What happens when relationships does not go smoothly? Do we give up or do we learn how to navigate the hard places and develop healthy skills that can build lasting relationships? This is the link to my newest podcast as we continue the WHAT IF series. https://www.spreaker.com/user/8739934/what-if-contd-the-price-of-vulnerability
This latest podcast is link to a post i did last year on support, read it here https://www.woundstoscars.com/no-man-is-an-island/
I have finally done my first podcast today. it is an exciting time here at woundstoscars this is something I have long wanted to do but was unsure of how to tackle it and the best platform to use. This is the link to listen. https://www.spreaker.com/user/8739934/the-power-of-vulnerability
The title of the podcast is ‘the power of vulnerability’
This is the first message of a three part series entitled ‘WHAT IF’
I received such wonderful comments and feedback from this video I decided to share it with you here. Wonds2Scars from Joanna on Vimeo. please leave a comment after watching. Any questions and feedback can be emailed.
These are 5 strategies that are keys ingredients in achieving emotional success.
There is usually a silence around the area of emotional health. There seemed to be an almost unspoken agreement that no one will talk about it. The lie that emotional health is not affecting scores of people gets perpetrated over and over again. This silence lies as well, it tells the one suffering that emotional success is out of reach and unattainable.
I believe that people should be free to access the help they need or find a language in which to express their pain. Too many have had their voices taken through carrying secrets that are not theirs. Experiencing shame and embarrassment and being held captive by their emotions. If many of these individuals are allowed to grieve their loss, they would be free to mourn, move on and help someone else.
Silence keeps you bound in a place of dysfunction sometimes influencing a destructive cycle of keeping people at arm’s length and never committing to relationships.
Support enables emotional success
It is important to accept that support is needed to successfully navigate emotional stress. I have been the recipient of hearing many very in-depth conversations and disclosures from total strangers. Perhaps the element of them possibly never seeing me again, made it easier to share. Talking to a stranger at odd times may be beneficial, however, who do you call in the darkness of your struggle? Who do you reach out to when you need someone to walk with you through a difficult part of your journey? Are you able to identify the need for support?
Acknowledging the need for support is a pivotal part of healing. I can appreciate that it takes time for relationships to build and for bonds to form. Nevertheless, this will be a journey worth taking.
Identifying and accepting the need for support will be a key ingredient for emotional success.
The Saviour is the key ingredient for emotional success
Here is the most important component of healing, we have a saviour who is interested in everything about us and He wants us to be whole. Jesus died that we might have life more abundantly. nonetheless, sometimes we reject this offer and miss out on this free gift. Maybe you are wondering about His capacity to understand or relate to where you are, Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV) puts it beautifully
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed.
Emotional success is possible only as we allow God into the darkness of our situation, He is the wonderful counsellor and knows you more than you know yourself.
Shame
Shame is an uncomfortable topic; this is a subject that many find hard to speak on openly. Shame is pervasive; it takes over our thoughts and can dictate our actions. People act and react out of shame, yet no one mentions it or dare to speak it aloud. I remember the first time I was impressed to share my story. After my presentation had concluded, as I sat down; I felt this strong urge to be ashamed. The thoughts were: your secret is out, everyone knows, be ashamed. I quickly straightened my spine and said a quick prayer. I did not allow myself to feel ashamed; I made the decision to bravely face the audience after my disclosure.
The unfortunate truth is that many people suffer from a misplaced sense of shame. Many are too ashamed of their experiences to speak about it. Convinced they are the only one, they carry this weight that is not theirs to bear. Shame can persuade you to keep silent, be afraid it says. In this darkness and secrecy, it has the power to torment and further shackle you. The new life that everyone talks about seems hopelessly out of reach. Remember all things are possible with God. He promises that instead of shame you will He will give honour. Make the decision to break free from shame. Ask Him the path to wholeness and follow His instructions.
Whatsoever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing added to it and nothing taken from it.’ Because with Him, there is no variableness neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).
Self-care an important contributor to emotional success
Self-care is important as you work through any kind of emotional pain. Get regular exercise, have good nutrition, get enough rest, enjoy time in fresh air and sunshine and trust in God. That is a potent combination to help you relax, rejuvenate and fired up on those occasions when life becomes overwhelming.