Some mornings I wake up and I am not exactly ready to face the world, I know it, but I don’t know why. I have taught myself to take my self-designed foul mood test when this happens…Did I get enough sleep? Was the sleep abruptly interrupted at any point? Did eat a late heavy dinner? Did I consume a food that I don’t digest well (beef)? Did I have a disturbing conversation with someone shortly before bed? Did I work until just before bed? Did I follow my healthy bedtime rituals? I have even learned to mentally scan my body looking for a nagging physical cause.

Rarely does the answer to any of the questions justify my mood. And I am left with a self-diagnosis of foul mood.

I am okay with either case because the remedy is the same. I can change my thoughts. It is profoundly easier to do when I feel justified. Changing my thoughts about what and how I feel helps me to mediate my interactions with others. Sometimes I just need the first few swallows of coffee. Sometimes I need a good stern talk with myself. The whole process is about being self-aware.

My foul mood is not the world’s problem, so I want to control and deal with it.

James 4:7

SUMMARY of practices that I want to be my hallmarks in 2020

Self-Aware, Positive Interactions, Acceptance, Spirit of Delight, Action oriented, PRESENCE, Grace-filled