So , Truth: I am already over the Sunday thing. Maybe I’ll try it again  later. I’ll also try not to bombard you with blogs.

 

Seriously. Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to read. I want to steer away from the topic of emotions and talk about something different.

As a counselor, I work from the framework that the way we believe, think and perceive events that happen to us in our lives will affect the way we believe, think and feel about ourselves. So If we can take time to look objectively at the events in our lives and find strength then we can find empowerment to move forward and live our best lives. Whatever that looks like for people.

The empowerment comes when we are able to own our story with confidence and compassion. Honoring the moments of pain, victory , and everything in-between.

In order to do this, we must start at the beginning and figure out what that story is.

For the longest time, I would puke internally anytime someone would say any of the following statements.

Your story is beautiful. 

Your like a pearl buried deep within the oyster shell. ( I translated that into some form of the ugly duckling story.) 

You’re precious . Unique. Different. 

Normal is boring.

To which, I would internally respond:  (Fine, if you like it so much, you be precious, you be unique. I hate this.) Just kidding, I said it out loud. That didn’t always go over well.

All of those words translated into a negative message in my mind. Because I didn’t want to be different. I wanted to be normal. Whatever that was. I longed for it. I just wanted my story to be different. 

All along there was something inside of me that said : but what if…

Now, a lot of the time, when I am talking about the “what if’s” with people, it is coming from a place of anxiety , and how anxiety has this “what if?” reel playing over and over in their heads.

This time is different

What if there is beauty to be found in the life you live?

What if there is good that can come from the trials you have faced?

What if one day you meet someone who draws strength from where you’ve been? 

Could you be the story that someone hears and says:  I relate more than you know, you give me hope. 

I’d be lacking if I didn’t mention the truth that it is tough work, and you’re not meant to do it alone. So, reach out to people, counselors, life coaches or spiritual mentors for help. Wherever you are in your season.

 

Keep going. As much as it hurts. As much as it feels not worth it. Keep going. One day, you will be able to see the work you’ve put in of owning and honoring your story and yourself.

It may come in the form of the moment you realize you didn’t cringe when somebody mentioned who you use to be. Or how you use to act.

It may come in the form of you realizing that when you think of where you’ve been, when you think of a time in your life that would normally make you feel icky, gross and angry: You now feel peace, neutrality and gratitude.

Those days do come. I promise. But you have to be honest. You have to be real.

But they will come if you want them too. Its cool. Its freeing. Its freedom.

It’s worth it.

YOU’RE WORTH IT.

Be encouraged,

Rachael