This is a continuation of a series every Friday where I will be highlighting the growth and healing of one of my readers, a new reader each week. These, my sweet ones, are their brave and vulnerable stories. Take heart…you are not alone. -Elisabeth
How do we find our proper path in life?
If you are like me, you have asked yourself this question many times throughout your life. It is scary to walk through dark uncharted woods or what some refer to as “the unknown”. Because of this fear, we stick to the safer roads that have plenty of street lights.
But what if the other direction is the way towards our purpose? Perhaps what we need is a flashlight or a guide that helps to lead the way.
What most of us don’t realize, is that we do have this tool. Some call it the inner voice or intuition but perhaps it’s something bigger than that. Perhaps it’s divine inspiration.
The problem is that most of us don’t know how to recognize this and allow it in. Some don’t want to give faith a chance. Society has placed within us preconceived notions about the life we are supposed to live and the dreams we are supposed to chase. We follow safe routes, acceptable careers, more money, stability and comfort zones because that is what we have been programmed to believe is right. We buy homes we can’t afford and accumulate unnecessary materials through added debt just to try to buy a happiness that has no price tag.
But what happens when it isn’t enough? What happens when you have that knot in your stomach? When you just know things aren’t right? When you are miserable and unfulfilled regardless of these accumulations? What happens when you no longer recognize yourself? You may even begin to develop anxiety, sleeplessness and emotional distress. These are all by products of ignoring that divine pull. You can try your best to muffle the sound but the vibrations will just intensify.
So how can we begin to alter our current path? What can you do to change things? Well first decide that you can and will begin now regardless of your circumstances. Not tomorrow or next week but now! Start with soul searching.
Be brutally honest with yourself and decide which areas of your life need drastic changes and which ones just need some polishing.
Some ways to accomplish this task is with a journal. Start keeping daily logs of your thoughts and activities. Keep a tally on triggers that cause the severe emotional shifts. What about your day leaves you feeling unfulfilled? What do you wish you could do instead? What are the things that feed your soul and which things are consuming you?
Another helpful tool is meditation and spiritual worship. You can try various techniques from sitting meditations, mantra meditations, visualizations or prayer meditation on scriptures. Breathing exercises can help to slowly quiet racing thoughts so you can focus during your meditation. You will need to try various techniques to see which type works best for you.
Spiritual discipline is also very beneficial to personal development. Become involved in your congregational community. Attend services, volunteer and most importantly pray.
Exercising is also a great addition to the mix.
Lastly and most importantly, be kind to yourself and others. Start each morning being grateful for the life you have, the beauty that surrounds you and the people you love.
Implementing these new changes will not magically work overnight but I promise that with daily practice, you will begin to see the benefits.
Put your trust in God and let him steer the way. Allow yourself to surrender to something bigger than any of us.
I strongly implore you to live a life you want to live and not one that just looks good on paper. It will take courage and persistence but the outcome will make it all worth it. I am here with you on this journey.
-Mindy Ganz
www.Enlightenthejourney.com
If this sweet woman’s post resonated with your heart, please know that you are not alone. Here are a few resources for you:
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If you’d like to receive my free e s-book, You’re Going to Make It Through, you can get it here.
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If in a difficult marriage: Surviving in a Difficult Christian Marriage is available as a PDF/e-book: www.elisabethklein.com/books
If separated/divorced: Unraveling: Hanging onto Faith through the End of a Christian Marriage is available in paperback/e-book: http://tinyurl.com/phowp95
If a single mom: Moving on as a Christian Single Mom is available in paperback/e-book: www.elisabethklein.com/books
