It's a curious thing to me when I see people who always want comfort and ease. They call it "blessing."  They talk about living a prosperous life and they constantly rebuke every from of adversity or uncomfortable circumstance that might make them less than perfectly happy in the present moment.

What they are missing is the bigger blessing- the more important blessing.  The lessons, the strength, the growth,  The sanctification process.  All of this happens through trial, pain, heartache.

If you are in the middle of a storm, seek not to escape it.  Seek to learn from it.  Consider it joy that you have been given a precious opportunity to grow.

Be brave, my friends, - M
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I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott

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photo credit: pixabay
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I've always imagined myself as an older therapist with long gray hair, wearing a tie-dye dress and Birkenstocks. Helping the younger generation gain freedom through the wisdom of age.  A quaint trailer for my home. Maybe a wind chime and a beaded curtain for a door.  

A free-spirit. Unburdened by the stylish demands of a fickle society.  Eating homemade granola. Comfortable in my own skin.

Instead, I live in a cul-de-sac in a college town. I don't smoke pot.  Or burn incense. And I will probably never pay off my student loans.  I color my hair.  Probably too much.

But, I am a therapist.  And, there's still time.  Who knows?
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Do you ever dream of a carefree life?  Off the grid or otherwise disconnected from daily chaos?

On sunny breezy days like today, I think about that.  

Happy daydreams, my friends, - M

Subscribe to the wannabe hippy's mental health vlog at Can We Talk? or find me @TweetmentPlan. 

My youngest said something to me today when we were looking at an old YT video (on a channel that I'm locked out of- grrr).  She said, "Oh, Mommy!  That's you?  You used to be pretty!"  

Right then it hit me: I haven't been underestimating the effects of my time spent in the dark valley.  It's been five years but it looks like more.  It feels like more.  A lot more.

Stress can take its toll.

I knew it at the time.  I could feel it.  It may sound funny, but it was like I could feel it at a cellular level- it was effecting me, changing me from the inside.

What's the point, here?  Whining?  Maybe a little. I mean I earned a bit of a whimper at least, right?   More so the point is, if you are walking through the valley- if you are in an emotional storm, or facing a heartbreaking life trial, please remember to take time to care of yourself and your broken heart.

Even when we are hurting, we can eat well (may not a lot, but well); we can sleep as much as possible; we can exercise; we can refrain from unhealthy coping mechanisms.  We can take vitamins, drink plenty of water and seek out excellent counseling from a qualified professional. 

​I'll admit, I did only a few of these.  Most days it was only "breathe in, breathe out... survive."  Perhaps the results would have been lessened had I taken the advice of my own profession.  So, let me end with this fun and oh, so wise saying: Do as I say, not as I do!! 

Guard your heart (and your face), my friends, - M

Subscribe to my learning, growing, healing mental health vlog at Can We Talk? or find me @TweetmentPlan. 
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​Photo credit: pixabay