Have you had a great conversation lately? Who was it with? Did you do more talking or listening? When do you feel more uplifted? Is it when you are talking or when you are listening? Who are you listening to?

I work at home with my writing. I have no media on at all. My house is entirely silent, except for the birds you can hear outside. My husband says it would drive him crazy he has to have the outside world’s noise on when he is home.

It is the chatter from others that can quickly change our moods and outlooks. However, it is our voice we have to control inside ourselves at times. The negative self-talk we listen to impacts the decisions we make and the outlook we have.

When you woke up this morning, did you have thoughts running through your head? Maybe the thoughts were reminding you of something you said or did yesterday that was not good. Did you continue to listen? Was it making you feel bad about starting your day? Maybe you should talkback!

Instead of listening to the negative thoughts, you receive talkback. You do not need to receive negativity; speak to yourself in positive, solution-focused ways. Mistakes happen in our lives. We are not perfect or without sin. Once we recognize the wrongdoing, we learn the lesson and correct the wrong. This is the solution-focused way. Those who continue to dwell on a problem are not living and leading the best life. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart sad? I will put my hope in God!”-Psalm 42:11

My heart breaks for many in the world today. I pray each day during my daily devotions. It is essential not to be discouraged but to place our trust, hope, and love on the one so many seem to have forgotten. Are you listening to yourself today or talking to yourself?

Remind yourself often of the true things. Take a little time each day to list all of the things we can have gratitude for having. A critical reminder is to review this list and do all you can to protect these rights, gifts, and treasures.

Many blessings.