My post, Today spoke to life's hard things and a thought-stopping tool to bring one back to the present. Now let's talk about one that can help stop the mental spiral.
"I can do hard things."
While my hard things are still there, some have become manageable, others have persisted, and a new one has joined the party sitting like a huge pit in my belly any time I think about it. This is life.
"I can do hard things."
In session, I often work from a cognitive foundation to help clients navigate through their hard things. The goal is to explore what clients are thinking or saying to themselves, test its validity and usefulness, and then replace or reframe it as needed for emotion management and decrease of symptoms.
2 Corinthians 10:5 “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”.
Arguments form in the mind and opinions are created based on our beliefs and experiences. Many do not line up with the knowledge of God (His Word) and therefore need to be taken captive and replaced.
"I cannot do this. It's too hard."
needs to be replaced with
"I can do hard things,"
even if it does not feel like you can.
Validity Test:
Are my things hard? Yes, they are for me. And, yours are hard for you. We are told to expect them.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2. Is what I’m saying to myself about my hard things useful and uplifting? If I allow my mind to dwell on the hard things, will it help me persevere and live fully? No.
Philippians 4:8 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.
3. How do I know I can do hard things?
Look for the Evidence: If you're still breathing, then you've made it through hard things. Take a moment and remember what you've made it through. Maybe this hard thing seems bigger than any you've gone through before. No matter what, you have made it through hard things, therefore, you can do hard things.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Look to the Author: God almighty promises to be with His people amid their hard things.
Hebrews 12:1b-2 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
You can do hard things!
Thought-stopping Tool:
Speaking "I can do hard things" even when you don't believe or feel it can change your mental script.
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