Easter is coming – hot cross buns, kids anticipating chocolate eggs, and time to socialize with family and friends. It’s the perfect occasion to mentally put your finger to your lips and watch what you think and say – about yourself and others.
Kind thoughts and constructive words benefit everyone. They encourage, lift spirits, and promote harmony and peace. They also help negate the type of bullying language that can occur on social media. Such positive outcomes make watching what you think and say good for your health and the health of others – especially young people.
WATCH WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF
It’s tempting to look at someone who’s popular or successful and wish you were happier, smarter, or more attractive! If this happens, mentally take a stand. Refuse to find fault with yourself.
FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU WATCH WHAT YOU THINK AND SAY ABOUT YOURSELF
1. Watch what you think and say about yourself – especially on social media.
2. Don’t criticize yourself mentally or verbally. Think and say positive things. They’ll benefit you. Also you’ll be more inclined to do the same to others.
3. Appreciate who you are and what you can do. You’re special, beautiful and talented. Believe it! We all have unique qualities. Find out what you’re good at doing, and build on it.
4. Uproot jealousy and resentment about other people’s looks or achievements. Don’t allow envy to grow in your thinking. It causes trouble at home, school or work.
5. Improve your potential. “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts”. Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 261.
WATCH WHAT YOU THINK AND SAY ABOUT OTHERS
In primary school a male teacher told a young child that she struggled with math because she was a girl! Sadly, his words had a negative impact on all her school work from then on. Fortunately this changed when she found the teachings of Christian Science and started attending a Christian Science Sunday School.
THREE TIPS TO HELP YOU WATCH WHAT YOU THINK AND SAY ABOUT OTHERS
1. Be careful what you say. Words uttered thoughtlessly can’t be recalled. In every conversation be wise, thoughtful, encouraging. “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”. Bible. Proverbs 16:24.
2. Be a team player. Don’t utter demeaning, negative, or spiteful statements. Help others realise their potential for success. When speaking, be “peaceful, courteous, not self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free from favouritism and from all insincerity.” Bible. James 3:17.
3. Practice what Christ Jesus gave as the Gold Rule of living. Think and say to others what you would like them to think and say to you. “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets. Amplified Bible Matthew 7:12.
Have a happy Easter! Watch what you think and say about yourself and others. It’s good for everyone’s health.
This article was first published on my previous blog site spiritualityandhealthconnect.com. It is published on Motherpedia. It was also published in the MARCH 2018 edition of Around Point Cook and Around Altona Community newspapers in print and online via Issuu.
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