Control your mind and you'll control your life

"It's drizzling outside and dreary," the man said.

True, the weather was unfriendly -- but was it actually dreary? That description is a matter of opinion.

In addition to the drizzle and somewhat cold day, a curtain of fog hovered in the atmosphere. Everywhere I went, someone commented on the so-called "dreary" day. Consequently they assumed a bleak outlook.

My thoughts, "If you think the day is unpleasant, then it will be to you."

I enjoy the fog and days that many would perceive gloomy. They're mysterious. You just put your coat on and do what you would normally attempt -- a prime excuse to curl up and relax, too.

I reflected on the power that thoughts have on our actions -- about one's expectations and the results of his endeavors.

I recently heard a woman, who had just gotten a divorce from her husband, voice her disappointment. Her marriage had failed despite the dreams she had held for its success.

"To be married and raise a family was all I ever wanted," she said. "It was to be like a fairy tale."

She went on to tell about other disappointments she had incurred during her life. However this lady was not someone who threw her hands up and quit. Instead she made a comment that I shall always remember and hope it inspires courage when I'm feeling down.

"I have new plans," she said, "because I know there are other successes out there for me." And then the showstopper: "A fairy tale never comes true until the end."

The woman said, "I have lots of time left in my life to try again."

Wow, that is an attitude from which we can all learn. Her mind's position was propelling her on toward a brighter future. She refused to allow her past choices and letdowns dictate the ultimate outcome of her life.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "In the long run we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

Numerous people fear aging, and for various reasons. We are a youth-oriented society. Most do not want to become dependent on others -- if that condition occurs -- and other thoughts and circumstances regarding aging fill our minds.

According to the book "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life" there is nothing to fear about aging. The book outlines several reasons why.

Think: "I am always as young as the innocent and playful child who lives inside me." "What counts in life is the fullness of my heart and not the number of wrinkles on my face." "My mind is always free no matter what is happening to my body."

Our minds and souls are what make us who we are. Our bodies are merely houses where we live while making the journey toward eternity.

One's mind is the chain holding him captive or letting him loose. Free your mind and your thoughts will comfort you -- and you will truly soar. Living is within the mind and heart.

A prayer from "A Course in Miracles" says it best:

"I am not a body; I am free. For I am still as God created me. I want the peace of God. The peace of God is everything that I want: The aim of all my living here, the end that I seek, my purpose, my function and my life, while I abide where I am not at home."

Psychology supports the effect your mind and thoughts have on your realities in the self-fulfilling prophecy -- if you think hard enough that something will happen, it will. Our mind is to be sound as 2 Timothy 1:7 states: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and a sound mind."

Guard your mind.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.