Throughout our daily lives we make decisions consistently. I think a large percentage of the decisions we make are subconsciously made. For instance our thoughts. Most often they are just thoughts that pop into our minds and we just go with them. I have learned my tendency to be negative in my thoughts. Beating myself up about stuff, or thoughts that damage my self esteem. The way I cope with these negative feelings come in many forms. I'd rather not list them all, but a big one of them is shopping. If I start feeling bad about myself it's always fun to go buy something to make me feel good about myself.

People in general have negative thoughts, maybe not a large amount, but possibly a repetative thought. We tend to look for ways to cope, turning to the world to handle how we have damaged ourselves. When the things we have used for coping fail or just don't work anymore, we go even deeper into the world. Most times the way we cope does not even look that bad, but the fact is a habit is established and our copeing could look a lot different in the future.

I think an initial step in copeing in a godly way is acknowledging and being aware of your current ways of copeing. And the second is to make a plan for your next way of copeing. It might look different depending on how your situation presents itself, but as long as you are aware and anticipate the situation it is wise to be ready in order to not fall into your "comfortable" habits of copeing.

Easier said than done is my general conclusion, but why not throw it out there?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is
-his good, pleasing and perfect will."
- Romans 12:2

Blessings Blessings Blessings!

Estie Marie