There is so much more to “healing” than just the physical…than just diet. That is why I included a “Meditation” section. Healing is Mind, Soul, and Body. I have spent a lot of time just trying to get my story together, and trying to just get the page set up, but today I am overwhelmed with this thought. It is a very important part of the healing process. Your mind and the battles that go on there, have a tremendous effect on your health. They trigger stress…stress triggers flares and other issues. So today I am going to share a major, major important lesson I am currently learning. I am not perfect. I am still working on this, but God is really helping me. Being Grateful. Contentment.

I have always…ALWAYS struggled with what others think of me. I could go into all theories of where I believe that came from, and while I do believe that is important…because our pasts shape us…they create us, BUT we DO NOT have to stay there. And that is more important than the “how we got there.” If that makes sense…

Last fall I came across a journal that really interested me. I bought it. Life was crazy and busy, and in the middle of another study, and this journal set on my shelf. Well, I felt compelled to open it a couple weeks or so ago. What was I waiting for?! Rachel Cruze’s Contentment Journal is an amazing resource. It is simple. Yet mind provoking.

There have been some things, even before I started this journal that I felt God nudging me to adjust, change, let go, fix, do…because God is faithful. We are human and we are ever in desperate need of his help. One such area for me was/is social media. Rachel hits that nail on the head in this article that I came across this morning. I encourage you all to read it! How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others. This is an area that God has been working with me on. It is so easy to feel like you don’t fit in, or belong because you aren’t like ____________, or because you don’t have _____________, or can’t do ______________…and on and on. That’s the devil’s tactic. That’s his job. And it is a very easy trap to fall into. I am learning…I am trying…God is helping me. I am so thankful that “I belong to God, and HE LOVES ME.” At the end of the day, THAT is all that matters!

I want you all to go read the article, so I am going to only number them. I’m not even going to use her titles, because I in no way want to take from her amazing writing. However, I do want to add a few of my own thoughts to her steps…I guess more of what I got out of it, and how I see myself.

1. I downloaded the app called Presently: A Gratitude Journal I do this in addition to the Contentment journal. I basically follow her short one word “list” idea on the app. I find myself looking for things to add to it each morning. 🙂
2. I am endeavoring to make my space…”My space”…MY home. MY house. What I love. About ME and MY family. I know that sounds somewhat selfish, but let me explain. I was finding myself more and more thinking, “but if I do this what would “so and so think if they do/could see it.” SERIOUSLY!? BUT do you LOVE it? Is it what YOU want? Is YOUR husband happy? Are YOUR children happy?
3. You may want someone else’s life, but you don’t know the “behind the scenes story.” There were/are a couple lives that really was getting to me. Really making me feel like I was seriously lacking some places. But my husband helped me break down the “real story.” I decided that wasn’t really what I wanted after all! The devil truly does paint a beautiful picture sometimes. He only puts in the forefront what he wants you to see! (And sometimes this is still hard for me and my husband has to help me get it back in the right perspective. There are many reasons that contribute to this. There are things that just flat do not make sense to me. Because of how I was raised I just do not understand how some things can be. I am being real and honest here.)
4. This one is hard for me, because it feels like bragging…or maybe because I have such a low self-esteem. But because of it being such a hard thing for me and the fact that I am working on these steps, I am going to name a couple of my strengths here.
   
   ~I am a planner/organizer. Procrastinating drives me batty! LOL Some call this a weakness, but with all the things we have had to deal with in life, it was definitely a strength! If everything’s in its place then it is easily found!
   ~I love giving gifts. Maybe because that is my love language, and I use to be embarrassed to admit that was my love language, b/c it seemed materialistic, but I also realized that people tend to “live” their love language, and I do. I give things away/give gifts all the time! I love making other people happy! I tend to go overboard, but I love doing it!
   ~I love my family. I will drop everything for them. I put them and their needs first. The people in my life are way more important to me than the “things”.
   ~I am a good cook…at least my men in my house think so…BWAHAHAHA. Seriously though…
5. I am ashamed to admit this one has been a struggle for me. Only on a certain level though. But This is one of the areas that I truly believe God is helping me in. And it is helping that I am working on MY own goals…MY own dreams. (and I say MY b/c I am writing this, but it is definitely OUR…My husband and I…we are a team!)
6. This is a new step for me and I am actually kind of excited to put it into practice!
7. I have taken a major step backwards regarding social media. It’s ok to “unfollow” people who make you feel negative and annoyed. The constant negativity creates anxious and negative thoughts, that will consume you. It then effects you, your family, those around you. Your relationships…your health…It’s ok to say “no”. Even to social media. Unfollow, block, delete, turn off…it’s ok!
8. I have done this! It is freeing!

I encourage you to go read the above article and purchase this journal and get started towards a positive, healthier, more thankful lifestyle!