“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H Schuller.
Has someone ever told you, “Life should not be so hard?” Unfortunately, that person is not living in reality. All of us have experienced pain and heartache. The vital issue is what you do with that pain.
I spent years wallowing in my sorrow and wasted those precious years. However, as I moved away from those years of darkness, I recovered and became a much stronger person.
In past blogs, I have shared my years of depression after losing a child in a failed adoption attempt. I was lost and allowed myself to believe I had no purpose in life and that I was worthless. I didn’t even know if I could face the rest of my life.
I did not stay in that place ---
In 2007, I got tired of living my life in such an unhealthy manner and decided I would do whatever it took to begin living my life again!
Recovering from the darkness was difficult. I went to Celebrate Recovery (A Christian recovery program), started being more honest with myself and others, worked harder in therapy, and began to restore lost relationships. The process was rewarding but challenging.
I am thankful for those years because they molded me into the person I am today, and I like who I am! I feel like I make a difference in this world.
I am grateful for all the people that did not give up on me during the dark years and for those that have played a part in helping me become the person I am today.
I am thankful that God is with me through the good times and bad. When I had given up on myself, He continued to love me, provide help (I was not always willing to take that help), and guide me in my life’s choices.
How do you recover from suffering?
1. Honor Your Pain. Avoidance of pain increases it.
2. Reach Out. Being alone is part of healing, but extended periods of isolation are unhealthy.
3. Take a Break. It's essential to take a break from your pain and engage in healthy compartmentalization.
4. Learn from It.
5. Move On.
I encourage you to take inventory of your life; if you are in a dark place, GET HELP. Work towards being the awesome, successful person you are meant to be!
