LEAD August 2023 | Page 46

How to Reset Your Brain After Trauma

Gregory L . Jantz

You — Not
Your
Circumstances — Are
in
Control
The mind is one of the greatest assets God gave us to thrive , flourish , and prosper . The mind can empower us to discover creative innovations , solve difficult problems , and make decisions that lead to a fulfilling life . But sometimes the mind — our thoughts , impressions , and perceptions — can work against us . We live in a negative , upside-down world . Cynicism and dejection are all around us , and it ’ s not unusual to let our mindset slip into negativity , gloom , and pessimism — especially following trauma .
But there ’ s good news : While bleak thoughts will indeed occur , you don ’ t have to let them dominate your outlook . Martin Luther shared this bit of wisdom : “ You cannot keep birds from flying over your head , but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair .” With God ’ s loving help , it is within your power to take charge of your mind — to redirect and bolster your thoughts : “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear , but of power and of love and of a sound mind ” ( 2 Tim . 1:7 NKJV ).
Let ’ s explore several ways you can take charge of your thoughts by learning to redirect them from negative to positive .
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