Private Thoughts

READY…  “Don't let people's compliments go to your head and don't let their criticisms go to your heart.  To the depth we do either of these things, is to the depth we'll be ruled by what other people think of us. And boy, is it dangerous to build the stability of our identity on the fickle opinions of others.”  ~ Lysa TerKeurst

AIM… Admit it.  You have private thoughts about people, their lives, what they do or don’t do.  As you encounter people in the midst of their circumstances, do you offer suggestions and actually share your private thoughts about what they are going through?  Maybe you share your private thoughts on social media, since you don’t have to see those people face to face.  I’m sure you know exactly what private thoughts I’m talking about; your judgments, comments and criticisms about someone’s personal choices, actions, conversations and the like.  Let’s face it, whether solicited or not, we all have private thoughts about other people. 

More often than not, however, there are moments when people’s private thoughts spill out of their mouths and sting our hearts, leaving us feeling inferior.  There are also moments when those private thoughts can actually give our egos a huge boost, but then we end up walking around with big heads.  Lysa TerKeurst’s advice in the “READY” quote above is great wisdom for us to tuck away in that safe place of our brains as an invaluable life lesson.  It is so easy to get caught up in seeking the approval of others that we can lose sight of our own motivation, drive and intentions.  One well-intentioned but negative comment is all it takes to derail us from our goals; and getting back on track is often a painful journey.  My friends, don’t let other people’s private thoughts about you determine your destiny.  Choose your direction.  Stay the course.  If opinions and comments pass through your ears, use a sensible filter as to how you choose to weigh those words.  Keep your eyes on the prize and move those mountains knowing YOU value the private thoughts in your own head and heart.    

FIRE!  Choose to filter what you hear today.  Be careful not to internalize those negative comments and gently balance those positive atta-boys and atta-girls.  Speak life into the lives of those around you so your private thoughts don’t become public thoughts toward those you love.

Be Excellent!

Lori