Why what you think matters the most

The mind is often underestimated as the place where random thoughts are formed or where ideas just pop out of nowhere. Yet, apart from the brain, your mind is connected to everything that concerns you - your emotions, your heart and most importantly your actions and decisions. The way you think about people, situations and yourself determines the route your life will take. It does not mean that you will be able to control the weather, prevent tragedy or have power over other people's behavior, but with the right mindset you will be able to dominate situations instead of letting them break you down. The word "dominate" is used in a positive context here, it refers to having dominion. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines dominion as "supreme authority", "sovereignty". Isn't that what the journey of life is about? From the day we are born everything is geared towards growing and the ability to do more things on our own, so we can take control of the things around us, instead of letting them control us. Now, how this is connected to your mindset and the way you think is simple. There are things we do physically that seem to happen automatically or naturally, but if you think about the decisions you've made in life: Where to study? Which career to choose? Whom to get married to? Didn't you spend time thinking about these things before making those important decisions? That is the reason why people who are mentally ill are considered incapable of doing things on their own and why they have to undergo treatment. They have lost the ability to form the right thoughts in their mind. 

I really understood the "power of the mind" when I went through a very rough patch in my life. To keep myself motivated I filled my mind with positive and encouraging words. I had to speak life and faith into situations and realized that it truly was: "Mind over matter". The things we allow into our system, our surroundings and the words we expose ourselves to, form our minds and the way we think. It is also the place the enemy will try to attack first. God cares about our thoughts - in Philippians 4:8 (NIV) it says: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." These words became ever true when I went through the fire. 

You can only overcome obstacles when you think the right thoughts. God had to teach me that and it turned out to be the greatest gift I ever received. It is a continuous process, but such a rewarding and beautiful one. The more you meditate and think about the right things, the more you will get to appreciate what you have and discover that the only hindrance in life is yourself. You can either point out the things that are hindering you or start working towards the opportunities ahead of you.