To be emotionally healthy you must be aware of your thoughts and attitudes. We often think we are emotionally well when we are happy.

Let’s look at happiness vs joy. Per www.diffen.com both are emotions: happiness is outward expression of elation where joy is inward peace and contentment. Happiness is temporary based on outward circumstances whereas joy is lasting based on inward circumstances.

Response vs. reaction from Psychology Today: “ ..reaction is instant. It’s driven by the beliefs, biases and prejudices of the unconscious mind. When you say or do something “without thinking” it….is based in the moment …” “A response…usually comes more slowly. It’s based on information from both the conscious mind and unconscious mind.”

Attitudes include our thoughts and feelings towards something or someone.

To reiterate we must be aware of our emotions in order to deal with our circumstances. Our attitude will influence our response to a situation or circumstance. We can not adequately deal with what we do not know.

As Christians we should strive for joy not just happiness and we should be able to respond and not react keeping a good attitude.

Scriptures that can help us become more mindful:

Philippians 4:4-9 (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Ephesians 4:23 (AMP)

and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude]

Proverbs 23:7 (AMP)

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates].
He says to you, “Eat and drink,”
Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].