3 Tactics to Help Organize Your Thinking
by Rod Hetherton
Do
you ever just feel like you have so many things on your mind that everything
is just buzzing around like a whirlwind up there? Friends, school, family,
relationships, sports, being Catholic -- there’s a lot to think about.
Or maybe you have even deeper issues that plague your mind. How do you
handle all that "thought"? How does it affect your life and
your relationships?
When you're struggling to keep everything straight, try these three tactics:
Tactic 1: Write About It
Tactic 2: Talk About It
Tactic 3: Pray About It
Writing About It
One of the best ways to calm the storm is to journal. Write your thoughts
down! Studies have shown that people who journaled over a period of six
months actually had a healthier immune system than those who did not.
When you stop to think about it, it just makes sense. When you have a
lot of troublesome problems swirling around in your head, you think about
them almost non-stop.
Have you ever become obsessed with a situation that you just couldn’t
get out of your mind? Well, that constant worry becomes stress. And that
stress leads to numerous health problems.
But when you write your thoughts down, they become more clear and concise
-- less tangled and fragmented -- and you gain ownership over them. And
once you own them and control them, they'll stop controlling you. Try
it!
Talking About It
Another way to untangle the mess in your head is to find a confidant.
Find someone who you trust and let that person know how you are feeling.
Take a look around you, I bet you are surrounded by good listeners. Choose
a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a close friend, or your local youth minister,
deacon or priest.
Sometimes all you need is to simply get it all out. Sharing your burdens
with others tends to make those burdens feel much lighter. The person
you talk to doesn't need to take care of all your problems for you --
the person just needs to listen.
Other times you may be looking for advice or guidance. When that's the
case, ask someone who has "been there" before, or someone who
may be experiencing the same dilemmas that you're facing. Find out what
that person thinks and feels about the situation. Listen and reflect on
those words.
And try to remember that you are not alone. There are teens all around
you dealing with similar issues. Quite often, though, they don't want
to talk about it either. So it's up to you to reach out.
Praying About It
Whatever you do, please do not forget to turn to your most caring friend.
Allow Jesus to grant you peace. As the author of time and the source of
love, He can help you find order in the face of chaotic thoughts.
There are many ways to enter into relationship with Jesus. Reflection,
prayer and reading Scripture are just a few ways to connect with our Lord.
The most important thing is to make the time to get to know Jesus. Use
the time to unwind, collect your thoughts, and communicate with your creator.
Schedule your personal time with Jesus every day, except when you're busy
-- then, schedule twice as much time! Especially when life gets crazy
and extra hectic, you need to have faith and offer up your worries. Let
Christ be your light and he will help you organize your thoughts.
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7) http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/philippians/philippians4.htm
Life Applications:
How do you organize your thoughts?
Of all the people in your life, whom do you find the easiest to talk to?
Do you set aside time each day to reflect and be with God?
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