CALMING THE FLYING MIND

"Hey! How are you"? Andy said. Jonathan was just looking into the air as if pretending not to hear Andy. Andy hasn't noticed this act of Joe as he always refers to him. Little had he known that Jonathan was stressed. These two fellows are students in high school. Jonathan had only his mother alive to cater to him. In fact, life has not been easy for him. Feeding, to purchasing school materials was a great challenge.

Despite his predicament, he never gave up on his dream of inventing a system that generates fuel for cooking. He had a strong passion to support his community even though he is poor. One thing he says keeps him moving- 'For nothing will be impossible with God '. Luke 1:37

How do you cope with stress? What is your mood like when situations become overwhelming, beyond what you can bear? Do you know about the causes of the many mental health challenges in the world?  Published on 17th November 2021, the WHO wrote, 1 in 7(14%) 10-19 year-olds experience mental health conditions. 

The mind is set for flight. Bring it down to rest.

Some causes outlined:

Poverty

Ineffective parenting

Stress or depression

Adolescents and the working age group must do all they can in their might to provide solutions to the problems confronting society. This is the essence of being educated. I have gotten five potent tips here to curb stress and help maintain focus.

• Believe in your God-given abilities. King David when he was seventeen years old as a shepherd boy dared to fight a war. 1 Samuel 17: 47b 'For the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hand'. Everyone is born with a special ability. Our God is great so Has He deposited in us the seed of greatness. For with this seed we can make exploits to the glory of His name. Identifying, believing, and working towards the abilities God has given you makes you engaged in making them manifest. Then stress will be utterly gone cause you have a purpose you are working towards.
• Positive mindedness. Proverbs 18: 21 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruits '. The tongue can speak vulgar words when hard times show up. You've got the power to overcome or succumb to the pressure of difficulties. Remember that successful people never leave their dreams to breathe until the dreams see a manifestation. Pray and be led by the Holy Spirit to always encourage yourself and push harder. Never be despaired by the present look of your life for the end is the justifier of the means. Challenges at times build our strength and experience. Experiential knowledge keeps you going even when you are succeeding because you've got the competence to overcome problems that arise as you also arise.
• Build strength in God. Proverbs 20:13 'Love not to sleep lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will have plenty of bread'. Isaiah 40:31 This verse says that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength that they will run and not be weary, walk and not faint. Samson could kill a lion with bare hands because his strength was from God. Fervently seek God for power to endure for no one can ever do it on his or her own.
• Avoid unnecessary competition.  Living a life of low self-esteem is when you think someone has better qualities than you do. Be yourself and try to build yourself better and not try to be like anyone else. We are unique by God's own make-up. 
• Rightful associations. 1 Corinthians 15:33 'Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals '. Competent and appropriate friends you find yourself with will affect you the same way bad companies do. Having friends that help you build hope and not despair, support your aspirations, and be a reliable source of encouragement and spiritual build-up are the ones you should welcome into your life. Mingle with those that share the same visions as you so you do not be drawn back and lose focus.

As always said; 'A time wasted can never be gained'. Science and technology have grown to an astonishing level to improve human life. The world needs your thoughts, ideas, and inventions that will solve societal problems. Don't let your actions nip the visions in the bud. Rather, seek the face of God so that His light shines on these visions for them to blossom, glitter, nourish and manifest.