Give yourself a break!
Often, when we feel tired and depleted, we know we are low-functioning, and we can feel the “enough” button about to snap at those around us, or shut down and go silent. Everyone is familiar with that feeling of reeling and spiraling. So what’s the wise thing to do?
At this point of (what it feels like) personal dilemma, we can either numb our minds through entertainment or, crash and sleep, find some form of distraction from reality. While none of these are necessarily wrong, they may not satisfy what you are craving the most.
A great way to give yourself a break, and truly replenish your heart and soul is to remind your heart of the truth. Instead of spiraling into all the questions that are looming, you can focus on what you know to be true.
Here are two of the ways that help us:
Hone in and focus on what’s right with you instead of what’s wrong with you
Choose to continually and consistently agree with God’s opinion of you and your circumstances
The result? Launching into the best version of yourself, and as you are filled to overflowing you can give your relationships what they need most: kindness, patience, gentleness, humility, and an allowance for others’ faults. (Otherwise known as tolerance and mercy!) We understand the challenge of this, especially in the face of injustice, and that’s why you need to tap into the resources that are available to you to be generous in unconditional love.
Even though I feel alone, and abandoned,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I have a best friend. I choose to see Him as visible and real. He is with me right now. He loves me unconditionally. He knows everything there is to know about me. He understands my every thought and is intimately aware of me. He reads my heart like an open book. He knows every step I take before my journey even begins. He’s gone into my future to prepare the way and in kindness, he follows behind me sparing me from the harm of my past.
Even though I feel like a fool,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I am strong and confident, and he shields me from the arrows of disgrace and mocking. I am free from my past mistakes. His love never fails and covers a multitude of sins. Even though I used to imagine a cloak of shame, calling me names, the truth is Jesus has taken that cloak off of me and given me a strong vigilant victorious garment of praise and identity as His very precious child.
Even though I’m scared of the future,
The truth is, because of Jesus I choose to feel secure. I love feeling secure, knowing that He knows the days ahead and exactly what I will need. He has gone before me and provided everything my heart would long for. I trust my inner wisdom. There is a place in my heart that is connected to the infinite wisdom of God. He has all the answers to any questions I will ever have. I learn to trust God in me, as I go about my daily affairs, I listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of me.
Even though there’s pressure for me to be perfect,
the truth is, because of Jesus, I am completely accepted, I am free from others’ expectations of me. And I’m not in trouble. I love feeling like I’m not in trouble. There’s nothing wrong. I can breathe deeply and relax.
Even though I feel responsible for how people feel around me,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I can trust that He is enough to take care of my loved ones. I am free from other people’s emotions and feelings. I am called to love those around me and smile at their journey, but I’m not responsible for fixing them, protecting them, improving them, or making them happy. They are responsible for their own feelings, and I am just called to love them.
Even though I feel disappointed in what’s happening right now,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I accept that there is so much I don’t know. I can trust that Jesus understands so much more than me, and I can’t control the process and I can’t control the outcome. When I fear, I automatically control, but because I am so deeply loved by God, I can trust Him. And trusting Him is like giving Him the ultimate gift. He can do so much with my trust.
Even though I feel tired and overwhelmed,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I receive rest for the deepest part of my soul. I let go of the expectations others have on me, and I receive my approval and acceptance from Jesus. I rely on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to give me step-by-step guidance in finding deep rest. I release my tight hold on the plans that I have and trust God to teach me the best way to use my time. I invest in the quality of life because this life is a gift. As I love life, life loves me right back. Today I treat myself to moments of luxury. And everyone has their own personal definition of what luxury is. It can be as simple as gazing into a specific beauty in nature. God has laid his hand on me. His understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Even though I feel like I don’t have enough,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I get to choose to change my mindsets. I agree with how God feels about me, and his opinion of me and my future. I deserve to have abundance and success. I let go of all expectations. If I don’t have specific expectations, it doesn’t matter what comes up, I flow freely and lovingly with life.
Even though I feel down and discouraged,
The truth is, because of Jesus, I can change my thoughts and focus. I am the only one that can think for myself, and I embrace my potential to accept and expect the promises of God to be mine. I am free to think wonderful thoughts. I am now becoming all that I am created to be
I release all fears and doubts. They are just delay mechanisms, so I free myself from destructive thoughts. Divine wisdom guides me. I have God’s holy spirit who is on my side.
I love life! Every morning when I wake up I get to experience another great day. I’m glad to be alive
Even though I don’t know what to do next,
The truth is, because of Jesus there is a clear path in front of me, and I choose to see it and create it in my secret place. It is a beautiful path full of provision. It is always God’s will for me to be thankful in all things, so I focus on all the things I’m thankful for…I can always find some! Everyone is continually finding what they’re looking for. I am looking for beauty, provision, abundance, health, and I trust God, so my faith can see that which is unseen. I see the end from the beginning! I see myself content, and I begin to feel content now. I don’t wait for it to happen in this physical world, because my faith can already feel it.
Even though somebody has hurt me and damaged me,
The truth is God responds to my humility and willingness and helps me find the way to forgive myself, and others. If I sit in a prison of self-righteous resentment, I can’t be free. Even if I don’t know exactly how to forgive, my willingness to forgive begins my healing process. I allow the love in my own heart to wash through me, cleansing and healing every part of me. I know I'm worth healing. I am safe. I am willing to forgive. Forgiveness is the answer to every problem
The thoughts we think and the words we speak are constantly shaping our world and our experiences. Many of us are in the old habit of negative thinking - don’t realize the damage we have inflicted on ourselves. But we are never stuck. Because we can always change our thinking, and we can agree with how God feels about us, His opinion about us, and what He says is right about us.
Hear more about this topic on Episode 118 of All About Relationships Podcast with Bob and Audrey