Easter Week: Cleansing of the Temple

Happy Easter week, friends! I am so excited for this year's weekly texts from ComeUntoChrist.org! I will be trying to share a few thoughts for each day after my husband and I have our scripture study for the evening. Today's thoughts will be about Jesus cleansing the temple.

If you would like to read about Christ cleansing the temple, please click the picture above to be taken to a site where there is a video and Bible reference for you to utilize.

What stood out to me today as we read was the words cleanse and temple. I wanted to relate this literal cleansing that Christ performed to a symbolic cleansing that we should do daily. What I am referring to is this: Christ's cleansing the temple of robbers, thieves, and all manner of commotion is a great symbol of how we should do this daily as we repent.

When we choose to cast out things that rob us of our time, steal our joy, or cause commotion, such as sin, we are partaking in a cleansing that is only made possible through the Atonement of Christ. Because of Him, we are able to see through the trouble and evil of our world towards a brighter, more hopeful future. Repentance is part of my goal to Overcome to Become this year. My overcoming is

Won't you join me this week as I continue to learn about Easter Week? You are able to go to ComeUntoChrist.org and sign up for texts that will give you a daily challenge and purpose as you prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of our beloved Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Just click the picture below to join us!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read my thoughts today! I hope to be back tomorrow with what I learn from reading about Christ teaching in the temple. Until next time, may you find peace in Christ!

The Power of Music

Hello again, friends. Thank you for stopping by today! This is going to be a long post, but I do hope you will read it all. It has been an interesting few weeks and few days as I've watched the world respond to an illness that we are unfamiliar with. So many people are panicking. So may are unsure of what will happen. So many people are seeking peace. 

As I read the email that told me that I would be unable to attend church with those I usually unite with weekly, I was a bit disheartened. But then I realized that this is a beautiful opportunity to show how I will keep my covenants and serve and minister to others. I have been guided by Heavenly Father and the Spirit to know who to reach out to, and it has been an amazing blessing in my life this week. I hope to post more about this later on.

Today I want to share a small portion of my Sabbath worship with you. I want to share thoughts I had while singing hymns with loved ones during smaller sacrament meetings, and what I learned from two of these hymns. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I do not know a single person who is not affected by music in some way. I love this quote from Martin Luther:

The first hymn that very much spoke to my soul today is called "In Humility, Our Savior". It's text was written by Mabel Jones Gabbott and put to music written by Rowland H. Pritchard. The music itself is gorgeous. Getting to sing this four-part hymn was honestly a musical treat. But the words were able to sink deep into my heart when we sang the second verse:

"Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving;

Teach us tolerance and love.

Let our prayers find access to Thee

In Thy holy courts above.

Then, when we have proven worthy

Of Thy sacrifice divine,

Lord, let us regain Thy presence;

Let thy glory round us shine."

I have always had a firm belief and personal testimony that God hears and answers my prayers. I have seen it over and over in my life. However, I had not considered that there is a progression in life for our prayers being fully answered. As I sang this hymn, the order of these words struck me: 

1. Sweet forgiving. We must have a forgiving heart in this life in order for us to be forgiven. Forgiveness is so important. We will be judged by how we judge others. Without forgiveness, we could not be saved.
2. Tolerance and love. After we learn how to forgive, understanding and love must replace the anger and bad feelings that were once present. Tolerance is not necessarily the acceptance of things we disagree with. Rather, it is the ability to "agree to disagree" in a way that allows love to enter a relationship. This cannot happen without forgiveness, though. And then we progress to...
3. Our prayers find access to...above. I have seen in my life that, when I have a forgiving, tolerant heart and seek to love those around me, my prayers can be more fully answered. In the darkest part of my journey out of anxiety, I was not forgiving, tolerant, or filled with love; for myself or anyone else. Once I was able to have the cloud of anxiety lifted, I have been far quicker to forgive, have tolerance, and feel love for myself, those around me, and the divine relationships between myself and my Savior and Heavenly Father. My prayers have been more fully answered by my choices, and the peace I sought during these times has become a reality as I am working towards living more like my Savior. I am not perfect, but I am at peace as I continue to forgive, tolerate, love, and pray.
4. Regain Thy presence. I now understand that heaven will be filled with imperfect people who tried their best. The people that will be able to live with God again are those who have followed the progression of this song and have made covenants they have kept. I am so grateful to know that I have the chance to be one of those imperfect people. I know that my Savior loves me, loves all of us, and that Heavenly Father wants each of His children to return home. If He and the Savior (perfected beings) can give others multiple chances, how much more important it is for me, an imperfect being.

The next hymn that taught and fed my soul today is called "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer". Text and music are both by H. R. Palmer. The third verse seemed incredibly appropriate for what has been happening in the world lately:

"Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Thou wilt bind the broken heart.

Let not sorrow overwhelm us;

Dry the bitter tears that start.

Curb the winds and calm the billows;

Bid the angry tempest cease.

Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,

Grant us everlasting peace."

This hymn has put into words the prayer of my heart for the many who are currently suffering from sickness, uncertainty, despair, and fear. A few years ago, this situation would have sent me reeling with anxiety and I would be a mess right now. Because of the kindness of friends, family, and especially my Father in Heaven and Savior, I am at peace right now. I have a strong testimony that peace can be found in the Atonement of our Savior. I know that He lives. I know that He is the Way, the Truth, the Light, and our Advocate with the Father. When we follow Him, we will have peace, clarity, healing, and hope. 

Thank you again for stopping by today. I hope that my words have helped you feel of the love our Father and Savior have for you! I invite you to look forward with faith and search the hymns you love for truth and comfort during times of difficulty. Wishing you a blessed day, always!

Overcome to Become: Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are

Hello, friends! I've been taking stock this week on how I'm doing with my yearly theme. I think I made a lot of mistakes this past week, but since I have identified them (or they've been pointed out to me), I realize that I can fix them and change. And my dog has been helping me do just that.

You might be wondering just HOW my dog is helping me with my goal, so let me explain! There's a popular saying that goes around in social media about dogs, or pets in general. Here it is...

Source

This got me thinking about just what kind of a person my dog currently thinks I am. My sweet fur baby has been sick for the last few months. She's had multiple trips to the vet for blood work and shots, been on medication, and is just now showing improvement. She still cannot jump up onto things like she is used to doing, which makes our whole family sad. There's nothing better than having your fur baby hop into your lap to cuddle with you after a rough day.

I'm digressing. Let me get back to the quote. So, we have been giving our dog a lot of love and attention lately. We do usually, we have just increased it because of how she's been feeling. My dog trusts me. She knows I love her because of my actions. She knows I have expectations of her because she gets into trouble when she gets into garbage. ;) And then I show her more love after her stern reprimand. She's happy, we are happy. It's a beautiful thing.

3 Ingredient Dog Treats

1 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. oats
1 ripe banana

Combine all well. Roll 1/4" thick and cut into desired shape.
Cook at 350*F for 10-15 minutes. Treats should be golden brown.
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days, in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks,
or freeze for up to 3 months.

As I thought about this, I related it to the many other roles beside dog mama I play in my life--daughter of Heavenly Parents, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, employee, friend, minister, Young Women secretary, Sunday School teacher...I could go on. So, what have been the rewards and pit-falls?

I have tried to use the things my dog has taught me more fully in my 2nd grade classroom this week. Result? It was the BEST week we have had this entire school year. We were all happy, expectations were met with little to no reminders, and I feel that all students learned a lot. It was beautiful! Here is what one student wrote this week for his writing assessment...

So my next goal is to apply this to other areas of my life. I will keep you updated! What are the goals you are working towards this year? I would love to hear about them in the comments below! OR, you can always email me at onastampageATgmailDOTcom! 

Thanks for stopping by today, friends! I hope you have a wonderful week and that you feel peace and love. You are a wonderful part of this world and are needed--never forget that! Until next time, HUGS to all!

Essential Oils

***Before I start, I want you all to know that I do sell doTERRA essential oils and use them on a daily basis. While I would love to be the one you purchase essential oils from, if you feel they will not work for you (I used to feel that way) or already have a consultant/use another brand, please know that this post is NOT an ad. It's more about how oils and others who use oils have helped me on my journey, along with ideas on how to use oils to help when experiencing anxiety.***

Happy New Year, friends! I hope your year is off to a wonderful start! I always feel the need to have a break after my holiday break because I am SO busy. I am an introvert by nature, so I need my alone time to relax and regroup. One way I do that is by using essential oils!

Before I went to therapy and decided to take medication, I used oils all the time to help me manage my anxiety. It wasn't a perfect fix, but they did help. Some of my favorites are lavender, doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend, and ylang ylang. I still use them on a daily basis!

I decided that I wanted to share some of these oils with friends this year. My sister came to visit for Christmas, and we ended up at the Dollar Tree looking for things we could make for the women at church we minister to. We found these darling glass jars and epsom salts, and we knew just what to do!

We added some stickers to the front of the jars and put a thin layer of Mod Podge over them to help them stay in place and to make them semi-water proof. We then hot glued a paper flower for decoration. We mixed essential oils into the epsom salts we purchased, then carefully spooned them into each jar. Below is the recipe we used for the salts!

Have you ever tried using essential oils to boost/regulate/or calm your mood? I would love to hear your ideas on how you do this in the comments below! Until next time, take care of and be gentle with yourself! HUGS!

Overcome to Become: Reading More, Gaming Less

Hi, friends! Welcome to another post about how my 2020 theme is helping me to adjust my life and *hopefully* become a better disciple of Christ. In this post, I will share with you about what I've chosen as a focus for this year to go along with my theme, as well as how it came about. So, let's go!

Aren't husbands wonderful people? Ok, so you might not feel that way ALL the time, but I hope you feel it MOST of the time! After praying and asking for guidance on how to overcome this year, I received an answer by way of an invitation from my husband. The invitation was to join our local library's 2020 reading challenge! He and I spent time looking for books to fit each category and I am SO excited!

I LOVE to read, but I find that at the end of the day it is easier to plug in or watch something instead of reading. This challenge will help me overcome the issues I have with spending too much time on technology playing games or watching programs. I'll still do those things, just less. My recharging time will also help me learn and grow. I am SO excited!

The scripture verse that comes to mind as I work on this portion of overcoming this year is Doctrine & Covenants 90:15:

"...study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books..."

Yep, I can do more of that this year! If you'd like to follow along with my progress, click HERE to see my growing list of books read in 2020!

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by to read my blog today! I love to hear feedback, so share with me good books that you think might fit into the categories of the #ReadICT 2020 challenge! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day and take some time to read something inspiring! I'll be back later, but until then, go forward with faith!

2020 Personal Theme

Hello, friends! I know I don't always write here on this blog, but I am keeping it and hoping to use it more in the coming year. I won't be setting a goal as to how often to blog, because I am a teacher and my life is not in a place where I can commit to regular posts. But I do like to set yearly goals, and this year I decided to go one step further--a personal theme.

My personal theme will be "Overcome to Become". After going through the Come Follow Me: New Testament curriculum this past year, the book of Revelation very much taught me the importance of overcoming the world. My eternal goal is to become like my Savior, so this year I will be focusing on the overcoming that I need to do in my personal life.

What will this look like? I am not sure yet! I just feel inspired to use this as my theme, with 1 John 5:4-5 as more inspiration:

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:

and this is the victory that overcometh the world,

even our faith.

Who is he that overcometh the world,

but he that believeth that

Jesus is the Son of God?"

Some thoughts I have had are overcoming unkind feelings I have towards others, overcoming other faults I know I have, or even overcoming my inability to regularly blog. ;) I know that "overcoming" is the direction the Lord is leading me, and He has never led me astray yet. Nor will he ever. 

He has helped me overcome the issues my anxiety brought to my life, I know that He can help me overcome everything else this life has in store for me. So, with that, I will attempt to keep you all updated in the coming year of my "Overcome to Become" journey!

Thank you for stopping by to read my blog! Do you have a personal theme for next year? Has this post inspired you to have one? If so, I would love to hear about it and how you will share it in 2020! Please comment below to let me know how I can support you on your endeavors, and I am wishing you and yours a blessed, peaceful, and faith-filled New Year!

Sometimes...

I have a strange confession to make. And most of you will probably think this confession makes me truly crazy. But, please, just hear me out. Ok, here it goes.

Sometimes I miss my anxiety.

I know. That sounds insane. But here's the thing, with every trial, there are always benefits (if we allow ourselves to see them). The benefit of my anxiety is that it pushes me to do things every second of every day. It doesn't let me become complacent about things I feel passionate about. 

Now, my anxiety doesn't do these things in a NICE way, but it is one of my biggest motivators. And ever since I started taking medication, working with the tools my therapist has given me, and learned how to slow down and relax, I feel like I've become complacent. A new challenge.

How do I combat this complacency without going back to my old anxious ways? I don't have the answers right now, but I am working on a solution. I do know that I recognize my accomplishments more now than I did before, I just feel like my anxiety pushed me to do more and help more.

Sometimes I miss my anxiety.

The Importance of Routines

Hello again, friends! I'm back with another post sharing with you ways that I have found help with my anxiety. Today I want to talk about the importance of routines. I am one who definitely NEEDS a routine. When I have too much unstructured time, I think too much and I start to become very anxious. While I do enjoy breaks away from work, they tend to also bring a lot of anxiety and worry into my life. Solution? Routine! 

I'm not saying that you should have every single minute of every day planned, but you should have some regular routines at specific times of day that you can look forward to and rely on. I have three times a day that I try to keep to a regular routine: morning, lunch time, and right before bed. These three routines help ground me throughout the day and give me time to reflect and rest. I try to stick to a pretty regular routine, even on the weekends. 

Daily, my morning routine includes prayer, scripture study, breakfast, taking my medication and other supplements, and then heading to work. When I don't have to work, I try to make sure I have things planned to do during the day so that I can look forward to that instead of worry about what might happen later on. Starting the day the same way helps me to feel more in control of my feelings and life. When I wake up too late to perform part of my routine, I do see a difference in my day.

My lunch time routine (especially at work) includes eating for at least 20 minutes while doing NOTHING. This gives my brain time to rest and focus to prepare for the afternoon at work, and gives me time to reflect on the rest of my day on the weekends. Taking a break in the middle of the day to just sit and be also helps me to remember that my peace of mind is important, because, as a teacher, my mood influences my students and others around me. I want to stay positive for them, which in turn helps me to feel positive about myself!

In the evening, I again read my scriptures, journal about the day and what I am grateful for, pray, and try to wind down with no TV or other device for at least 20 minutes before I go to bed. During the work week, putting away devices earlier helps me to reflect on what will need to happen either that evening or the next morning in order for me to be productive and feel in control.

Now, although I try very hard to stay on this routine, things happen. I get sick, my plans are derailed by other, more important tasks, or I choose to spend more down time than originally planned so that I can feel more calm. Luckily, my medication helps me take this in stride a lot better than I did before being on it.

So, my advice to those who have anxiety that makes them feel out of control? Begin a routine or set of routines. Stick with it! Although it will be difficult at first, the more you work at keeping things consistent, the easier it will be to roll with the punches when they inevitably come your way. 

That's all I have for you today, friends! Sorry for no print this week, but we have been recovering from a stomach bug and other sickness, which helped me reflect on the importance of a routine! ;) Until next time, I wish you all peace and harmony as you work to find balance!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Anxiety T-Chart

Hello, friends! Welcome back this week for another post. This post is highlighting a tool, suggested to me by my therapist, that has really come in handy for myself as someone with anxiety and as a teacher. It's called an Anxiety T-Chart. 

The Anxiety T-Chart is pretty simple. On the left, you have the question, "How anxious am I?". On the right, you have the question, "How likely is it to happen?". The purpose of the chart is to help the user understand that, while bad things can and do sometimes happen, the likelihood of them occurring on a daily or regular basis is not as common as anxiety likes to make us think it is.

This simple chart can be used a few ways. First, you could print it, laminate it, then actually draw a bar to show the difference between the two columns. You could also use a finger to trace up to the number you feel, then back down to the number of likeliness. I have personally gotten to the point where I can just think about the chart in my head to help me calm down. I have created 2 versions that you can choose from, and these charts are also available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store as a freebie, should you use that site!

Child Version:

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print.

Teen/Adult Version:

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print.

I hope that these charts will come in handy for you or someone you love! They have been a game changer with specific students in my classroom, and a great way to foster independence with regards to managing emotions within children, teenagers, and adults! Drop me a comment below to let me know how you will use this tool--I love to hear new ideas! Until next time, sending prayers, love, and peaceful wishes to each of you!

#LightTheWorld 2018

Hello, friends! I know that this year's holiday initiative from the Church started last week, but I needed that week to once again remember my grandfather. Plus, service is always in season and is a focus of this year's #LightTheWorld!

Many of you will remember that last year, there was an act of service each day that was suggested. I LOVE how this year's initiative has been streamlined and can be more personal! Instead of daily service, each week has a focus. This helps me out, because it means I have more time to pray and prepare what I would like to do. If you're stuck and can't think of what to do, you can download a calendar with ideas for each week! Here are the weekly focuses:

Week One: Light the World

Source

Find a way to help someone/somewhere in the world.

Week Two: Light Your Community

Source

Look closer to home for a way to serve in your neighborhood.

Week Three: Light Your Family

Source

Find ways to serve those closest to you.

Week Four: Light Your Faith

Source

Reflect on how the challenge has strengthened your faith

and find other ways to continue to do so as you seek

the Savior now and always.

So, that's it! I just know that following this initiative will help me manage my anxiety, because it begins by helping me look away from myself (and my anxiety) and then allows me to reflect on how I can come closer to my Savior. Which brings me to this week's print, inspired by the words to the hymn "Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee", written by Joseph L. Townsend. I sang this hymn last week, and it truly made me reflect on what I am doing to come nearer to my Savior and what my eternal goal is. I've made it in a variety of colors so you can choose which one matches your style best. :)

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print. 

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print. 

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print. 

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print. 

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print. 

And that's this week's post! I hope you join those of us who are following the #LightTheWorld initiative this year! Each time I participate, it truly bring the spirit of Christmas, which is the spirit of Christ, into my life and home. Until next time, sending love, peace, and healing wishes!

The Importance of Service

If you read along, you will know that last Sunday my grandfather passed away. He was an amazing man, always serving those around him. Although he endured some unthinkable things during his life, he always found joy in helping those around him. His greatest misgiving about aging was that he could no longer perform all the service he had once been able to provide. His greatest desire was that he would be an instrument in the Lord's hands. He succeeded.

As I have thought about what brings joy during my difficult bouts of anxiety, I realize it is focusing on others and providing service. It hasn't always been big. Ok, it's rarely big. But when I serve, my focus changes and anxiety doesn't have as much room to grow because I am, for lack of a better word, distracted by service. Isn't that a wonderful way to be distracted?

I've contemplated a lot on how the Savior could endure everything He had to endure. I realize it was because EVERYTHING He did was an act of service. His focus was never on himself. It was on us, His brothers and sisters. When we focus our lives on helping others, I firmly believe that all the things that are impeding our way become less difficult to endure.

Now, this doesn't mean that focusing on service is going to just magically wave a wand over your anxiety or depression and make it disappear. But it can help you in difficult times. As I have continued to reflect on my journey with anxiety, I realize that it was service that led me to get the help I needed. Others, especially my husband and friend, Kim, served me in ways that I needed so that I could get help AND serve others around me. Their support and service allowed me to serve and then find help that would enable me to return to serving others without as much help needed. Hopefully that makes sense. At this point, I am literally just typing as I am thinking. ;)

If you are struggling to think about a way to serve, here is a list of simple things that I have found help brighten others' days and also bring joy to my own life:

1. Smile.
2. Send a thank you text/card.
3. Call someone to check in.
4. Make your spouse's favorite dinner/dessert.
5. Open the door for someone.
6. Give a hug.
7. Give a genuine compliment.
8. Pray for someone.
9. Take a treat to a friend.
10. Give a child a high-five.

Not all service has to be known to the person receiving it. Sometimes my favorite acts of service have been the ones performed in secrecy. I feel like doing this sometimes allows the recipient to feel the Lord's love more fully because they don't have to focus on thanking me. Just a thought. :)

 Here's this week's printable.

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print.

So, here is my thought for the day, wrapped up and tied neatly in a box: When you serve, your anxiety and depressions might not disappear, but it will become more bearable. Go about doing good, friends. Until next time, sending love and peace to each of you!

Finding Our Worth

This morning, my grandfather passed away. I had this post scheduled before this occurred, but as I reread the post, I realized how much my grandfather loved his family and knew each member's worth. His desire was for all of us to be happy, productive, and to return to live together as families after this life. This post is dedicated to him and my other three grandparents, all of whom are together and engaged in their eternal work. Their love has inspired me to understand who I am and has given me strength to do very difficult things. With that, here is this week's post.

Anxiety is very good at attacking my feelings of self-worth. It tells me that I will never be good enough, that perfection is so important but always out of reach, that nobody will see any value in me or my actions. These are all false ideas, but hard to ignore at times. Yes, I pray and read my scriptures and understand that I am a child of God. But anxiety overwhelms me at times.

Even with medication, scripture study, and prayer, I struggle with self-doubt. Because I am aware of this issue, I have tried to look for ways to help me remember that I am a child of God, that He loves me, and that I have worth that is intrinsic. I feel it about others, especially my students, so why is it so hard to see in myself? Anxiety.

I came across a quote that I love that is a wonderful reminder that my worth never changes and that it came with me. I made it into this week's *FREE* print...

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print.

So, how do you remember our worth? I would love to add ideas to my arsenal against anxious feelings of self-doubt! I hope you share with me below. Also, if you have any questions or topics you'd like to discuss, let me know and I will do my best to share my feelings about them! Until next time, sending peace, love, and hugs!

Gratitude Journaling

Hello, friends! I'm back today to share a tool that has helped me as I deal with my anxiety. I'm sure a lot of you have heard of this before, as have I, but I didn't realize how powerful it would actually be in my life. The tool is called a gratitude journal. 

What is it? It's a place where you write down things you are grateful for! Easy peasy! I use my phone to read my weekly scripture and journal within my scripture app. Some people choose to journal in a notebook. Some people keep a blog. Whatever you want to do, it will work. That's the beauty of this tool--it is completely personalize-able!

Why does it work? Part of the issue with anxiety is that is causes you to dwell on the negative. When you are purposeful about looking for the positive and try to focus on gratitude, you start to rewire your brain. I've been doing this every day for the past 3 1/2 months, and it has been paramount in helping me to change my mindset!

Here's this week's *FREE* print to go along with this idea.

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 8" x 10" print.

So, this week's challenge, which is PERFECT because Thursday is Thanksgiving, is to start some sort of gratitude journal. Make it simple. Make it do-able! I hope you share what happens here in the comments! Until next time, sending peace, love, and hugs to all!

Acknowledgement

I've been thinking a lot lately about the people who truly helped me along my journey with anxiety. The people who actually led me to get help were those who didn't try to change my point of view. Here is what I have realized:

• They accepted that there was something wrong, listened to me as I explained my feelings, and allowed me to feel what I was feeling.
• They offered help when asked, not in an unsolicited manner.
• They continued to invite me, even when I flaked out at the last moment, knowing the real reason behind my actions was anxiety and not something negative.
• They made me feel like I was lovable, the opposite of how so many others led me to feel.
• They were THERE when I needed them.
• They gave their TIME.

As I've thought about this, I came across a short video on grief that truly struck me. Because a lot of my anxiety is rooted in grief. Grief of never having children, grief over my failures, grief over my imperfection, grief of so many other losses. I hope you take a few moments to watch!

So, with that said and shared, I invite you to take time this week to ACKNOWLEDGE. Don't try to fix. It's OK for people to feel! Allow it, acknowledge it. This is how we learn to move forward, by accepting and moving on. Here's a *FREE* print to help you remember this principle:

This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as a 10" x 8" print.

Thanks for stopping by today, friends! I hope to be back again soon with more insights and sharing. I appreciate your walk with me on my journey. Please feel free to share in the comments below topics you would like to discuss or questions you have! Until next time, sending peaceful wishes!

Why Don't You Get Help?

Well, I am back again, friends! Today I want to share with you why it took me SO LONG to get the help that I needed. I want to preface it with this: I am not going to judge myself or anyone else on their journey to find the help they need. Each of us struggles and each of us has to listen to God in order to find our path to help and recovery. I wouldn't change my journey because of all that I have learned, even if I do wish that I had sought professional help sooner. I don't know that I would have learned some of the things I did learn if I had gotten help sooner!

With that said, I will tell you why I didn't get help sooner. It's because for a very long time, I didn't realize that how I felt was not normal. I lived through all of childhood and adolescence with huge amounts of anxiety being told I would probably grow out of it by many people. So, I decided that once I got to college (the first time around), I had grown out of it! But I hadn't.

I also believed that if I relied on the Lord, He would take my issues away. I didn't have a clear understanding of what my mental health issues really were or what help I could truly receive. I felt that I should be able to overcome everything through prayer, etc. But, while prayer helps, I will still have trials and troubles that need attention from professionals.

So, what should you say to someone who is struggling to realize they need help? That you are there for them. Ask them what THEY think would help them. Only give suggestions about therapy and medication if you are asked. If the person mentions suicidal thoughts, talk to them about it. Talk to them about how they are feeling. Ask if they have a plan. If they do, explain to them that you feel that a professional should be contacted. Do all of this with LOVE, not as a way to control them. Many people dealing with mental health issues already feel controlled by their thoughts and issues. They need to feel loved.

Although I read the KJV of the Bible, I feel this translation of
1 Corinthians 16:14 is a better fit for this post.
This is a FREE printable for you to use FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
Right click and save, then print as an 8" x 10" print.

There were so many times I wish someone would have just been willing to talk to me and really hear how I was feeling. Mental health does not have to be a taboo, friends. We can help others realize that mental health issues effect each of us at one time or another and allow them to talk! This brings me to the end of this post because it's the perfect jumping off post for the topic I want to write about next--HOW I was helped by others into therapy and medication. Until then, I pray that peace and the love of Christ will guide your path!

Feels vs. Looks

One thing that is very apparent to me after looking back over the past few years is the difference in how I felt vs. how I acted, or what my behavior looked like to others. Being able to review this and ponder on it has helped me tremendously this year as I started to work with a new group of students and some new co-workers. It has taught me that you truly cannot judge a person by their actions unless you understand the “why" behind the behavior.

Today as I was pondering this, I came across a hymn that perfectly describes my struggles the last few years. It is titled "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" and the lyrics were written by Emma Lou Thayne. After singing it again this morning, I realize that my struggle with anxiety has also been a struggle to come closer to my Savior. Here are the lyrics:

Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,

I draw myself apart,

Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,

Where, when I languish,

Where, in my need to know, where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

He answers privately,

Reaches my reaching

In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.

Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.

Constant he is and kind,

Love without end.

With all of this in mind, I thought I would share two lists: one about how my anxiety feels, and one about how others have perceived my behavior (including myself at times). I am hoping it can help someone who knows someone else with anxiety be a bit more gentle next time they interact with the person struggling to stay calm.

Anxiety FEELS Like:

Self-Judgement

No Confidence

Stupidity

Fear

Irrational Irritability

Heart Pounding

Difficulty Breathing

Racing Thoughts

Inability to Focus

Depression

Walls Closing In

You Can't Do Anything RIGHT

Nobody Cares or Loves You

You are Trapped

You Cannot Change

Anxiety LOOKS Like:

Judgement Towards Others

Social Withdrawl

Interesting Comments

Unkindness

Anger

Someone Who Doesn't Care

Hypochrondria

Not Listening

Someone Who Won't Help

Someone Who Doesn't Want to be Loved

Someone Who Doesn't Want to Change

Thank you for stopping by today! My words of advice to those suffering from anxiety or depression--please seek professional help! Doing so has changed my life and perspective. I will delve more deeply into that in future posts. For those of you who see someone that looks like the second list, please reach out in love and genuine concern. People suffering with mental difficulties DO need people, even if we push them away at times. Please make sure to keep everything told to you confidential unless the person suffering allows you to share. If they cannot trust you, it will be detrimental to their recovery. Until next time, prayers of peace to all of you!