I’ve got some power-packed practicality for you, especially if you’ve been going through a rough patch lately. If you’ve been feeling down, wanting to retreat from the world, and struggling to find joy, I’ve been there too…in fact, I’m in the center of navigating this now. But let me assure you, there’s hope and encouragement even in the midst of difficult times.
6 Months In Review
If you’ve been following my journey this year, you know I’ve faced some challenges. To be honest, it’s just been a weird year. It all started on New Year’s night when I tragically lost my sweet Poppy (my 4 legged baby), who had been my faithful companion for nine years. Shortly after, in early February, I underwent an emergency appendectomy that led to complications and excruciating pain due to a herniated disc in my back where a portion of the disc was sitting near my spinal cord (we still don’t know how that happened from an appendectomy). The road to recovery was long and filled with uncertainty.
Between coping with the loss of my pet and the physical challenges, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster. There were moments when I wanted to hide away from the world and retreat into my own shell, which isn’t my typical nature as an Enneagram seven who thrives on social interactions.
From April until now, I’ve had some other personal things shift in my life and the weight of it all started to take it’s toll.
It’s only June, and I’ve already experienced a significant amount of chaos. However, I recall that back in December, I chose the word “breathe” as my guiding word for the year. Little did I know how fitting that word would be in the face of chaos. When do give yourself the task to stop and breathe? It’s often when you need to calm your mind and spirit to best handle what is in front of you.
Retreat or Surrender?
During this time, I’ve found myself stepping back from the many things I was accustomed to being involved with, which has been unusual for me. I’ve also discovered that I carry some unresolved emotional baggage that I need to address.
It seems that God has put me in a holding pattern, urging me to confront and heal from some lingering pain. Enneagram sevens avoid pain and discomfort, in case you didn’t know that about us…but God is asking me to trust Him for the emotions.
And so I have been.
4 Steps to Coping While You’re Healing
In the midst of this journey, I’m using some practical ways to find encouragement and overcome the attacks of the enemy that have been tried and true throughout my life as a believer.
Here are my four steps to battling through spiritual warfare:
1. Reading Scripture: Digging into God’s Word and allowing His truth to replace the lies the enemy tries to feed us is crucial. The Bible is a living and breathing book that speaks to our hearts and guides us in difficult times.
2. Worship: Whether through music or personal prayers, worship brings us closer to the presence of God. It’s a powerful way to humble ourselves before Him and find solace and strength.
3. Community: As tempting as it may be to isolate ourselves, we need the support and love of others. Surrounding ourselves with people who lift us up and remind us of our worth and purpose is essential.
4. Move Physically: Engaging in physical activity, such as dancing or any form of exercise, releases endorphins and uplifts our spirits. It can be a cathartic experience that helps us let go of negative emotions.
In addition to finding dance as healing, this year 2 of my intentions was to improve my strength and my mobility. I’m on week 2 of an intensive 10 week strength training routine that is so healing to my soul right now…
6 months ago, I wasn’t in a place for this. But now, it’s exhilarating and feels like balm. Movement…it’s incredible. Lack of it can physiologically deepen the places of sadness or despair. On the flip side, implementing it can produce what has been deemed “happy hormones” to help lift your spirit and create a sense of calm and clarity so you are better poised, both emotionally and physically, to take on whatever is in front of you.
Remember, you’re not alone in your struggles, and there is hope for better days ahead. Embrace these practical steps and trust that healing will come. Leaning, or perhaps better said, laying back into the Father’s arms, we can conquer the challenges, choose joy, and trust that we are being held.
Stay encouraged, friend.
Lisa
Links mentioned in this episode:
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