronics alone until you’ve given yourself time to prepare for the day. Make time for breakfast (the most important meal of the day).
8. Prepare healthy meals at home. We can control the nutritional value of our meal if we prepare our meals. Frequent dining out is not always healthy, avoid the fast food trap.
9. Get enough sleep. Sleep is not only good for the body, but it is also good for the mind. A well-rested body and mind can accomplish great things. 

    10.   Stay connected to others, especially your love ones. Social distancing does not mean    social disconnection!Make frequent contacts by phone, text, email, skype and   other technical modes or the old fashion; write a note and put it in the mail. Social connection is crucial to good mental health.

Remind yourself that you are fabulous, you are an amazing person! Take time each day to nurture and care for yourself. No one will take care of you like you. Do it for your body, mind and spirit!

To Your Health and Happiness,