Habit 6: She Enters the Envy Zone
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30
My bones surely began to rot. Oh, that envy, jealousy and resentment came to bed with me each night when I first lost my sight.
It visited when least expected. When my friends share their shopping trips to the mall. When they related scenes from their vacations, and commented about pictures of their families.
I longed to have their freedom to enjoy life. And I wished to have their independence.
That’s why I was envious. I was jealous. And I was miserable.
What rescued me from that destructive compare snare? It was a Bible verse that often goes unnoticed. But for me, it blared into my heart. It woke me up. And it changed my attitude.
It said to me: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Give thanks in all. All my struggles. All my challenges. All my fears. I gave Him thanks until my life turned a new colorful hue of joy.
Habit 7: She Concentrates on Selfish Ambition
My dreams were shattered. My goals vanished. And my expectations for a happy life were erased from my heart.
Can you blame me? Blind at 30, none of that was available to me.
I was reflecting in all I had lost. In all I had worked for. And all I had prepared for.
Hmm…how many times did I mention “I?” Way too many because that reflected my attitude to focus on me, my own gain or my losses. I had been the center of it all. What a distasteful habit.
But when I echoed the words in Psalm 119:36, my selfishness was exposed:
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
God’s testimonies of His faithfulness ushered for me a happier life, days focused on Him and moments secure in His victory.
Habit 8: She Criticizes Others
Judging those around us, pointing their mistakes and emphasizing their flaws are the pastimes of an unhappy soul.
But when choosing to be content with who we are, we reflect a happy life. We turn harsh words into kind ones. And, best of all, those kind words come right back to us. That’s how we add happy moments to our days, and joy to our life.
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3)
Habit 9: She Neglects Healthy Living
After my third child was born I enjoyed an innocent glass of milk and a few oatmeal cookies as a snack. No big deal, right?
But later, out to dinner with hubby, pizza delivered to our door, and more unhealthy snacks; all began a habit of careless eating.
As a result, I had to bite my lower lip each time I struggled to button my jeans. Those unhappy moments turned to unhappy days.
But they all changed when I became a student on healthy eating. Then is when I embraced the “OWN” mentality. O for oxygen through exercise. W for water for hydration. And N for nutrition.
I diligently put all three into my routine. A new habit of eating and exercising erased pounds. My disposition became brighter. And I was back to what was a healthy size for me.
But more than a dress size, did you know good health enhances great happiness?
And even better, joy overflows when we answer this question in the affirmative:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
Habit 10: She Sinks in Self-Pity
Did you know you can count on lots of food left over when you throw a pity party? That’s because you’re the only one who shows up.
Self-pity focuses on the “me “inside. It concentrates on what we lack and exaggerates the burdens we carry.
I did that. Being blind at 30, self-pity could have been my constant companion. But not so. I learned the secret, the path and the only way to combat that sorry self-pity. And that is, embracing a spirit of gratitude.
“Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:10-14
God speaks to us the same way. Like Moses, we can give excuses because of what we lack or the obstacles we face.
But when we acknowledge God’s power within us, the unhappy attitude leaves, gratitude enters, and a new kind of happiness shines through.
Because of God’s grace, Janet Perez Eckles didn’t allow her blindness to hold her back from becoming an international speaker and author of four books. Each helps thousands overcome fear, live triumphantly and bring joy back. You can read more from Janet at www.janetperezeckles.com.
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This post originally appeared at ibelieve.com, published with permission.
