LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE
Do you take
delight in watching films, listening to pop music, or reading books? For
English learners, movies, songs, and books are one of the most wonderful
sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your favorite pastime and
still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and oftentimes good lessons
while you’re at it.
#61. Your
Best Life Now (authored by Joel Osteen)
Joel Osteen encourages readers to welcome the life God
has planned for them through 100 days of uplifting reflections, encouraging
messages, and Bible verses designed to deepen faith in God, strengthen trust in
others, and build personal confidence. He combines Christian teachings with
motivational self-development ideas. In this book, the author emphasizes that
people can rise above obstacles and live a meaningful, prosperous life by
changing the way they think and view themselves.
“If you
develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, and
happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you.”
ð Joel
Osteen teaches that by focusing on hopeful outcomes and speaking positively
about one’s future, individuals can strengthen their faith, develop confidence,
and become more open to the opportunities and blessings God may provide. That
is, changing one’s mindset can help people move beyond fear, doubt, and
self-imposed limitations.
We can picture a better future for ourselves before we can fully pursue it in reality. He believes that maintaining a hopeful and faith-filled outlook allows people to recognize possibilities and trust that God’s favor is working in their lives.
““Keep in mind, hurting people often hurt
other people as a result of their own pain. If somebody is rude and
inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved issues
inside. They have some major problems, anger, resentment, or some heartache
they are trying to cope with or overcome. The last thing they need is for you
to make matters worse by responding angrily.”
ð Joel
Osteen interprets someone’s hurtful or disrespectful behavior as the person’s own
emotional struggles. In other words, when
someone acts unkindly, their behavior may reflect unresolved pain, frustration,
or personal difficulties rather than your value or character. Therefore, instead
of reacting with anger or taking the offense to heart, the author encourages
responding with patience, understanding, and emotional self-control in order to
avoid making the situation worse. It is because reacting aggressively can
intensify negativity, while remaining calm helps preserve your peace of mind
and encourages a healthier outcome.
“You may
think there is a lot wrong with you, but there is also a lot right with you.”
ð People
often dwell on their mistakes, weaknesses, or insecurities. The author
encourages them to recognize that these shortcomings do not fully define who
they are or limit their future potential.
From a faith-based perspective, his words remind individuals that they are intentionally created by God and possess lasting value that is not diminished by flaws or failures. Thus, rather than allowing negative thoughts to dominate, Osteen encourages people to acknowledge their strengths, talents, and good qualities. Focusing on these positive aspects can help build confidence, gratitude, and a more hopeful outlook on life
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
As someone
who constantly worries, I often catch myself stressing over every possible
problem, even situations that are unlikely to happen. I remember acting like a
hypochondriac during a visit to my family doctor when he calmly asked me, “Hmm…
would worrying about it actually ease your concerns?” That simple question
became an important realization for me. It made me recognize how much energy I
was spending on things beyond my control. I began asking myself what purpose it
served to mentally torture myself over uncertain future events. Whenever
something went wrong, I would blame myself for not predicting or preparing for
the outcome in advance.
Reading this
book taught me the importance of being kinder to myself. Rather than absorbing
negativity from uncontrollable circumstances or difficult people, I now try to
focus on the choices and attitudes within my control. To move forward
peacefully, I have learned to let go of guilt, past mistakes, and harmful
self-criticism, while reminding myself that I am valued and loved by God.
I am also
reminded of Stuart Smalley’s humorous yet surprisingly insightful Daily
Affirmation sketches from Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s. His famous
line, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”
still carries an uplifting message. On difficult or discouraging days,
repeating positive affirmations like this can serve as a simple reminder to
approach yourself with encouragement, patience, and hope.
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