What patterns have you developed in your past that are getting you stuck presently in your relationships? Listen to two examples of how Alita’s and Bea’s pasts negatively impact their friendship today and what changes they can enlist in order to move forward differently in their futures. Consider for yourself whether or not/where you see yourself in either of these examples.
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“When our thinking forms a pattern to go only in one direction, it becomes difficult to change it completely, but we can always train it not to go there anymore. We must break the pattern before the pattern breaks us.” ~S.H. Khan
Show Notes:
1. In order to have an authentic connection with others, first you need to have an authentic connection with yourself. If you don’t know yourself, you will not know how you want to connect with others.
Prov 4:23; Rom 12:3-8; Job 13:23; Lam 3:40; I John 3:20-21
2. When considering yourself and patterns in your life, use these steps:
- From the place of the balcony, look at the present patterns in your life
- Notice if there are any past stories that parallel your presently identified patterns
- Make future choices that permit you to walk along a different path
3. Be kind to your stories, especially those that happened to you when you were younger.
4. There is a tendency to stay invisible to yourself and not choose to see yourself honestly. It is time to remove your mask and take a good, long look at yourself through God’s lens. You were created lovely and just as He designed you~ for such a time as this.
Rom 8:28; Esther 4:14; Prov 20:5; Jer 29:11; Eph 2:10; Prov 19:21
5. 3 Significant Approaches to Removing Your Mask
- See yourself as God sees you Is 61:10
- Cease trying to please others by comparing yourself to others 2 Cor 10:12; Rom 12:2; Ps 73:2-6; Col 3:2; Rom 8:6
- Adjust your own O2 mask before helping others with theirs I Pet 3:9
In Conclusion~
As you practice loving yourself and being kind to yourself, you will begin to see yourself as God sees you, clothed with Christ. You are accountable to yourself and to God. Practice being healthy and whole instead of counting on the opinions of others. If you are first healthy and strong, you will be in a better situation to help those around you.