I had an important realization this morning after reading this week’s lesson again. It’s a realization that has been quietly unfolding in the background for awhile. It finally came fully into view that the pictures I hold in my mind very strongly indicate my mood.

Not only that, they influence it. If I’m honest, I’ve always known this on some level. But as I’ve also learned, knowledge does not apply itself. I have to actually use it, engage with it, and sometimes soldier on even when my motivation is taking some time off (without
permission).

For me, the “pictures in my mind” aren’t just thoughts. They’re vivid little movies. Some are comforting and encouraging, like watching my Lambies Mason or Maggie peacefully munching hay or imagining myself walking into a clean, calm kitchen with soft morning light. Others aren’t so pleasant.

Those pictures can sneak in when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or feeling unsure. Suddenly my mind is holding an image of worst-case scenarios or re-running old stories I no longer want to live out or even entertain in my mind.

When those pictures take over, unfortunately my mood follows. My energy drops. My optimism dims. I start reacting to the picture I’m seeing rather than the life I’m actually living and being the person I want to be.

That’s the moment I realized it’s my responsibility to be the gatekeeper of what I allow my mind to entertain.

This doesn’t mean forcing “positive vibes only” or pretending challenges don’t exist. It simply means recognizing the images I hold in my mind are incredibly powerful. They shape my emotional, mindset, energy…everything.

They can either lift me up or bring me down. While I can’t always control which images try to sneak in, I can decide which ones get to stay.

The tricky part is consistency, and consistency has been my Franklin Makeover word of the week. Knowing this intellectually isn’t enough. I have to practice. I have to remind myself daily that I can choose a different picture.

When an unhelpful image pops up, I can acknowledge it and then gently swap it for something better, something more positive and more aligned with the person I am working to become.

I want to keep my inner space clear of the clutter that can sometimes drag me down.
My intention is the more I practice, the more beautiful the pictures in my mind become and the better and happier I feel.