Reframing Negative Thoughts for a More Positive Life

We all have days when we feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and like we can’t take it anymore. These are the moments when our minds become consumed with negative thoughts. But thankfully, there is power in reframing these thoughts and shifting our perspective to a more positive one. Let’s look at how reframing your negative thoughts can help you have a more positive life.

What Does It Mean to Reframe Your Negative Thoughts?

Reframing negative thoughts is about changing your perspective in order to create a more positive outlook. It’s about recognizing that even when times are tough, there is likely something good to take away from it. Reframing also involves challenging yourself to come up with new solutions and take action toward improvement. Ultimately, reframing can help bring greater mental clarity and emotional strength, giving you the power to move in a more purposeful way!

Let’s Begin Today Reframing Today!

We went to a funeral for a friend that passed away very unexpectedly, and it was so inspiring to hear so many share about how positive he was. When something went wrong, he was always the first to say, “It will all work out”, and “Let’s look for the positive in this situation”. He was an inspiration to many, including myself.

Reframing your thoughts begins with recognizing the lies we often tell ourselves and replacing them with the truth. Here are a few lies I find myself thinking at times, and the truth of who we are in Christ.

“I can’t do this” – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“I am not good enough” – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

“Nobody loves me”- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

“I’m a failure”- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

“My life doesn’t matter” – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

“I can do it all on my own” – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

We need to be intentional about replacing these lies with truth because our minds tend to be drawn towards negativity. If left unchecked, these thought patterns will lead us down the path of depression and despair. Therefore, it is crucial that we recognize these lies and actively choose to replace them with truth from God’s Word.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

• Understand that everyone has struggles in life – no one is exempt. It is important to remember that even though struggles are inevitable, they don’t define us or our future. To quote author Corrie Ten Boom – “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” Remembering this helps us put our troubles into perspective and allows us to move forward in life without being weighed down by our current circumstances.
  
• Celebrate small victories each day – Whether it’s finally getting around to doing a task you’ve been procrastinating on or just making it through the day without losing your cool – celebrate every victory! This will help create an attitude of thankfulness and joy in your life which will ultimately help you focus on the positives rather than allowing negativity to consume you.
  
• Find a creative outlet – When life starts to become overwhelming and difficult, it can be helpful to find a creative outlet to express your feelings and emotions. Whether it’s writing, drawing, crafting, or playing music, dedicating time to something creative can be very therapeutic and liberating. Focusing on creative activities can help you get out of your own head while giving you a much-needed distraction as well as an opportunity to work out unsorted thoughts and feelings. Creative outlets also provide a safe space for you to explore yourself and further develop personally and emotionally.
  
• Exercise regularly – Exercise is an important tool for managing stress and boosting endorphins, two things that can help reframe negative thoughts. When we exercise regularly it helps to release tension stored in the body and can even lead to improved physical and mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity can also be a great way to manage anxiety as it releases endorphins which act as natural mood-lifters. Exercise can also give us an opportunity to take our minds off of things that are causing us distress while at the same time allowing us to become more aware of our own thoughts and feelings.
  
• Spend time in nature – Spending time in nature can be an incredibly healing and calming experience. Connecting to nature helps us to gain perspective on things that may be bothering us, allowing us to step back and look at stressful situations from a different point of view. Nature has the power to help refocus our minds, provide clarity, and offer peace of mind as we get away from everyday life stressors. Walking outdoors or simply sitting in the park can give you a greater appreciation for the beauty of the world around us, which can bring about feelings of gratitude and joy.
  
• Read positive books – Reading positive books and articles can be a great way to uplift our spirits in times of hardship. Positive concepts such as hope, forgiveness, and gratitude can be found in these writings, helping to remind us that the difficult moments won’t last forever. Reading inspiring stories from the lives of other people or from motivational figures helps to broaden our minds and gives us something to aspire to while also offering comfort during tough times. Additionally, reading positive literature can help us get into a better state of mind as well as provide us with useful advice on how to live a happier life.
  
• Take a break from technology – Taking a break from technology can be an incredibly beneficial practice. Stepping away from social media feeds and the news can help us give ourselves some much-needed quiet time. This allows us to focus on the present moment, which can help stop negative thoughts and worries before they gain momentum. Allowing yourself space away from digital distractions helps to restore our energy levels and puts things into perspective as we find a sense of inner peace that is hard to find when we are constantly connected. Taking a break from technology also provides us with an opportunity to unplug, allowing our brains to take a rest from all of the information overloads that come with being constantly online.
  
• Talk it out with someone you trust – Talking it out with someone you trust can be a beneficial way of managing negative thoughts and worries. A therapist or counselor can provide insight into the thought processes behind your worries, helping you to reframe them from a healthier perspective. They can provide an objective view of your situation, enabling you to gain perspective on how to react constructively to challenges. With their help, you can begin to see problems differently, finding hope and courage in difficult situations. Talking through issues with a trusted and experienced therapist is a great first step toward managing your worries in a healthier way.
  
• Make a list of all the good things in your life – Making a list of all the good things in your life can be an excellent way to shift into a more positive frame of mind. Gratitude is so important and it can help us live a more content and positive life. Even if the good things seem small, jotting them down can remind us of how blessed we are. These could be simple moments like hearing a bird sing or having coffee with a friend, feeling the sunshine on your skin, or completing a task at work – whatever makes you happy, grateful and contented should be included on your gratitude list! Taking time to reflect on what we are truly thankful for helps to center us and shift our focus away from the negative.
  
• Practice mindfulness techniques – Mindfulness can be an invaluable tool when it comes to managing overwhelming emotions. Practicing mindful techniques such as deep breathing exercises allows us to take some space and pause, giving our minds a chance to settle before we respond. This helps us think more calmly and rationally before taking further action or responding in an unhelpful way with words or actions towards ourselves or those around us. It is often helpful to have some form of physical reminder on hand; this could be a bracelet, stone, or simply your own hands – something you can use to physically focus on during these moments. Doing so can help bring us into the present moment and allow us to draw strength from within.

Keep Pressing Onward!

Reframing negative thoughts doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedication and consistency on our part as well as relying on God’s grace and power during the times when we feel overwhelmed by life’s struggles. With practice, reframing our negative thoughts can lead us down a much more positive path – one filled with joy, peace, and hope for what lies ahead!

So Mamas, don’t give up! Keep striving for positivity and keep trusting God through all of life’s ups and downs – He will always be there for you!