Tip #1: Discover what God says about you
Thanks to today's riveting technologies, we have been blessed with the luxury of search engines. If you're like me, you are no Bible genius:
Another truth-seeking individual: "Where would I go to find bible verses about marriage and commitment?"
Me: "I know Paul talked about it somewhere, Jesus has mentioned it a lot, and I'm sure the Old Testament can help you out."
So, in case scenarios such as the one detailed above, your best option is to quickly do a Google or YouVersion Bible App search. I can not even begin to count how many times these functions come in handy. Think of it as a scavenger hunt as you look through searches, content, and bible verses, picking at God's heart and unveiling His loving,powerful thoughts concerning you. Remember, God's word is truth so you can believe what you find!
Tip #2: Spend some time alone in public places, doing what you enjoy
"....some time alone in public places..." Daunting to many, I know. Nevertheless, it's a practice that I've found increasingly useful and surprisingly fulfilling. Especially for those of your reading this who have or are currently in the process of overcoming the habit of seeking approval from others, it's imperative that you spend time getting to know what it's like to be around you. Allow me to emphasize the "in public" part. I don't recommend making a habit of completely isolating yourself from others. I've found that doing so can compound any pre-existing feelings of rejection or disappointment that you've accumulated. Odds are, if you've been seeking approval in others and rely on their opinions of you to thrive, being completely alone for extended periods of time makes you feel less than stellar. So, spending some alone time in public can allow you to get some fresh air and spark some self-confidence. You'll begin to see that you don't need others to control your mood and opinions of yourself- you already know more about yourself than they do.
I like going to the mall or grabbing some Starbucks and browsing around Barnes & Noble to spend some time with me.
Tip #3: Be silly
Oh please, don't be so hard on yourself anymore. It is absolutely exhausting to try and jump through hoops to coddle the feelings and opinions of others. Laugh at your mistakes instead of wondering how many people are judging you right now. Dance around in your room to whatever music makes you feel like a star performing at the Chastain Park Amphitheater (for my Atlanta, GA readers 😉), get with a group of people who love you the most and just have a grand time with a karaoke machine. The list is endless depending on what makes your spirit lift. Don't be afraid to embrace you! You have flaws, yes, we all do. Nevertheless, don't be hesitant to love yourself enough to work through them. Don't forget that it's not all about what you do wrong. Commend yourself for your strengths.
And in everything, give thanks to God! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
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