“Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.”
(Romans 12:9 MSG)
Joy and sorrow, grief and hope can all be felt at the same time, friend. And that’s completely normal. For we are complex and multifaceted beings, and our emotions follow suit.
The best ways I have found to deal with my emotions?
1. Feel them, don’t squash them down & bottle them up.
Acknowledging them helps release tension in your body.
2. Be appropriately honest when asked how you are doing. If someone is sitting down with you on a prayer or therapy session, you can be more candid than a quick “How ya doing?” in the grocery store. “It’s been a bit tough lately” is a good response without getting into all the depths of your emotions.
3. Spend more time in the Word, in worship, in prayer. The One who designed you knows exactly how you are feeling, and can help you navigate and unpack things accordingly. He has never made me feel bad over anything I am feeling, but calmly and lovingly pointed out something I need to know or overlooked at the time.
4. Take care of yourself physically by eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and exercise to help your body through a tough emotional season.
5. Be there for your friends and family for their rollercoaster rides too. A grief shared is halved, a joy shared is doubled!
#sharingHope
KARLA LEES 