Think healthy thoughts. Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so you can get rid of unhealthy thoughts and think correctly about God, yourself, and others. Embrace the truths about God in the Bible. Think the best about yourself as one of God’s children. Ask God to help you see other people as they truly are, without overlaying them with your expectations. View situations in the world from a stance that is both realistic and optimistic. Ask God to help you replace negative thoughts and thinking patterns with positive thoughts and thinking patterns. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself in your mind, and replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Pray for the peace that only God can give.

Forgive. Understand that being in an unforgiving state erodes your ability to use good judgment and make healthy choices. Know that God expects you to be willing to forgive because He has forgiven you. Rely on God’s help to forgive, remembering that He will always give you the power to do so. Forgive yourself for not being someone else you compare yourself unfavorably against. Ask God to give you the confidence you need to embrace your uniqueness and distinct purpose. Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Forgive yourself for what you’ve intentionally done or left undone that has resulted in harm. Forgive people who have pressured you in the past and influenced your attitudes and behaviors in unhealthy ways. Carefully evaluate the opinions and worldviews that other people express, and don’t give in to pressure to take them as your own. Know what you believe (and why) and stand by your convictions. Forgive your friends and family members for ways they’ve hurt you, and manage your emotions and expectations so you’re able to see those you love from a realistic perspective. Forgive God for ways He has acted in your life that have made you angry with Him. Understand that God is in ultimate control of your life and trust that He knows and wants what’s best for you. Pray for the faith you need to recognize God’s love, wisdom, and power – especially in situations that don’t transpire the way you want them to turn out. Enjoy the peace God gives you when you forgive.

Be grateful. Realize that gratitude will give you the freedom you need to make smart choices. Don’t let perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, or worrying steal your gratitude. Choose to be grateful in all circumstances – not just ones you enjoy – trusting that God will use everything in your life to fulfill good purposes for you. Regularly notice both large and small blessings in your life and thank God for them. Know that gratitude will give you the contentment and confidence you need to make wise decisions.

Celebrate your uniqueness. Instead of comparing yourself with other people or competing with them, embrace the distinctiveness of who you are and be content with that. Remember that God has unique purposes for you and your family to fulfill. Live in the present. Stay focused on what you really want to do, rather than what other people want you to do. Find creative ways to celebrate the unique qualities about you and your family’s unique culture, such as by going out for ice cream or taking a hike together.