Podcast: Play in new window

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

My friend, I’ve got a question for you. How are you doing? 

I know you probably get asked that question all the time; at the grocery store, at church, and even at home. After a while, the question loses its value, causing you to give a quick “I’m fine” without a second thought. But not this time. This time, I’m leaning in to ask you once more, how are you doing?

I know that can be a heavy question, especially during hard seasons. Sometimes you just need to know that the person on the other end actually cares. And even if you are a private person, it’s important to be honest with yourself as you find the courage to open up to someone else.

Maybe you want to open up to someone about what you’re going through, but it hurts too much to bring your feelings to the surface. Maybe life has left you feeling so numb that you don’t even know what feelings you have. 

I want you to know that I’ve been there.

But I also know how free I feel every time a friend gives me the space to be real. And let me tell you something, even if no one is around to hold your hand through it, you can be that friend to yourself first. Give yourself the room to feel your feelings: the pain, the joy, and the sorrow. 

 

How to be honest with yourself

Something that’s become a practice of mine is journaling. I regularly carve out time to be still and let the words flow from my heart, to the pen, and onto the paper. What I’ve noticed is that as the words begin to flow, I can literally feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. I notice the same thing when I take my cares to God in prayer. My true feelings become apparent, and I’m able to move with more clarity of thought and peace of mind. I want to encourage you to give journaling a try. Definitely give prayer a try. And also, seek out counsel from a safe, trusted person. Start with the people closest to you: your husband, your sister, your small group. And if you need to get an objective viewpoint, a therapist or counselor may be the support you need.

Finding strength through vulnerability

I know what it’s like to be the strong one. The one that keeps everyone and everything together at all times. But the common phrase “check on your strong friend” is popular for a reason. Everyone needs support and to truly feel seen and heard by the safe people in our lives.

If you’re carrying the weight of:

  • Every day stress that compounds over time
  • Pain that comes with loss and grief
  • A heart hardened by betrayal, rejection, or neglect
  • Caring for the younger or older people in your life

Then you will feel so much lighter when you say:

  • I’m not doing the best, but I’m trusting God with all I have.
  • I really could use some advice, and I trust you. Do you have a moment to talk? 

I know I seem to have it all together, but this is a very hard season for me. 

And never underestimate the safety found in leaning on God. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

So this is me, leaning in to tell you that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s time to let go of the lie that everything is fine and let in safe people who can hold your hand through it all.

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Developing safe spaces
  • Having compassion for others
  • Choosing an honest response

Related Resources

Click to Post

Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. Who are the safe, trusted people in your life? How can you be honest with them about your feelings?
  2. What do you need support with? How can you ask for help?
  3. How can you extend compassion to someone in your life who needs it?

 

Connect with me…​

Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube​

Listen: iTunes | Android | Google | Spotify| Stitcher​

Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag

​

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!