Have you ever faced a situation where everything seemed against you, yet somehow, you found the strength to rise above it? I’m willing to bet you have—or maybe you’re in that place right now.

About a year ago, I went through one of the most challenging seasons of my life. I had a nervous breakdown—brought on by several circumstances converging at once (more on that another time)—and I found myself completely lost on how to recover. My mind felt like it was spiraling, and I didn’t know how to stop it. But thankfully, my Christian faith became my anchor. God brought me through that dark time by teaching me one of the most powerful lessons: the importance of renewing my mind.

I’ve learned so much through this journey, and I truly believe what I’ve discovered could help anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of what helped me heal, but today, I want to start with something that took me completely by surprise—something I never even realized was in the Bible until I walked through this myself.

In Acts 26:2, the Apostle Paul stood on trial before King Agrippa. He was falsely accused, imprisoned, and uncertain of his future—yet in that moment, he made a powerful declaration: “I think myself happy.”

At first glance, those words seem almost shocking. How could someone facing such dire circumstances make a statement like that? Paul wasn’t waiting for his external situation to improve—he was choosing happiness from the inside out. He had learned the secret of renewing his mind.

This resonates deeply with something I’ve learned through a brain retraining program called DNRS (Dynamic Neural Retraining System)—a method that teaches you how to rewire your thought patterns and shift from survival mode into a place of hope and healing. I still actively practice DNRS as part of my healing journey—it’s all about thinking greater than how you feel.

But I also want to say this—renewing your mind doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help for anxiety, stress, panic attacks, or other mental health challenges. Those struggles are real, and there’s absolutely no shame in getting the support you need. I still see an amazing therapist and work with EMDR to process trauma. There are other incredible tools out there too, like what Reset Medical offers through NSR (Neural System Reset)—a groundbreaking approach to healing the nervous system.

Mindset work is a powerful tool—but it can be in addition to these resources, not always instead of them. God has given us so many ways to heal, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is ask for help.

Paul’s Example of Renewing the Mind:

• He saw opportunity, not just obstacles. Instead of dwelling on his suffering, Paul saw the privilege of sharing his testimony.
• He led his emotions with faith. He didn’t allow fear, frustration, or self-pity to dictate his mindset—he chose to believe in God’s bigger picture.
• He controlled his thoughts. Paul refused to let negativity take over. He actively shifted his focus to gratitude and purpose.

What I’ve learned through this journey—and what brain retraining reinforces—is that our brains will follow where our thoughts lead. If we constantly rehearse fear, negativity, and hopelessness, that becomes our reality. But when we intentionally choose gratitude, joy, and faith—even before we feel it—our minds start to shift. New neural pathways form. Healing begins.

Science shows that our brains are constantly changing through a process called neuroplasticity. Every time we redirect our thoughts, we’re literally carving out new pathways in the brain—like trails through a forest that become clearer the more we walk them. Over time, those positive thought patterns become automatic, making it easier to choose joy even in difficult moments.

Choosing Joy, Even When It Feels Impossible

Paul’s words aren’t just inspiring—they’re a blueprint for living. Whether you’re battling anxiety, chronic illness, or just the weight of daily stress, you have the power to think yourself happy. Not by denying your pain or pretending everything’s fine—but by making small, intentional choices to shift your perspective.

Maybe today you don’t feel strong. Maybe happiness feels a million miles away. But you can start with these thoughts:

• I am capable of handling this.
• God is working in ways I can’t see.
• I choose to see an opportunity here.
• I’m going to be ok.

Your brain will follow where your thoughts lead. I would take sticky notes and put them in places that I would see often with encouraging messages… by my bed, in my jewelry box, by my mirror.. always to remind me the good that is happening.

I started focusing more on things that brought joy – the books I read, the shows I watched, the podcasts I listened too…

All of this learning was part of the inspiration for the daily podcast I now co-host called “Start Your Day Positive“. There is so much truth is grounding yourself in things that set your mindset in a positive way.

Renewing Your Mind Daily

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It’s not a one-time event—it’s a daily practice. Paul didn’t suddenly discover this mindset the day he stood before King Agrippa. He had trained himself to think this way long before that moment.

The same is possible for us. Little by little, we can retrain our minds to align with faith, joy, and healing—one thought at a time.

So whatever you’re facing today, remember: You have the power to think yourself happy. Not because everything is perfect, but because your perspective has the power to transform your reality.

My life isn’t perfect. I’m learning every day… but these tools have helped me so much.

I’m on this journey too—and I’d love to walk it with you.

This is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of the practical tools, resources, and lessons that have helped me along the way. I pray that as I share, it encourages you on your own journey of renewing your mind.

Love,

Sara