I have so much pain to share that if I laid it all at your feet, it would hurt you too. For now, the safest place for all of that pain is at the feet of Jesus (and the counselor’s office). Yet, I want to invite you into my life and share that it’s okay that I’m not okay right now. Okay?
I’ve been sharing bits of my “pain” stories on social media, but what I want more than anything is for you to know that YOU are not alone in your pain, trauma or healing. Others are struggling, others are fighting, others are refusing to give up and you can too.
So while I process, heal and keep writing behind the scenes to share with you someday — here’s what I want you to know today. You can hit ” PAUSE “
Life tends to keep moving even when I wish it would pause for pain. Slowly, I’ve discovered that, without faking it, there are many ways I can adjust to a new or temporary normal—even in the midst of my hurt.
- Give myself permission to go through with an old habit, hobby, or tradition even if it’s half-hearted. When my feelings are less raw, I might find comfort and joy in it again.
- Try something new. One of my favorite memories in a dark season was found in a build-your-own pizza station. When tensions were high, I found joy in trying something new.
- Celebrate on a different day. I can relieve the pressure of conforming to a traditional calendar by pausing in the midst of pain and adjusting when and what I observe.
- Release expectations. Often I expect more of myself than anyone else does. I’m learning to dig for why as I navigate grief. Why do I do this? Does it make sense right now?
- Plan time to prepare and recover. When I know a certain task, meeting, or gathering is going to require additional emotional energy, I can create a buffer by planning time just before and after to rest.
Life won’t stop all at once. Reba said it best in her song “I guess the world’s not gonna stop for my broken heart.” But that doesn’t mean we can’t push pause and make room to breathe, to heal, and to pick a few wildflowers when given the chance.
Thanks for your prayers and being part of my healing journey. I’m here for yours too.