We are what we consume

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9 

Recently I got sucked into a podcast that was very interesting but also kind of disturbing and two seasons into it a heaviness and shift in my perspectives set in. The world felt more dangerous and my attitude towards humanity in general took on an air of skepticism and distrust. 

I wasn’t consciously aware of the pessimism weighing me down until I attended a local support group meeting where we were focusing on mindset. Our group leader read these very inspiring stories about people who had endured profound tragedies yet continued to grow in faith, love and service to others through the sharing of their gifts. 

These beautiful examples of light and courage followed by an uplifting discussion about the power of mindset to reframe our circumstances, and energize our efforts to contribute goodness and hope to our communities, felt like a healing and fragrant breath of fresh air! 

It was a wake-up call, a reminder that what I feed my mind and soul matters immensely. For a light-filled perspective, I need to inhale alllll the light, all the beauty, all the love, and exhale gratitude. I need to protect my mind and soul from content that either disturbs my inner calm or hardens my heart toward my neighbor. 

The great news is that there is plenty of light out there to step into and fixate upon. Some of my favorite ways to tap into it are through reading scripture and edifying books, listening to motivational podcasts,  attending church services, decluttering, nature, exercise, hospitality, creativity, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with Christ throughout the day, entrusting to Him all of my worries and confusion. 

We are what we consume. Challenge yourself to feast on what is nourishing and encouraging!