The Battlefields of College life: Part Three
Changing our Thinking
Changing our Lives
in
College & Beyond.
Like every battle we face in life, one must be prepared to face each one of them prepared and in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness. It goes without saying that many a freshman student starts college unprepared, and in a state of emotional upheaval and cluelessness.
We all experience a sense of worry and apprehension at the onset of anything new with some of us having it worse than others. But in order for anyone of us to win her/his college battles and make it to the graduation ceremony and beyond, we must recognize any toxic emotions such as anger, fears, low self esteem and the like that might be plaguing us.
You might’ve heard the oft- mentioned definition of insanity/madness which is attributed to Albert Einstein “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
To stop the madness in our lives of doing the same exact old things; relationships and behaviors again and again expecting something newer and better, we must have a new set of thoughts and life lenses to see and think about our outer world differently. And we must also have a new set of beliefs to see our inner world in a clearer, healthier and more hopeful way.
God knows how often in my own college battlefields and beyond, I needed and will always need to renew and refine my thoughts into better ones. I’ve learnt to hold on to those good thoughts and set of beliefs that are proven to work if I’m to survive life’s dead ends and its unexpected surprises.
Every day is a new challenging lesson of a new chapter in the book of our my life and yours.
So, help us God!
It’s my hope that you will stumble upon one or more simple common sense thought(s) and ideas in these words that will be an impetus for a new and healthy change in you. Perhaps, you will find a few good thoughts that will usher you into healthier emotions which will in turn set you in a new behavioral path and trajectory that will forever change the course of your life.
Our Childhood Homes and Influences
We are the products of our upbringing, and the homes we grew up in. Have you ever wondered why you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, an engineer, an architect, an artist, or in finance? You don’t have to wonder much. Just take a sneak peek into the circle of parents, uncles, family members and friends, and mentors in your childhood and adolescent life and you’ll get your answer. We’re all influenced for good, or for bad, by those who surround us including the magnetic enticement of Hollywood, TV, movies, new social norms, social media, and peer pressure. These ongoing influences are seen in our way of thinking, and consequently our emotions, choices and behaviors.
We are what we think.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7
We all need to let go of the old thoughts that immobilize us, and adapt encouraging, uplifting and hopeful thoughts that will encourage, calm, and cheer us up even in the midst of our failures, fears, and hurtful rejection.
The lifetime journey of renewing our thoughts, and changing our emotions and behaviors always start with love. To have a better life, we all need to know that we’re loved. Not only during the few years of our college experience and higher education, but today, tomorrow, and forever.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Advice and recommendations offered here are not meant to replace your medical provider’s individual evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Please see your medical provider for any physical or emotional concerns.
The views expressed here are only of the author and do not represent the views of any other organization or entity.
Adel G. Hanna, M.D.
Author: Soldier to Soldier, Heart to Heart
A Doctor’s Stories from a Military Camp
Visit my Author Page at Amazon
Amazon Author Page
To order Soldier to Soldier, Heart to Heart
Visit
Barnes & Noble:
Barnes & Noble
Or buy from Amazon
Amazon
Visit my other blog: