#MyEarlyMorningThoughts: Thoughtfulness

• Thoughtful

1 a : absorbed in thought : meditative
   b : characterized by careful reasoned thinking a thoughtful essay
2 a : having thoughts : heedful became thoughtful about religion
   b : given to or chosen or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and wants              of others a kind and thoughtful friend
Being thoughtful can often be a gift and a curse to those who possess the trait. Many times your thoughtfulness will go un-reciprocated and even taken advantaged of by those who notice your sweetness and kindness. For those who find themselves in this dilemma there are a few things to help with being drained by such a Godly gift:

• 1. Be sure to surround yourself with people who are just as thoughtful as you. While it is never a good thing to do things and expect something in return, its important to have deposits into your account to keep you going.
• 2. Notice when your kindness is being abused and take small steps to distance yourself from those people or simply begin saying "no". Additionally, its important to be aware of those who do not make deposits into your life that are beneficial and try to discontinue making unnecessary deposits into their lives (This is a tricky one). They can be draining over time.
• 3. Be thoughtful toward yourself just as much as you are toward others. Often times we neglect to treat ourselves as we treat others.

For those who would like to grow in the area of thoughtfulness, it requires a decrease in selfishness and a little effort:

• 1. Try evaluating those who deposit into your life and people you encounter frequently.
• 2. Begin by doing one thoughtful thing a day to one of those people.  (ie: text message, small treat, helping with a task, birthday gift, kind words, a small encouraging chat, and/or a handwritten note)
• 3. Habits that are practiced often become 2nd nature. Practicing requires thinking of things you can do for others ahead of time. Over time, you will not need to practice so often, you will do it naturally. 

Being thoughtful is a beautiful characteristic of any person, but can be draining over time. For this reason, it is important to replenish your yourself via plugging into God's word, engaging with other thoughtful individuals, and giving back to yourself. 
​"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23