Shift

Shift: 

v. shift·ed, shift·ing, shifts

v.tr.

1. To exchange (one thing) for another of the same class: shifted assignments among the students.

2. To move or transfer from one place or position to another.

3. To alter (position or place).

4. To change (gears), as in an automobile.

To exchange, to move, to transfer to alter, to change.  Sometimes we can do these actions automatically.  Other times it's SOOO hard to shift, especially when it's about our thoughts and habits--patterns that are ingrained in the way we operate during the hours of each day.

In the Soul Restoration class I'm taking, I'm realizing that I have some really bad habits, like focusing on worry and replaying events that make me feel unhappy about myself.  The more I concentrate on this, the more I become a worried, self-critical person.  

As I realize how much time I devote to my stewin' and brewin', I've know I need to SHIFT my habits of worry.  When I catch myself starting up, I have to STOP and turn my thoughts, shift my thoughts, into a different direction.  I can think of a task I want to finish, focus on being mentally present with my son, recall scripture, listen to a song I love, even change what I'm doing if possible to get into a different environment and break up that train of thought.  I love this quote from the class,

Do not give any more energy to things that you want to be free from (Brave Girls Club).

Very wise!  So, as I'm trekking through the wintry Chicago ice and snow (not so easy with a wiggly toddler, can I tell you?), I'm also remembering to be intentional about the kinds of thoughts I let my mind--and my soul--spend time on throughout the day.

^4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  ^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
 ^8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. 
Philipians 4:4-8 The Message