Do you want to learn how to stop focusing on negative things? Read my personal story to learn how to change a negative mindset.
Focusing on Negative Things
Working in Home Health Care for older adults, I observe clients watching the news for a few hours or more daily. While working, I listen to news broadcasts for a few hours or more every day.
I arrive home from work almost every day and tell my youngest the same thing; “I heard a terrible story on the news today.” Next, I continue to share the awful things that happened. The other day, she stopped me.
Mom, “You always do that!”
“Always do what?”
You always say, “I heard this terrible thing on the news today; here, let me tell you about it.” Motioning arms back and forth in a sassy way.
“No”, she exclaimed. “I don’t want to hear about the terrible things that happened today or any other day.
They’re terrible!
Now stop telling me about them!”
I stood there momentarily, dumbfounded, not knowing what to say. She didn’t want to hear about terrible things. Her words cut through me like a knife.
What could I say? She was right.
They were terrible stories of tragic events in people’s lives.
A few months ago, she said, “You always focus on negative things.” It sunk in a little bit. But, this time, her words packed an extra punch.
She said the magic word.
STOP!
I try to respect others when they tell me to stop doing something that annoys them. I had to stop sharing terrible stories. Her willingness, to be frank, is a blessing. It taught me to move forward and stop repeating harmful behavior patterns.
The question is, why do people focus on negative things?
The answer is simple.
Like me, people with a negative mindset or bias naturally focus on negative things. Negative thoughts bombarded our minds daily.
Society focuses on negative thoughts or the terrible events that happened today. All we need to do is watch any news broadcast, pick up any newspaper, or load almost any website.
Wham, the focus is on negative things. Terrible stories of something that happened to someone today. The devastating tragedy of war from around the world.
Is it any wonder people are becoming more and more depressed?
Your mindset will always be negative when you continue focusing on negative things.
She is right.
They’re terrible!
Now stop telling me about them!
Yes, people have problems, and there is suffering in the world. Tragic events happen every day. But the good news is Jesus Christ came to rescue us and ease our burdens.
He bore our sins and sufferings on the cross at Calvary. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. We need to keep focusing on the good news of Jesus Christ!
It’s easy to get caught up in the world and get sucked into this negative mindset. Just watch the news for one week straight. Then, see how you feel at the end of the week. I can almost guarantee that your attitude will be – negative.
How do you stop focusing on negative things?
We can change a negative mindset by focusing on the good news of Jesus Christ and renewing our minds with the word of God every day. That’s the secret; you must do it every day!
God has some good news for us to read in his word. He has done many wondrous things to help us heal our minds and spirits.
Our job is to seek him out each day.
The best thing we can do for those who are hurting is pray. And the best thing you can do for yourself is to focus on the good news of Jesus Christ.
I’m going to take Faith’s advice.
I will STOP focusing on and listening to the terrible things that happened today. The horrible stuff pollutes your mind with negative thoughts. They’re bringing you down low in spirit.
The peace of God is not with you when you focus on negative things.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
Focusing on the Good News of Jesus Christ
Focusing on the good news of Jesus Christ will lift you higher.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45 KJV
To read more “good news,” visit my friend Bob Sherbondy’s website, Christianityetc.org.
Related Post: Being Grateful in Times of Hardship