OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

     Having faced discouragement and suicidal tendencies myself this article is not some pie-in-the-sky theory, but it is information that has helped others overcome discouragement.  Depression and oppression are all to real for those facing such problems, and though knowledge and recognition of what needs to change is the initial step, it will in itself never be enough.  Real wisdom through application needs to occur not just mental assent.  Hopefully, what follows will provide the keys to such application and any lingering lethargy can be faced and a step by step endeavor to overcome the problem can take place.  A word of caution: If the problem being faced is extremely serious, it would probably be best to see a doctor.

What are you telling yourself?

All of us speak words to ourselves that either encourage us with impetus to move upward and onward, or to denigrate ourselves and tear us down.  When you look in the mirror every morning, what do you say to yourself?  Is it in essence “I am blessed” or is it “I am cursed”?  Interestingly enough, your self-talk is partly a product of your environment and partly your own assessment of yourself.  Sometimes it is positive and other times it is negative.  Recognizing and identifying what many have called the self-talk in your life is an initial first step to turning around discouragement.  Tell yourself there is hope no matter what negative circumstances you face and begin the process to a turnaround.  Pinpointing destructive self-criticism and cutting it off is a crucial first step in this process.  Becoming upbeat and positive begins to transform the darkened thinking patterns you have wallowed in and creates new channels of thought.  Stagnancy transforms into productive growth.

Rely on God.

Almost no one can make the necessary changes relying on your own strength.  Most Alcohol Anonymous members acknowledge that you must call on a Higher Power.  This power, though, needs to be specified to work deeply in your life.  You connect to this Higher Power, or God, through faith in Jesus’ death for your sins and faith in his resurrection power.  It is only in welcoming the Holy Spirit or what the New Testament Greek identifies as dunamis power that you can begin to strengthen your inner being to help fight off those negative attitudes. 

Craig Dressler, the author, has written a book entitled Never Fail: Strategies For Success In Tough Situations which greatly expands on this topic.  It will shortly be available from American Book Company as well as from Publisher Direct.