Who's Holding You Back?
Sunrise in the Woods
Who is holding you back? Is it some random people, coworkers, friends or family, or is it yourself?
I got my first negative comment the other day on the blog Facebook page. I’m good with it. I guess that means I’m doing something right. I would not be telling the whole truth if I said I wasn’t hurt immediately after I read it. After thinking about it for a little while I realize that often when we are making positive changes, often there is someone saying something negative about it.
Typically, that person is envious of you in one way or another. They are hurting, or insecure. Often the haters, or trolls, are not people on the right path to success and happiness. That’s why we need to just shrug off the insults, ignore the hurtful words, and respond kindly.
1 Peter 3:9 - “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
That is difficult to put into practice, at least it is for me. I struggle with wanting to be right, wanting to make my case, and wanting to “win.” I should be more gracious in conflict, calm headed, and intentional with my words. Simply retaliating will hold me back instead of propelling me towards bettering myself.
If we let negative people hold us back, all we will do is stay at their level. So rise above negativity. Adapt a mindset of looking for the positive in every situation. I realize some situations are just bad and it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it, but don’t dwell on it. Don’t let it pull you into that negative mindset. Negativity will ruin your ability to feel happy and fulfilled in your life.
I have found that when I try to do better and make positive changes, bad things tend to happen to make me stumble. It seems to happen every time. I’m a big believer in spiritual warfare. It is a very interesting topic to study if you have never investigated it. I feel that if we are not on the positive path, we are no threat to the enemy. If we are trying to live a positive and moral life, that goes against the enemy’s plan, and he attacks us from every angle possible. For me it is a reminder that I am on the right track and keep pushing through. Every time I go through a trial, there is a breakthrough on the other side.
This week don’t let negative mindset into your mind, focus on and work towards being positive. You will see a huge difference in your perspective of life.