Welcome to the blog of Pastor Alton Stone, from Simpsonville, SC. Pastor Stone is a retired Ordained Bishop of The Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee with over 45 years of pastoral ministry.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Idle Words

When we want something but are struggling to accomplish it, we often sabotage our own progress by convincing ourselves that our goals are out of reach.  Saying “can’t” and “won’t” are like slamming on the brakes. Using these words continually reinforces the negative messages.  Instead, focus on what you can and figure out the steps to make your dream happen.
-Highlight your abilities rather than your limitations.  
-Focus on all the possible positive outcomes.
To use another example, if you don’t travel because you’re afraid the plane “won’t” stay in the air, or that you “can’t” communicate in a foreign language, understand that the odds are in your favor and that the rewards will far outnumber the tragedies.  Compare your fears to the consequences of not acting and center yourself on the widespread realities, not the make-believe stories.
“Always” and “never,” likewise, are absolutes and evoke feelings of powerlessness.  Thoughts like “I always have problems with this,” or “Oh, I could never do that!” disempower us.  Make small shifts into how you use language: “I’ve had these problems in the past, but I can learn to overcome them,” or “I can do that if I really want to.”
Reclaim your power by eliminating absolutes and acknowledging the possibilities. What you say and think do affect your life today and tomorrow.
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36

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