“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

~ Philippians 4:8 NIV

How often do your thoughts stray from that Biblical advice? Regardless of your faith, consider the wisdom in such words. Consider how much more content your life might be if you embraced them.

Our thoughts affect so much about our lives. What we believe is important and where we place our priorities. Or moods. Our health. There is something to be said for mind over matter.

What happens when you allow your thoughts to dwell on mistakes and what might have been? What happens when you focus in the negative rather than the positive, or what you don’t have instead of what you do? Do those thoughts inspire you or contribute to feeling discontent? Do they help you move past unfortunate events or choices? Do they motivate you to pursue possibilities or to languish? Do they help you create a better future? Do they help you to do your best or be the best person you can be?

It seems negative thoughts can easily crowd out positive ones. It’s doubtful that they can share the same mind space. In a given day, how much “mind share” does each occupy in your brain?

Our thoughts affect our behavior and our success. So what you think has a significant impact on your future. It also affects how happy and content you feel today, how at peace you are with yourself. As Socrates said “Contentment is natural wealth.”

When you feel negative thoughts seep into your brain, or lodge themselves there, remind yourself of Philippians 4:8. Release those detrimental thoughts as quickly as they enter your consciousness. Keep your mind on that which is good, noble, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, constructive and positive. Your contentment and future depend on it.