“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2, NIV)”
The things we experience on any given day can seem overwhelming! But, how often do we stop to think about how we are really feeling? Things have shifted so much over the past year that it can be difficult to keep up! Changes swirl around us, and the ebb and flow of, well, life, can get all mixed up—making us wonder whether we are coming or going! We might out of touch with ourselves simply because our focus has had to be on so many things—simultaneously.
The ability to balance jobs, home, school, family and friends (relationships), finances, and dealing with competing priorities—along with moving into our new normal—are being recreated as we speak. How do we navigate all of these things and remain sane?! This is a really important question. We are often reminded of the state of mental health in our country and in other parts of the world. We often have to keep up such a crazy (unrealistic) pace that we fail to take care of ourselves—let alone being able to pause long enough to hear ourselves think.
How reflective are we (should we) be? How do we process all of the losses that have taken place in our country, the world, and within our own families? How do we go on with the people that we have left? Our inner circles might have changed—and some of ours, significantly. But what do we do with all of these thoughts?
It might just be easier or safer to not think about how we are feeling. To not think about those losses we’ve experienced. We might feel that if we do think, we would have to feel something beyond the numbness inside. When we add to our own self-care the needs of those around us, we can end up with an overwhelming mountain of things to do, places to go, and people to see—and not in a good way! How we really shift gears so we can take care of ourselves? I’m not talking about in some kind of a narcissistic, completely and always self-serving kind of way?
How can we be the best version of ourselves so we are healthy and whole? How do we put our own oxygen masks on so we can be completely present with another human being—and not locked up in our own thoughts and feelings? We owe it to ourselves and to each other to be healthy. We really do need each other to survive.
Here are some thoughts on some simple practices to begin doing if you are not already:
- Breathe: Breathe, deeply and repeatedly, until you feel your body begin to calm down.
- Use Music Therapy: Listen to music that makes your soul happy.
- Talk it Out: Talk with a trusted friend or family member with whom you feel will not judge you. Just having someone listen (not always advise) is therapeutic.
- Pray: Pray with friends or family members (if possible). This helps us to feel that we are not alone in our struggles. The Lord is always just a prayer away.
- Journal: Write down your thoughts in a way that encourages you toward healing and wholeness (not that causes you to continue in anger).
- Seek Help: Get professional help from a licensed therapist, clinical psychologist, or social worker; get pastoral care from a trusted pastor of minister.
- Rest: Give your body and your mind a break! It can be hard to find time, but this is imperative if we are going to be restored daily.
- Have Fun!: Seriously! Find something fun to do that will fill you with joy!
Be still and know that the Lord is still God. He is with us—especially when we feel the most alone.
Until next time, my friend,
Selah . . .