How simple it may sound, to be strong. And how annoying it may be, especially if stated by individuals who appear to be sitting on top of the world, seemingly removed from any trials and tribulations. Such advice may seem trite, useless, hollow, and worthless. It isn’t. Let’s contemplate this further through a brief detour into personal history:
A year ago, I had another knee surgery. Nothing major: the second tear to the meniscus of my right knee. It should be fine, but that wasn’t what my thoughts were telling me during the first few days post surgery, when my knee was sore and difficult to bend. And my thoughts didn’t serve me well when I recalled the surgeon’s words as he showed me photos taken within my knee: “And here’s what we didn’t want to see.” He was referring to arthritis, I assume, or definitely wear and tear.
The point of this article is not a pity party about one guy’s knee. The purpose is to offer real life strategies grounded in the effective use of thought. While the mind–that great trickster–would have us believe there’s something useful behind weak and fearful thoughts, we must ignore it. We must turn it off, as though a tap dripping acid on our head. Instead, we must turn on thoughts that empower us toward the results we desire achieved. In my case, that meant ignoring “What if this ends my career? What if the pain continues? What if I need a knee replacement?” and focusing on thoughts that served my highest good. The goodness appears when we learn to think effectively.
The late Wayne Dyer (1940 – 2015) expressed this simply and succinctly: The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things. Meaning: We cannot possibly achieve what we desire by thinking about what we don’t! Ernest Holmes (1887 – 1960), who was a New Thought writer, teacher, and leader, expressed this in a different manner through the following quote: No soul can demonstrate two things at the same time if one contradicts the other. There is no way except to let go of all that you do not wish to come into your experience, and, in mind, take all that you do wish. If we don’t desire to spend our lives wallowing in weakness, we must first be stronger and more determined. This builds the character that helps us navigate through the storms of life.
How may we apply this to co-create real and lasting results? By focusing on empowering thoughts–perhaps through affirmations such as I am strong, or I am getting better each and every day–despite facing the most trying circumstances. This means overcoming the temptation to focus on our troubles–perhaps health issues, business struggles, marriage woes, or the death of a loved one. Weak and fearful thoughts can never create strength! When we break the habit of worrying upon weakness, our own natural strength will rise within us. We were born with it. It’s an essential aspect of our true nature.
Dare to dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏
Think2wice 