Feelings of guilt and shame accompanied this.
(Both straight from the pit.) As the Lord began to heal me, He helped me realize that I needed to shift my focus. I began a nightly routine of journaling three things:
I’m not sure how I came up with these. Yet the intention was clear: shift focus to the good. 
Ten things I’m grateful for was intended to help me see my abundant blessings. Answering “What did I do well today?” was intended to help me focus on the good I accomplished that day. On a day when I could have focused on not getting all our school work done, I instead focused on how I prioritized my children’s relationship with each other. And how I taught them conflict resolution and grace in the process. Finally, answering “What did I learn today?” was intended to help me take something that I considered negative, and turn it into an opportunity. While I previously may have thought something like: ‘There were so many interruptions today that I couldn’t get to everything.’
I decided to drop this last question altogether and focus on gratitude and “What did I do well today?” After practicing these, I learned a few things: Gratitude breathes life and joy into you. It’s a gift from the Lord, accompanied by contentment. When practiced, it’s a win all around. When I answered, “What did I do well today?”, my focus indeed shifted to what was well and good. And not only in myself, but also in my children as well! What a blessing for them when their momma focused on what they did well, as opposed to what needed improvement. Lastly, I learned that I need to grow more in focusing on the good. 
I need to train my thoughts, and practice blessing others (calling out the good I see in them). Scripture speaks to this training… “…train yourself to be godly.” (1 Tim 4:7b) “Finally, brothers, 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.” (Phil 4:8, emphasis mine) “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5b) “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2a) Somewhere along the way I fell out of this nightly routine. At this writing, I commit to renewing it again. (I’ll check in with you next month and let you know how it’s going!) 
Mood is better.
Attitude is better. Grace is better. Receiving and giving love is better. And your thoughts are aligned with what the Lord wants you to think about. (see Phil 4:8 above) So, what have you done well today? Shift your focus, and change your world, by answering this powerful question. Then enjoy all the blessings that result from it. 
What have you done well today? Please share your thoughts below. Let’s encourage each other.
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All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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