Downsizing

“It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease.” (John 3:30 TPT)

My kitchen counters are full of small appliances: toaster oven, electric kettle, coffee maker, airfryer, blender, rice cooker, etc. Even though I don’t use some of these gadgets on a daily basis, I keep them on the counter. It is too cumbersome to move them into cabinets. Plus, the kitchen cupboards are full as well. I recently bought a stand mixer. I had to clear some space in the kitchen before I could use it. I had to make some tough decisions about what to eliminate. 

Addition is easier than subtraction. Upgrading feels like an improvement, while downsizing seems like a sacrifice. Thus, we prefer to increase rather than decrease. We desire to have more--more money, power, pleasure, convenience, freedom, and stuff. We seek to be more important, privileged, admired, and significant. Voluntary downsizing seems austere and unproductive. 

It is hard to make space for Christ when we are full of ourselves.  Preoccupation with worldly concerns can take up all our time and energy. A certain amount of voluntary downsizing, decluttering, and subtraction is necessary. What attitudes, behaviors, ambitions, and long-held beliefs do we need to eliminate from our lives? These are tough decisions. Yet, we must decrease in order that Christ may increase. 

Self-Limiting Adaptations

“I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG)

There are a lot of  wild rabbits in our area. Mostly they don’t bother us--except in the spring when they eat the tender, new plants in our garden. A sensible gardener knows to put up chicken wire around their plants for about a month. Once the stems and leaves become tough, the rabbits leave them alone. The fencing is useful in the early stages but gets in the way of tending the garden in the later months.

I have certain attitudes and habits that have served me well in the past. In times of vulnerability, they provided protection. Like a trellis, they supported my growth in the early stages. Even though these familiar fences are no longer necessary, I am hesitant to take them down.  They have morphed into self-limitations that hamper me from living openly and expansively. 

I will give one concrete example. I was raised in a frugal household. Wastefulness was seen as stupid and sinful. These lessons of thriftiness and careful budgeting were very useful in the early stages of my life. Although my financial resources have improved, I still retain these cautious spending habits. What was once an adaptive behavior has now turned into a self-limitation. I am working on changing these maladaptive coping mechanisms. 

What attitudes and behaviors do you still retain that are no longer useful? Perhaps, like me, you hang on to these patterns because they are familiar. Does it get in the way of growth? If so, it might be time to take these self-limiting barriers down. 

Pulling Weeds

“I went by the vineyard of a man who had no sense. Thorns had grown up everywhere. The ground was covered with weeds. And the stone walls had fallen down.” (Proverbs 24:30-31 ICB) 

Have you noticed how useless weeds pop up in a garden automatically, while desirable plants require intentional cultivation? Every spring, I painstakingly pull out every weed before I plant rows of tomatoes, peppers, and squash. In a week, the weeds grow back. Unless I put down some sort of barrier between the rows of vegetables, I have to keep weeding regularly. 

Have you noticed how harmful habits pop up automatically, while beneficial behaviors require intentional practice? Like weeds in the garden, damaging  thoughts spread their invisible roots. They propagate into thorny attitudes and self-sabotaging patterns of conduct. A fruitful life is a product of attentive care. Thoughts, words, motivations, and actions must be consistently evaluated. Noxious impulses have to be uprooted. Boundaries that have fallen down need to be reinforced. 

The Giving Garden

“Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others.” (Matthew 6:1 NLT)

I was scrolling through Twitter the other day, when I read an inspirational thread written by a photographer. He had woken up before sunrise to take pictures of a community garden in the predawn light . He thought he would have the place all to himself at that hour, but there was already someone there before him. He saw a hunched figure, kneeling in the dirt, tending to the ‘Giving Garden’--a plot where volunteers grew vegetables and gave them away to those in need. The photographer approached the gardener and asked if he could take a photo. She asked if he wouldn’t mind taking the photo in silhouette so she could remain anonymous. He snapped a quick picture of her just as the sun was rising. He later posted this story and the backlit picture of the gardener on Twitter.  

This anonymous gardener made an impression on me as well as on thousands of others who read about her. In a time when self-aggrandizement and grand gestures are the norm, it is rare to hear stories of true selflessness motivated by true kindness. Here was a woman who woke up before dawn when no one could see her good deed. Here was a woman who didn’t call attention to her acts of charity. Here was a woman who knelt in the dirt and worshipped God by serving others. 

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The Privilege of Praise

“This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 149:9 NLT) 

I heard the drumming sounds of the woodpecker before I saw it. I looked around until I spotted it on a light pole. The red-headed bird was tapping away, oblivious of my admiration. I couldn’t help but give praise to the Lord. 

I was watering the garden when I noticed the tiny tendrils shooting up from a plant that I thought was dead. The hard, dark stems from last year’s growth had been sticking out of the soil--but showed no signs of life until that day.  I couldn’t help but give praise to the Lord. 

I was cleaning up the kitchen after having some friends over for lunch. It was the first time that I had cooked for them since the pandemic had started a year ago. As I washed the dishes, I thought about this precious time of togetherness. I couldn’t help but praise the Lord. 

I had been praying about something for a while and had surrendered my concerns about this issue to God. Things didn't work out the way I was hoping.  After I took time to grieve, I recognized that I had learned and grown through the adversity. I couldn’t help but praise the Lord. 

The gift of faith comes with the privilege of praise. When we get to observe things through a supernatural lens and understand truths from a higher perspective, all of creation becomes magnified. During these moments of awareness, we can’t help but praise the Lord.

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Beacons of Light

“See truly; look carefully—darkness blankets the earth; people all over are cloaked in darkness. But God will rise and shine on you; the Eternal’s bright glory will shine on you, a light for all to see.” (Isaiah 60:2 VOICE)

After my initial foray through the darkness with the running group, I bought my first headlamp. I tried it out at home. It had elastic straps that fit snugly on my head. The light could be tilted in different directions. I could choose between a steady light or a flashing strobe effect. I was excited about my new gadget. At the next night run, I showed up with my new headlamp. It only took a few miles before I realized that there was more to lighting the way than having a lamp. First of all, I was not used to having something strapped on my head. The heaviness bothered me. I discovered that the flashing strobe feature was annoying to everyone; a steady light was much more useful. The light needed to be directed down at the path, not straight at other runners. Wearing a headlamp was a weighty responsibility. Those following the light depended on you to keep your head steady while moving consistently forward. 

“I chose to pour My Light into you so that you can be a beacon to others. There is no room for pride in this position. Your part is to reflect MY Glory. I am the Lord.” (from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.)

People all over are cloaked in darkness. At certain seasons of life, some of us are given headlamps to be beacons to others. There is no reason to be prideful about this position. Flashy lights just annoy everyone. If God has chosen to pour His light into you, keep your head steady. This is a weighty responsibility. Point the light on the path for all to truly see. Look carefully before every step you take. Move forward consistently.

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Moving Forward in the Dark

“Lord, you give light to my lamp. The Lord brightens the darkness around me. With your help, I can attack an army. With God’s help, I can jump over a wall.” ( 2 Samuel 22:29-30 ICB)

I still remember when I first ran in the dark. I had just discovered a Facebook group for local runners. They told me they met at 5 a.m. to run. When I got to the trail head, it was still dark. There were no street lights in this location. I could make out a few shadows--stretching and milling about. I sat in my car for a few moments, overwhelmed by anxiety. I was going to meet complete strangers, in the dark, and run with them into the wilderness. I prayed for courage and stepped out of the car. I introduced myself. A few of the runners told me their names, too. Then it was time to start running. Those who had headlamps turned them on, and the rest of us followed behind. There was very little talking; perhaps it was too early for chit-chat. I felt nervous, but I had no other choice but to move forward.  I focused on the tiny light circles on the path  and listened to the rhythmic footsteps of the shadowed strangers in front of me. I had no idea where I was going or whom I was going with. 

I learned several useful lessons while running through the darkness. First of all, even a tiny ray of light is enormously helpful. Focus on that light, not on the uncertainty. Look for others who are also moving forward, despite the darkness. Fear can be suffocating. Despair can feel overwhelming. But don’t give in; run through the darkness. 

Even if you have never run in the middle of the night through the woods, I am sure your soul has experienced dark times. Perhaps you have felt the murkiness of depression or the panic of anxiety. Do not get stuck in melancholy. Look for the tiniest speck of light. God will provide you with enough illumination for the next step. He will work through strangers and friends to show you the way. With God’s help you will run through danger and jump over obstacles. Your fear will turn into courage. Your weakness will be transformed into strength.

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Learning for Joy

“Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.” (Proverbs 18:15 MSG)

What is the point of learning? 

When I was in school, I studied for grades to get into the college of my choice. When I was in college, I learned whatever I needed for my future profession. Once I had a profession, I took continuing education seminars to keep my licenses and get promotions. I thought the main purpose of learning was for earning. Education equaled career advancement and higher pay.  Degrees, certificates, credentials, and titles provided a form of social currency that could be exchanged for status, respect, and approval. 

It took me decades to unlearn these convoluted myths and extricate myself from old patterns of behavior. 

These days, I learn to satisfy my curiosity for the excitement of discovery. I go on daily treasure hunts, mining for deeper understanding. The process, not the end result, is what I enjoy. Most of what I find is only valuable to me. I cannot sell it, only share it. Even the act of explaining what I learned can be problematic. Any form of kudos or appreciation can pull me back into the old cravings for admiration. Thus, I have to be vigilant, constantly scanning my motivations for sharing. I have to ask myself: Will expressing my joy over a new find encourage or discourage others?  Does dispensing this information benefit someone other than myself? 

The joy of learning is like living near fertile soil fed by a perpetual spring. It is an unlimited resource for growth. Profiteering pollutes this reservoir, diminishing its vast potential. Do not be like the status seekers who exploit knowledge for material gain. Be wise. Learn continually. Listen for fresh insights.  

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False Hope

“Human strength and the weapons of man are false hopes for victory; they may seem mighty, but they will always disappoint. The eyes of the Lord are upon even the weakest worshipers who love him—those who wait in hope and expectation for the strong, steady love of God.” (Psalm 33:17-18 TPT)

A pilaster is a decorative pillar used in classical architecture. It looks like a supporting column, but it lacks the strength to hold up any structural elements like a ceiling or a roof.  These ornamental pillars were popular in the Greco-Roman period. These days, you can still see them in casinos and gaudy McMansions. Most people cannot tell the difference between a false pillar and a real one. 

Have you ever leaned on something that could not support you? 

I have. 

I have made the mistake of depending on my strengths and talents to hold me up.  I thought self-sufficiency, success, and confidence were the keys to a good life. Like most people, I couldn’t differentiate between what was false and what was real.  Now I have learned to wait in hope and expectation for the strong, steady love of God. True pillars can bear weight. I can confidently depend on the Lord to support me. 

Soul Atrophy

“Their souls will atrophy, their achievements crumble into dust, because  they said no to the revelation of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.”  (Isaiah 5:24 Message)

My friend, Sue, has been growing a lime tree indoors. Several of the fruits dropped to the ground before maturity. This is a common sign of root rot--a condition that could be caused by unhealthy soil, a fungus, or poor drainage. After multiple transplantations into new pots with fresh soil, the plant is now holding on to its fruit. 

Along with this interesting horticultural lesson, Sue shared some other insights with me: Plants are kind of like humans. If our roots are planted in unhealthy soil, we’re going to drop the spiritual fruit we’ve begun to grow. Things that replace our true, God-given identity--wealth, status, careers, labels we put on ourselves--all can lead to root rot. 

God unveils mysteries constantly. Pay attention. Take time to contemplate and appreciate these lessons. Ignoring the revelations of the Lord leads to soul atrophy. Is your spirit thriving or degenerating? Check to see if you have replaced your true identity with something temporal. If your soul is wasting away, it is time to make some changes.   

Interior Light

“I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light...” (Ephesians 1:18 TPT)

The walk-in closet in my bedroom has ceiling lights that are difficult to reach. The light fixture has two bulbs. One of these burned out a few months ago, but I didn’t bother to replace it. Instead, I continued to pick out mismatched clothes in the dim light of the remaining bulb. Eventually, that one burned out too. I tried to manage with the external light from the bedroom, but it wouldn’t reach the recesses of the deep closet. Finally, I broke down and asked for help. My husband brought in the tall ladder and replaced the bulbs. Now I appreciate the brightness every time I walk into the closet. I don’t know why I waited so long!

My mind is a lot like a walk-in closet. There are times when I feel burned- out, confused, empty, and unmotivated. The thoughts I pick out in the gloom don’t always match reality. When my soul is shuttered in darkness, I crave the healing light of Christ. External light does not reach into the deep recesses and corners. Consistent internal light is essential. I can’t do this on my own. When I am broken down, I have learned to ask for help.  I pray for discernment, insight, vision, clarity, guidance, resilience, and endurance.  I wait for the Lord to flood my mind with His presence. I want to live in this light all the time. 

Sensing My Smallness

“Lord, what is it about us that you would even notice us? Why do you even bother with us? For man is nothing but a faint whisper, a mere breath. We spend our days like nothing more than a passing shadow.” (Psalm 144:3-4 TPT) 

A few years ago, I went to visit the Muir Woods in California. There is a grove of redwood trees in this park. I had heard and read about these trees, and I was eager to see them for myself.  Until I stood next to one, I couldn’t grasp the immensity of its size. The trunks were so wide; my outstretched arms couldn’t cover even a fraction of their girth. I strained my neck back, but I couldn’t see the tree tops. I felt so small in comparison. I learned that some of these trees have been alive for thousands of years--before the first European settlers even knew about the existence of the North American continent. I was in awe. 

As I read the above verses of Psalm 144, I was reminded of how I felt near the redwoods. It was my littleness next to these ancient, giant trees that allowed me to recognize their greatness. I often try to wrap my mind around the expansiveness of God’s creation, His power, His glory, and His majesty--but my comprehension does not stretch that far. What I can sense is my smallness.  I know I am weak and powerless. I understand that my life is fragile--a faint whisper, a mere breath, a passing shadow. In the hush of this realization comes a revelation: It is my insignificance that allows me to worship God’s magnificence.

Songs of Grief

“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” (Psalm 137:1 NIV)

Around 586 BC, the Jewish people were taken captive by the Persian Empire. Many of the exiles were deported to the valley near the Tigris and Euphrates. By these rivers of Babylon, they sat and wept as they remembered how things used to be back home. 

When I was a child, I used to sing a song with similar lyrics to Psalm 137. It was a popular song by a German band named Boney M. Back then, I was too young to appreciate or understand the lyrics. I didn’t know that the same words were sung by Jewish people in exile, Rastafarians in Jamaica, and countless others who lived under oppression and injustice. 

It took me a few decades of living to understand the depth of sorrow in these verses. Now I know the pain of disappointment. I have experienced loss. I have sat by the rivers of sadness and helplessness, weeping over shattered illusions. In times of depression, I have learned to go search the Psalms. Here I find verses of praise as well as lamentation.  Both are necessary at different times. Songs of grief allow expression of all the awful emotions churning within me. Even in powerlessness, these lyrics give voice to my suffering, catharsis in anguish, and solidarity in oppression. 

Motivated by Love

“Without the pure motive of love, I would gain nothing of value.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 TPT)

Etty Hillseum was an author who wrote about the persecution of Jewish people. She went through a religious awakening during the Holocaust. She and her family were killed while imprisoned at the Auschwitz concentration camp. In her diaries, Etty describes how beauty and horror coexist in humanity. She sensed God within and nurtured this interior life, searching for meaning and motivation from her core.

“Oh, Lord, let me feel at one with myself. Let me perform a thousand daily tasks with love, but let every one spring from a greater central core of devotion and love. Then it won’t really matter what I do and where I am.” (Etty Hillseum) 

The above quote affected me profoundly. For days, I examined the central core of my motives. Why do I think, feel, and behave the way I do? What is the driving force behind everything? I wish I could honestly say it is  love...but I suspect it is not. If I perform a thousand daily tasks, but they are not motivated by love--are any of them worthy? Does it really matter what I do and how far I’ve come in life if love is not at the central core?  

Childhood Traumas

“From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me.” (Psalm 129:2 NLT)  

According to The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, toxic stress during childhood can lead to chronic health problems in adulthood. A person’s ACE score adds up points for traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, alcoholism, divorce,  incarceration of a parent, or death of a caretaker. The study also revealed that children who had a positive buffer against adversity could grow into resilient adults. 

We all have some sort of childhood trauma that continues to persecute us. Some have more layers than others. If we were lucky, we had positive buffers that instilled resilience. Even so, a few of our health issues in adulthood could be  related to past stress.  Perhaps it would be helpful to examine these areas in God’s presence. 

The Lord is always near. His wraparound presence surrounds us. The gift of faith allows us to recognize grace, even in our most desperate moments. This positive buffer shapes our perspective and develops endurance despite our circumstances. The Spirit of God makes us receptive to healing. Unshakeable trust protects us.

“Those who trust in the Lord are as unshakable, as unmovable as mighty Mount Zion! Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord’s wraparound presence surrounds his people, protecting them now and forever.” (Psalm 125:1-2 TPT)

In Tune with God

“O Lord, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.” (Psalm 125:4 NLT)

Most musicians know when their instrument is out of tune. I live with two guitarists. They seem to have an innate sense of pitch. Every time they pick up a guitar, they pluck each string, listen carefully, and make adjustments. Tuning a guitar ‘by ear’ can be tricky. Thus, some guitars come with built-in tuners that light up when the strings are in tune.  This allows a guitar player to tell if his instincts ring true. 

I can’t tell if a guitar is perfectly in tune, but I notice when it is really off. Similarly, I can’t always discern when I am in tune with God, but I can sense when my life is discordant. I wonder if God created us with built-in tuners that light up when we are in tune with Him? When our thoughts and deeds are in harmony with God’s purpose, our souls vibrate at their intended pitch. Upright hearts amplify goodness.  

Maximizing Moments

“Make the most of every moment and every encounter.” (Colossians 4:5 VOICE)

Writing a daily blog allows me the opportunity to connect with people remotely. In addition, I correspond privately with several individuals through emails, texts, and various online platforms. I am naturally  talkative. During in-person meetings and phone conversations, I have a tendency to direct the discourse and talk over others. Written communication reins in this weakness. It allows others to think and respond at their own pace. Introverts feel less pressure. Busy people can take their time. Best of all, those who find me annoying can ignore my messages. 

As I intentionally reach out to others, I am learning important lessons. Meaningful connection requires thought, honesty, vulnerability, and consistency. It stems from a desire to uplift and encourage others. Self-promotion, inauthenticity, and one-upmanship poison relationships. Natural human instincts compel us to be competitive. Divine nature nudges us toward compassion. Character drives behavior. By allowing God to direct every thought, word, and action, we can make the most of every moment and every encounter.

Clearing Space

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:23 NIV)

I started training for my next marathon. For the next few months, I will have to invest more time and energy into this endeavor. Since I have a limited amount of these resources, I will have to pull out of some prior commitments to make time for this new routine. This is hard. As I look at my schedule, there is nothing I want to dismiss. Everything feels important. Yet, I know I must pare down and clear space. 

Crowds of people gathered around Jesus to hear him speak. He regularly dismissed them to go pray by himself.  I want to be more like Jesus. I want to make time and reserve energy for God. This is hard. Productivity and usefulness are important to me. I am reluctant to give up anything that makes me feel good or gives me immediate satisfaction. Yet, I know it must be done. I have to reevaluate my priorities and clear space. 

What can I dismiss from my current routine to be alone with God? 

Time and Attention

“And off the servants went, and they carried the king’s message to the errant guests—who still paid not a whit of attention. One guest headed into his field to work; another sat at his desk to attend to his accounts.” (Matthew 22:5 VOICE)

Time is my love language. I give time and undivided attention to those I love. When others make time for me, I feel cherished. The opposite is also true. I am hesitant to carve out time or pay attention if I don’t care about a person. When someone does not take the time to communicate with me consistently and honestly, the relationship seems mediocre. I connect with others during private conversations.  Diversionary activities, by their nature, diminish our ability to focus on one another. Thus, I prefer a sincere, written message over smalltalk at a large gathering.  

Knowing my love language--how I express and receive love through time and attentiveness--is enlightening on many fronts. Lately, I have noticed that I spend less time in private conversation with God. Instead, I go through the motions: I read Scripture daily, go through several devotionals, write about spiritual things, listen to worship music, and watch online church services. These diversionary activities make me feel adequately pious without demanding boredom or unproductivity. I am like the errant guests that Jesus described in His parable. The King of Kings invites me to connect with Him, but I’m preoccupied by all the things I want to do and the places I want to go. 

Lord, forgive me. Change my errant ways. Help me prioritize alone time with You over all other diversions. Teach me to be attentive in Your presence. 

The Grateful Lifestyle

“I will thank you by living as I should!” (Psalm 119:7 NLT)

I have been a vegetarian for over a year now. I stopped eating animals for ethical and health reasons. However, my vegetarianism is limited. I still eat animal products like milk and eggs. I don’t pay too much attention to the ingredients in packaged foods to see if it has traces of lard or gelatin. I also buy and cook meat and fish for other family members. My friend Kathy is a vegan. While vegetarians eat dairy and eggs--since these do not require the killing of animals, vegans abstain from all animal products including leather and wool. Kathy is completely committed to a vegan lifestyle. As a scientist and conservationist, she devotes her work and life to taking care of  animals. I admire Kathy, but I’m not eager to change my lifestyle to that level. 

I have a similar, scattered approach to gratitude. I have developed the habit of noticing and writing down things for which I am thankful. I remember to praise God for all good things. However, my lifestyle is not saturated with an attitude of gratitude. My thoughts are pockmarked with bitterness, anger, impatience, disgust, annoyance, frustration, and resentment. My behavior is often influenced by these thoughts. I may say words of thanks and praise to God, but my character reveals incongruities. While I believe in the benefits of a grateful lifestyle, I have only partially committed to practicing it...thus far. 

Lord, I thank you for every aspect of my life, including what I perceive as good and bad. I want to have a grateful lifestyle. I sense that this is what You want for me, too. Lord, help me. May Your will be done. 

Gentle Dad

“As long as I live I’ll keep praying to him, for he stoops down to listen to my heart’s cry.” (Psalm 116:2 TPT)

When my son used to play tee-ball, I would sit in the bleachers and spectate with all the other parents. I found the interactions between parents and their children more fascinating than the game itself. At each game, some little boy would fall and scrape a knee or fall down while running. There were the ‘tough dads’ who yelled stuff like: shake it off, suck it up, get back in the game, etc. There were also the ‘gentle dads’ who would walk up to the sidelines and crouch down to the height of the little ones. They would quietly listen as their sons expressed their emotions. Their presence reassured their boys that it was okay to be hurt or frustrated. Perhaps the tough dads raised better tee-ball players, but I have a feeling that the gentle dads had better relationships with their sons. 

Fortunately, our Heavenly Father is always gentle and compassionate. He stoops down to our level and listens to our cries. He never admonishes us for being frustrated. He doesn’t dismiss our emotions. Instead, He remains close. His loving presence reassures us that we are okay, that our feelings are acceptable. Our God is a highly engaged parent. He is always present, patient, and available. No matter how old we are, we can always call on Him, talk to Him, and count on Him to listen. 

Recruiting Thoughts

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT)

My husband and I often run together. Sometimes we talk as we jog side by side. Other times we move forward in companionable silence. Occasionally I fall behind. When I notice myself slowing down, I quickly do a self-assessment.  What I have noticed is that my slumps have more to do with what is going through my mind than with my body. My pace falters when I am weighed down by negative thoughts. A sagging spirit leads to lagging legs. 

Endurance requires physical and mental strength. Recruiting thoughts that bolster you is just as important as activating proper muscles. Imagine you are a leader picking a team for an athletic feat. Your mind is filled with emotions, concerns, ideas, and messages--all vying for your attention.   Enlist thoughts that will help you accomplish your goal. For now, bench anything that drains your energy. Skip over self-critical soundtracks. Replay uplifting experiences. Manage your mind wisely.