Time to overcome toxic feelings

There are times I feel like a failure. A cake I baked for the gathering with friends turns out dry and not very appealing to the group.  I planted lavender in my garden, watered it daily, eagerly awaiting the aromatic flowers; however, it wilted and almost died.  And then there is my weight loss journey.  I was exercising regularly and eating right, then because of COVID-19, my gym closed, and the summer months make exercising outside challenging.  I know that these are minor issues but when I focus on all my “failures,” I am anxious and depressed. 

Over the years, with God’s help, I learned to change my way of thinking.  I realized that I am not a failure when the result of my efforts is not what I planned. The unsuccessful attempt is merely an opportunity to learn.   It tells me to make a change in direction or approach or gain more information before proceeding. But don’t stop.

So, I made a few changes.  In terms of baking, I have looked at different tips on ways to bake a moist cake, still with mixed success.  For my plants, I moved the lavender from the garden to pots in a different location, now the plants are growing beautifully.  In my weight loss journey, I found online exercise classes. Now I need to adjust my schedule again to incorporate them into my weekly routine.

Believing that I am a failure is a toxic emotion that I talk to the Lord in prayer about overcoming. And, with God’s help, thankfully I succeed.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).