Disclaimer: I am not a certified health professional. I have never formally been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This post contains information based on my own experiences and what has helped me. If you are suicidal or need to speak with someone, the following list contains professional resources on how to get help. Hotlines National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Substance Abuse and Mental Health…
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God Answers Prayers
I’ve come to learn when God answers prayers, they tend to look different than what I was picturing. As I rattle off my prayers to God like I’m going over a shopping list (do not recommend this method btw), I project my hopes and dreams in a glitter-tinted glow, imagining the desired outcome down to the minute details that have nothing to do with anything at all, like my hair,…
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Wildflowers
This summer I went on a hike with my mom up at Shrine Pass. My mom wanted to see the high-alpine wildflowers that show off their beautiful colors this time each year. This hike held significance for several reasons. It was the first time doing a hike with any real elevation gain in almost two years. An injury – and chronic pain – has prevented me from hiking, which is…
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Living Proof: How My Dating Disasters Taught Me About God’s Love
There’s an expression coined by my pastor that I love: the faith journey is about progression, not perfection. This is a mantra I repeat to myself on a daily basis. I used to compare myself a lot to other Christians because I didn’t feel like I was doing it right. I didn’t feel like I was good enough. But over the past couple of years since deep-diving into my faith,…
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How to Embrace “The Mary Season”
In the last couple of years, I’ve realized that life has its seasons – not just climatically but personally. Some seasons I’ve been a goal-setter, a hustler, a manifestor; going for my dreams and bringing them to life. Other seasons – like the one that I’m currently in – it’s less about getting to the destination as it is about the journey. It’s about doing less and being more present.…
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It’s Hard Being a Christian Sometimes
You know what most Christians won’t tell you? Sometimes it’s really fucking hard to follow Jesus. In the spirit of honesty, I’m going to tell you that I’m seriously feeling fed up. Fed up with myself and fed up with God. Before I was really active in my faith, I thought that being a Christian meant following a bunch of dumb rules. And if you know me, you know that…
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How to Use Logic When You’re Driven by Your Heart
Can I be honest here? I’ve never been a very logical person. My emotions have always run deep, like a well, and the water I draw from the well is the energy that drives my decisions. I’m very attuned to how I feel, and I act based on those feelings. My emotions drive my reactions, decisions, and actions in most of my life, ranging from the minute decisions like what…
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7 Effective Steps to Pursuing & Living Out Your Calling
In my first post related to “your calling,” I wrote about the distractions that may be keeping you from it. Getting the vision is one thing. Overcoming the distractions is another. Actually going for it is something else entirely. This week, I’m going to cover 4 practical steps to pursue your calling and go over 3 tips that will help you get there. Hold Your Plans Loosely – Focus on…
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Soul Food: What I Need vs. What I Want
I’m in one of those waves where I want a partner. I’m not lonely, per say, but I’ve been craving a man/relationship. God’s given me many men on this journey, but not in the way you’re probably thinking. As per usual, God’s been giving me what I need, not what I want and as my travels continue, I’m so grateful for it. Sure I’ve been wanting that physical connection; not…