One of the greatest things that we can do for ourselves is to get rid of our victim mentality. Being a victim of our circumstances doesn’t help us in any way. Most of the time is just gives us an excuse. I know this because I felt like a victim of Amniotic Band Syndrome for years.

For so long, I didn’t think that it was possible for me to accept my scars. I thought that my circumstances needed to change in order for me to find the peace and happiness that my heart desired. Turns out, the only thing that I needed to change was my thinking. When I changed my thoughts about my scars, my feelings changed. Now, instead of labeling myself as a victim, I see myself as an overcomer.

If we see ourselves as broken, then we will act like we are broken. Sometimes all that we need to do is to declare our ability to overcome in our minds and then act as if we have already overcome our challenge. If we have a certain condition and then become obsessed with making everyone understand our hardships and embrace the diagnosis or label, instead of fighting against it, then we will not get better.

Doctor after doctor told me that I would not get better. In my mind, however, I envisioned myself running—when I could barely walk. I envisioned myself wearing heels and walking with ease. Every day I envisioned myself well.

Whatever we focus on will expand in our lives. Therefore, we need to be really careful about what we think. Every day I put good, positive thoughts in my mind. I do this by reading my Bible as soon as I wake up, listening to audiobooks or podcast while I get ready for the day, and on my drive to and from work. What we do every day will either help us or harm us.

We are all capable of more than we realize. The enemy tries to make us feel broken, worthless, and hopeless. But we are none of those things. We are the children of God. He loves us more than we can even understand. Therefore, we have favor with Him. If we ask Him, He will help us to overcome whatever is hurting us, and give us a new perspective on it all.

When I’m going through challenging times in my life, I like to see myself as a warrior for God in a battle for Him. While the enemy attacks me relentlessly, I fight back. I don’t just lie down and accept defeat, but every day I pull myself out of bed and try to live my best life. Instead of focusing on all my problems, I focus on my blessings. When I truly cultivate the gratitude in my heart, then it changes how I feel. It’s hard to be worried or fearful when I’m in a state of gratitude. That’s how I can be grateful for the fingers that I do have, instead of being upset over what I don’t have.

Candida Sullivan is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker. She has shared her message of hope and overcoming all over the world. If you’d like to know more about her and her message, please send her an email at candidasullivan@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.candidasullivan.com.