Reflecting on the past year vis-a-vis the challenges faced by millions of people across the globe raises fundamental questions about how we can position our mental health in the face of such global challenges.
The reality of death and disabilities, increased mental health issues, isolation and loneliness has created a fertile ground for fear and anxiety to prevail in our minds about what the future holds.
How have I handled these changes as an individual? What has kept my mind focused on the positives and not being distracted by the turmoil around me? Is it not right for me to recognize the realities and feel anxious about my health, my finances, my family?
Yes it is, but the rationale for my positive approach is grounded in having a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving for every single breath of life that I take in, fueled by my strong belief in an all knowing God who is in control of my future. In the midst of the chaos around me, every day I wake up, brings me a new reason why I am here and what my role is, to bring fresh perspectives on viewing the difficult world around us.
This gives me a sense of mission and purpose, so I don’t focus on me, but on what I need to do to put a smile on the faces around me. The ‘I’ becomes irrelevant because I am grounded in the knowledge that the ‘I’ is being taken care of by a greater power who has my back in all situations for me to focus on His purposes and will on this earth.
That is what brings the smile, the joy and the energy that drives me forward regardless of what is going on around me. This is my story and definitely all our stories are different. What is your story? What is your purpose? What is driving you to be productive and to be a blessing in your sphere of influence? What can strengthen your mental position to face the challenges in 2021?
A period of reflection is needed to plan strategies to keep you focused on the issues that matter to you in a positive way that does not compromise your spiritual and mental well-being.
As we begin this year in earnest, my encouragement to you is, take ownership of your thoughts as sometimes, the world offers you alternative views and voices. These can be negative in nature and rather than you being influenced, trust God to lead you as you follow in faith because the JOY of the Lord is your strength to carry on through the murky waters of life.
Listen to that innermost voice which God provides daily to bless you. Stay safe, follow the rules, save lives and have a blessed new year. Amen. Paajoe