Some Seasons are Harder than Others

This is a difficult season. I know many of you have noticed that my posts have been a little more vulnerable lately.. Many of you may have noticed that I haven’t posted as much lately. Maybe you haven’t noticed at all.. Everyone is in their own sort of season right now. There is so much going on in the world, locally, and in our own families. 

Some seasons, like this one, are just harder than others. 

All the things going on in the world are just adding to the hard. 

Things are tough in the family- right where it hurts the most.  I won’t go into details because no one needs to know those. But I will say learn about healthy boundaries and healthy ways to communicate and implement them. Don’t ignore the problems- lean into them and fix the problems. 

Its hard, but I have to say, I am in the best place, that I have ever been! Absolutely there are days, and nights, when worries take over. Absolutely there are days that are more difficult than others. However, I am confident in who I am and I am not struggling with out of control hormones. I have learned how to treat myself and others better and say no when no needs to be said. These last few months I have learned and saw how others’ influences have not been good for me. These last few months have been eye opening. I am starting to see clearly who is in my corner and who will help me manage my emotions and manage my self. 

In the last month, it is all coming together. And it will be good. I am confident of that. 

Here are some tools that I have learned that might be helpful to you.

1. Boundaries are so important. Healthy boundaries are wise. Some people in your life need to be kept at arms length. Figure out who in your life is good for you. Draw them close. Do they encourage you? Build you up? Help you live your best life? Keep them and feed those relationships. Are there some who have proven themselves to be untrustworthy? Separate yourself from them as much as possible. Keep them on your far outer circle. 
2. Communication is key. Healthy, back and forth communication is key here. Shutting down, which is my go to, is not gonna work. It only breed resentment and bitterness. Teaching others the way to healthy communication is a give and take. If you can’t communicate with someone, do what you can and let the rest go. 
3. Connection. We thrive on connection right?? So make those connections. Find ways to connect with the people you love and remain connected in healthy ways. With my teens, we have restarted game nights. One of these nights Im gonna win a game too.. but also find ways to connect on the day to day. 
4. Find your center. For me, as you know, I love Jesus. He is my center that I always come back to. I go to Him for anything. He is my friend and I know and trust that He will direct my steps. I go to the Word- during this time, specifically, Philippians 4. On nights my mind was racing, I turned on my Bible App and let the Psalms calm my mind. I meditated on scripture. 
5. Recognize this time is going to end. Learn the lessons you are being taught through it. 
6. Lastly, give yourself grace. Lots and lots of grace. Your body will get tired. Your mind and spirit will get tired. Take time for yourself. What do you do to recharge yourself? A massage helps me. Along with just taking time to walk with my dogs and goats. Sometimes the mule comes along. If its a nap, reading a book, a slow walk with a friend, whatever. Give yourself the time to do it.

Some Resources I have found:

My Fellowship of Extraordinary Women group has been the very best thing ever!! These women have been through it, and they are amazing!! Need some good women in your life? Come check out this group on the 2nd Friday of the month. Follow this link.

I read everything and some of the best books I have found helpful during this time include: ”Carry Your Own Backpack” by Holly A. Schneider, LCSW. ”Boundaries; When to say yes, how to say no to take control of your life” By Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. ”Live the Let Go Life; Breaking free from Stress, Worry, and Anxiety” by Joseph Prince. And several others.

If you need a friend to come alongside you, message me. I would be happy to be that person for you. I will talk you through, tell you the truth and love you. (Just like my friends have done for me!) And even more importantly, I will pray for you and over you. I will share scriptures that have helped me. I will help you release those emotions and things that have kept you stuck in unhealthy patterns.