Amazing Grace

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.”

Cheryl Richardson

May, as you probably know, is Mental Health Awareness Month. So, I thought I’d share a little bit of what I’ve gone through and maybe it will encourage you.

I’ve always been a pretty optimistic person, or at least trying to keep a smile on my face. I may not be the loudest or most outgoing person in the world, but I’ve always tried to not bother people with my problems. I’ve never been super popular, but I had a pretty wide range of friends growing up.

Last year, though, a lot of my world fell apart. And I’ll admit that I didn’t handle it in the healthiest way. I turned inward instead of reaching out because I didn’t want to be seen as someone different. Everyone expected me to be the person who was cheering them up, not being cheered up. And as many of you probably know, when you are feeling low, you don’t always want to have someone trying to make you laugh. You just want someone to listen to you.

Over time, I forgot what I was feeling and thinking about myself last year, because this year I’ve been able to put myself together with the help of God and loving people. But since I’ve had more time lately, I’ve gone through some old journals from last year, and it made me begin to think.

I used to think that I was actually helping myself by pointing out every little flaw and imperfection, using names towards myself that I would never call anyone else. I saw myself as inferior and not worthy of what every human is worthy of. We all have value. You have value. I have value. But we can’t always remember that.

It hurts us when we treat ourselves any different than how we would treat a friend. It hurts us when we pretend like God’s words for us, such as being His beloved child, worthy of salvation, are not applicable to us. We are one of the ones He is referring to. We are worthy of love and grace.

I just want you to know a few things because I wish someone had told me this last year. You are not a burden to the ones who truly love you. You have so much in store. You are beautiful and you don’t have to change to become worthy of these true statements. You are God’s beloved child and nothing can change that. Not even if you have lists of regrets, past mistakes, or perhaps did the one thing you thought no one could forgive. God’s just pretty cool like that; He’s going to forgive you. And chances are, other people who value you will see you in a way you can’t even imagine. Don’t give up.

We all have highs and lows when it comes to how we view ourselves and the world. I know that so many of you out there are either suffering in silence or you are getting help, but every day is still a struggle.

For those of you out there who don’t deal with this every day, please just extend abounding grace to those out there. Everyone is going through something hard, even if we can’t see it. I can slip into forgetting how my words and actions may affect others, and when we aren’t in a super difficult season ourselves, it can be easy to forget what it’s like. But just try to remember what you would’ve told yourself during your rougher days and if someone else needs to hear it, share it.

Tips for Giving Yourself Grace

I just wanted to share a few reminders with you when you are feeling upset with yourself:

~ The present isn’t forever. One mistake isn’t going to ruin who you are in God’s eyes.

~ You are your harshest critic. Chances are, others were not noticing that little slip up that you’ve been replaying in your mind.

~ You may not be able to take it back, but that doesn’t mean the journey is over. This is only the beginning. You don’t have to let this stop you from making up for it or moving on.

~You can do this ❤

Ways of Connecting with God and Resetting

Oftentimes the best way to feel better is to be able to rest in God’s presence and process our emotions. Here are a few ways you can give back to yourself:

~Journal daily

~Read encouraging devotionals

~Keep up a short, daily Bible study (I highly recommend checking out the Bible app for some free daily studies!)

~Reach out to a couple close people in your life that fill you with hope and love

~Draw or paint (You don’t have to be “good” at it! You can just see what happens and enjoy the process!)

~Listen to calm music or your favorite tunes, as long as they are uplifting

~Look up a favorite speaker or singer and hearing their encouraging words

Final Thoughts

I hope this has encouraged you! Please, no matter what, just remember that you are never alone. God is always with you, you can always reach out, and people love you.

Also, the best way for me to remember that this isn’t the permanent situation is to look past myself. See others’ needs and help them. Reach out and be the friend that I love and need.

We don’t have to let one another suffer in silence. We can be united. We can be there for one another.

I’m praying for you guys, and I hope you all are able to have a restful weekend 🙂

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

-Jeremiah 29:11