Discouragement vs Disappointment…..there is a BIG Difference!
What’s Up Beautiful People! Thanks for visiting DrxJoy Your Prescription For Total Wellness Blog!
We have an interesting post on overcoming discouragement. Practical advice you can use TODAY…before you read this make sure you take three deep breaths: Clear your mind….
INHALE……….EXHALE
INHALE……….EXHALE
INHALE……….EXHALE (How do your feel?) I feel great!
Have you ever been discouraged? Have you been disappointed? For many of us, if not all of us, will answer YES to at least one of the questions, as this is part of LIFE!
Disappointment and Discouragement are often used as synonyms, however very different.
Disappointment is unavoidable! You may feel disappointed with people, events, and various circumstances. We are disappointed when our expectations are NOT met.
Advice: Don’t Have Expectations. I know this is tough, but it is worth a TRY.
Now “Discouragement” is a whole different story….Ready, this is a lengthy post but worth the read…..
Are you discouraged?
Is your family hurting?
Have you recently lost your job?
Do you find the latest news and current events depressing?
Discouragement is a common response to the challenges of LIFE!
Discouragement is universal as everyone has been dismayed at some time.
Discouragement can be recurring, as you may overcome it only to face it again.
Discouragement includes a feeling of despair and despondency.
Discouragement is unpredictable, as you never know when it will strike.
Why are people discouraged? Well, here are eight (8) common causes of discouragement:
1) Inability to “PLEASE” Significant People. Let’s face it, no matter what you do, you may never ever meet the expectations of others. Do not let someone else be your PRIORITY, when they have you as their OPTION!
2) Physical or Verbal Abuse. I will not touch this….
3) Unanswered Prayer. When YOUR Higher Power is silent, ask Him to reveal anything that is hindering your prayers. Remember, his timing is often different than YOURS.
4) Lack of Proper Recognition. Mitigating this can be a challenge, as we often feel that if we give our BEST, a word of praise, pat on the back, a simple Thank You, or even a promotion is EXPECTED.
5) Financial Pressure. Common cause of depression, especially in difficult times.
6) Health Problems. Discouragement often accompanies life-threatening, debilitating, or incurable illness.
7) Adversity. This is just a part of LIFE as we all experience peaks and valleys.
8) Feelings of Worthlessness. You struggle with this feeling if you feel unloved, unappreciated, or unimportant.
Sound familiar???
Now ….for some consequences:
1) Divided Attention. If you feel discouraged, you may not be able to work whole-heartedly. For example, if there are problems in the marriage, you may not do your best in the office.
2) Blaming others. When you feel down, be careful not to dwell on the wrongs of others.
3) Anger and Depression. Anger is one of the worst emotions a person can feel. Many people turn to medication to feel better emotionally. Just a side note, that I must share: medications have a dual-effect as the consumption of meds may equalize in one area, but can be detrimental in other areas of the body, as a result – Distort YOUR Overall Total Health. Want a more healthy approach???? Address the root cause to overcome the negative feelings! You can do it!
4) Estrangement. YOU push people away because you are constantly grumbling…Lord Jesus, everyone is going through something and here is the deal…noone wants to be around a chronic complainer. Get It Together!
5) Loss of Confidence. You are unsure of YOURSELF, as a result it is for certain EVERY aspect of YOUR life will suffer.
6) Negative Spirit. Complaining leads to discouragement. Do your best not to rehash painful events, as you will only make them seem worse.
7) Unwise Decisions. Discouragement can cloud your judgment. Work through YOUR feelings first, you will be able to make a better decision.
8) Spiritual Drift. Depression opens the door to doubt.
That is a lot too take in…here are three (3) strategies that will assist in moving you away from the feeling of Discouragement….
1) CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE.
a. Look within – Answer this question: Why AM I discouraged?
b. Look up – YOUR Higher Power is all-powerful and can rescue YOU from discouragement!
c. Look back – Do Not dwell on hurtful things from the past. Instead, think about how YOUR Higher Power has been faithful to deliver YOU.
d. Look ahead – Focus on what YOUR Higher Power is doing now in YOUR life. Be encouraged by what is being planned for YOU in the future.
2) HAVE THE RIGHT RESPONSE. Responding correctly to discouragement involves several things…READY…
a. REST – physical and emotional exhaustion often lead to discouragement (Check out the blog on REST)
b. Reorganize Your Life – evaluate how you are using YOUR time and energy. Make sure YOU are doing the right things in the right way.
c. Resist Discouragement – Have a conversation with YOUR Higher Power. Ask HOW you should respond to difficulty. You will be amazed at the difference a POSITIVE attitude makes!! Positive In, Positive Out!
3) BUILD YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE. Repeat this affirmation daily: “I am who I am and It is GREAT to Be Me”. Simply put, but very powerful!
Discouragement is TEMPORARY! You have a “choice” to be discouraged. YOU can “choose” to remain dejected or determine to work through your feelings to overcome them. Remember: You are in CONTROL!
Be Blessed, Stay Healthy!
See ya!
Dr. Joy
