Whether it’s a scary medical diagnosis, the loss of a relationship or the death of someone you love, a traumatic season can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Before you pull the covers over your head and decide to hibernate till spring, or start sipping tequila before breakfast…stop! You are not alone.
These three simple steps can help you maintain your sanity when life turns upside down.
-
Say What You Need to Say. When cool weather hits may it might be tempting to get cozy at home, and ultimately end up facing a crushing situation with no outside help. The problem with isolation comes when you start believing the little voice whispering in your head. The lying, conniving voice telling you, “Nobody understands. Life will always be this painful. Or worst of all, nobody cares about you.” Don’t believe the lies.
In his extraordinary book, Overwhelmed Perry Noble puts it this way, “… whatever is tearing you up inside, stop hiding it. The sooner you ask for help and admit you need other people, the sooner you will find relief.” To connect with someone who can help visit NewSpring Care.
-
Just Say Yes. For those of us who like to be in control, a chaotic season can feel downright terrifying. It’s difficult for many of us to graciously receive love and support (I’m definitely preaching to myself here) when we’d rather be the one fixing the problem. Would you consider just saying yes? Saying yes to a friend who offers to keep the kids a couple hours so you can have a little time to catch your breath? Saying yes to the neighbor who wants to bring you some warm vegetable soup? Last week my very kind Chiropractor/friend found out I had lost a close family member. She could sense it had been a pretty intense day, and offered me a 30 minute massage from her massage therapist. Instead of my usual, “no thanks- I’m good!’ auto-response, I accepted her kind gift, and answered, "that would be wonderful.” And it was. Saying yes, even when it’s uncomfortable is an excellent way to stay strong through a traumatic chapter of life.
-
Be Still. Tomorrow morning, rather than hitting the ground running, would you take a few moments to be still? Could you wake up up fifteen minutes early, find a quiet cozy place away from the noise and chaos; and spend the first precious moments of your day with the Lord? Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” You can believe Him.
For anyone who is facing a fresh, or maybe not so fresh season of grief, I invite you to try out the new Grief Survivor 8 day study on YouVersion.
If you’ve been going through a difficult season recently, how have you coped? We would love to hear about your survival skills. Please join in the conversation on the Grief Survivor Facebook page.