I think that we all feel this way to some degree, but women are especially prone to it. Past the constant pressures that society put on us, we also get it from our family, friends and co-workers.
In the internet obsessed world we live in, our lives are so busy and jam packed that we crave time to do “nothing”. We justify looking at our phone to “relax” for 5 minutes when it sucks us in and it becomes 30 or more. We are looking for something to distract us, make us forget our busy schedule or make us feel better about ourselves and our lives. Or all of the above.
I am guilty of it. We all are. I hate to admit it, but it’s easier.
Easier to get lost in Instagram
Easier to waste 2 hours watching Youtube videos
Easier to shop online for things we don’t need
Even though you know deep down it’s not the best use of your time, it’s just easy.
Jennie explains it this way:
“We were made for wonder, but we’ve settled for entertainment. God built us to crave true, fulfilling joy. But for many of us, that God-given craving for heart satisfaction has driven us past God himself, who was meant to be the fulfillment of those desires, toward a drug that dulls the ache of dissatisfaction and disappointment but never truly fulfills us.” Pg 91
“We’ve traded the wonder and satisfaction of a deep relationship with our Creator for Netflix, social media, and a new purse.” Pg 91
“What if abundant joy, bliss, wonder, pleasure are ours, and we just kept missing them for fleeting entertainment?” Pg 93
Truly connecting with God is not as simple. Reading the Bible is not always appealing. ( like you haven’t thought that before…) And sometimes it can be down right confusing. Having a relationship with someone you can’t see, touch or hear is difficult to say the least. I am not down playing that in the slightest. But I believe in the long run it will be worth it.
I would rather put my hope in God’s plan than my own faulty ideas of what I think should happen. It’s easier to say and harder to do.
Finding what works best for me is essential to finding that connection. What works for others may not work for you. Don’t feel guilty or shame for it. God made us all different for a reason.
Put down your phone
Take a walk
Talk to a friend (in person)
Read a book
You are enough because Jesus is enough. Stop trying to fill up with everything else but Jesus.
I plan on making more posts on my thoughts of Jennie’s book and the things I am getting out of it.
These are my own thoughts and feelings. I am not receiving compensation for this post. All words are my own except for what is italicized and in quotations.
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C H A N G E.
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January has been a difficult month to say the least. (Even though it flew by! )
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I appreciate when people are honest and genuine and I believe that mental health needs to be discussed more.
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I have been dealing with depression for most of my life. This past month, it has probably been the worst it has ever been. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions and in some pretty dark places.
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I am not magically better but I am somehow in a place were a small amount of motivation has sparked. I am sharing this because I KNOW there are other people who have the same feelings and experiences. Last year, 3.3 million American adults are believed to suffer with dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) which I have been diagnosed with. Only 61.7% of adults are receiving treatment.
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A little over half are being treated! And those are just the adults. Yet we ALL give the perception that our life is wonderful. I know that I don't necessarily want to share the negativity with others when I am struggling, so forcing a smile seems to be a better option.
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But I have noticed I respect people more when they are genuine with their struggles and flaws than "perfect photos".
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Other mental illnesses:
•PTSD- post traumatic stress disorder
•OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder
•Social Anxiety Disorder
•PD-Panic Disorder
•Bipolar depression
•Specific phobias
And this is just to name a few.
Our brain is a wonderful, powerful, mysterious thing. But these illness DO NOT define who we are. We ALL have struggles, whether mental or not. But if our flaws, issues and struggles continue to be hidden, they absolutely will not be able to improve but most likely get worse.
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If people will these issues get help and feel supported, I can't even imagine how many suicides, mass shootings and destructive acts would and could be prevented.
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I am still on my own journey to a healthier mind, but I am determined that BIG CHANGE will happen for me this year. It has to.
If you are suicidal, please contact the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (America)
Canada: 1-866-APPELLE
Visit www.togetherweare-strong.tumblr.com for a full list.
Please seek medical attention if you are dealing with ANY of these mental issues. Don't remain silent!
Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and experiences. The statistics are from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. I am not being paid for this post. I was not asked to speak about this topic.
]]>I am over the moon about this opportunity, especially since I still feel like I have no idea what I am doing. (cause it's true) I am finally going after my dream of creating art and owning my own business.
I find myself at a lose for words because I still can't believe it. This has been a long time coming and it excites me and scares me to death at the same time! I have so many ideas swirling around in my head and I hope that some day soon those ideas will go from a dream to a reality.
I hope you come along for the ride with me! Also, this print is available under my Products tab if you would like to purchase it.
Check out Cottages & Bungalows February/March Issue at Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, and Ralph's.
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