But think about it! You were actually not running anywhere; you're just seated on a chair. So why did you get scared? Why did your heart rate increase? Why do you feel this great relief that the innocent character on TV didn't get caught and killed? Why are horror movies so... HORROR? After all, it's just a movie. You KNOW that they're only acting.
The thing is, our brains cannot actually tell the difference between a real event, a memory, and an imagination. It'll usually respond in a similar if you see food, if you remember a nice meal you've had, or if you imagine a delicacy you'd like to try. This is a very important lesson to learn. In the same vein, the "dangers" we're usually faced with are not real. Many times, we only imagine possible scenarios and then let our minds act on it.
I want you to note something: thinking about a possible bad situation doesn't make you any more prepared to handle it if it happens. You're only disturbing your present peace.
There are four things you must avoid LIKE THE PLAGUE!
- FEAR
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous." - Isaiah 41:10.
My favourite is in Matthew 28:20 where Jesus himself promises to be with us even until the end of the world.
Besides that, how is worrying about failing your exams going to help you? You won't study harder or faster. No. On the contrary, you're more like to get stressed, discouraged, and despondent. Each time you fear or worry, you're indirectly telling God "I believe you're omnipotent and omniscient but... I'm not sure you'll do this one for me just the way I want it done - so lemme find plan B really quickly."
That's just crazy! Relax. God has your back.
- COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE
Let's assume, there are two people: A and B, and B is better than A. As long as A is your role model, you'll always be beneath his standard; at most, at the same level with him. If B becomes your standard, however, you can become greater than A, but never better than B. The truth is, if you look hard enough, you'll always find at least one person who is better than you in one thing or the other. What then? Cry all day? Naaahhh!
The Bible in James 1:22-25 compares itself to a mirror. Not just the kind of mirror that shows you only your pimples and dark circles. No. The Bible doesn't just show you where you're wrong. It also has an image of you at your best - not just you being better than someone else. So, just like a person would use his mirror to know if he's reaching his goal physique, the Bible must be that mirror you use to reach your goal nature. When you use someone else, you take on both their great qualities and their flaws. :(
You can always find room for mentors and some healthy competition with your friends along the line. :)
- FIXED-TALENT LABEL
Anything you come across will be either easy or hard. It is only impossible when you say it is - that is when you quit! Thinking that you're "just not cut out for it" is a good start at failing miserably!
If you're interested in something, GO FOR IT! You have more than it takes to achieve it.
- SCARCITY MINDSET
The Bible says, "The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are his." - Psalm 24:1. The same God says, "Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. " - Psalm 2:8. Jesus further qualifies it by saying, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." - John 14:14.
How then, can we have this very same God as our Father and still lack?! GOD FORBID!
You now have the keys. Walk out of that prison of your mind.
It's prison break time! Hehe. :)
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