The biggest thing I noticed about my emotional well-being over the past week is the need and desire to develop more joy and play/creativity in my life. I have noticed a tendency to be impatient with my own emotions (even though I am exceedingly gracious and patient with the emotions of other people… Hence the need to be intentional about self-care.)
Also, learning that “joy is a discipline“ = a huge revelation for me.
Realizing that I am created in the image of God who feels is a liberating revelation. I had not been aware of the extent to which I have internalized the concept that stoicism is the hallmark of a so-called good Christian, and that emotions are at odds with “proper discipleship”.
Years ago, I learned a helpful tool for processing emotions prayerfully to understand the lies I believed about myself and claim God’s truths. This was a super helpful tool to help me name my emotions and listen to them, so I’ve generally felt pretty in tune with my emotions. So I was surprised by this week of readings and practices and how they felt a bit like a necessary remedial refresher course in paying attention to my emotions — I think I’ve been pushing my emotions aside while in survival mode, not giving them space, not taking time to listen to what they are telling me.
Corrie, I relate to what you’ve said about pushing emotions to the side because of being in survival mode… that was my experience in the weeks after my husband‘s recent injury. Drawing parallels between our experiences is like comparing a short sprint to a marathon through an obstacle course. It sounds like your family has had a prolonged time of dealing with cancer and hospitalizations; it must be grueling and exhausting. Basically, I hope it helps to know that you’re not alone in the sense of being in survival mode and I’ve been holding you and your family in my prayers.
Last night I giggled as I went to bed. I felt happy. This came from having just finished a few hours of reading and research for a work related project and my recognition of how much I had missed that kind of stimulation. What energy is coming from doing something ‘newish’. That coupled with Day 34 focus on the power of play was a good reminder that God wants me to feel the range of emotions if I let myself.
The biggest thing I noticed about my emotional well-being over the past week is the need and desire to develop more joy and play/creativity in my life. I have noticed a tendency to be impatient with my own emotions (even though I am exceedingly gracious and patient with the emotions of other people… Hence the need to be intentional about self-care.)
Also, learning that “joy is a discipline“ = a huge revelation for me.
Realizing that I am created in the image of God who feels is a liberating revelation. I had not been aware of the extent to which I have internalized the concept that stoicism is the hallmark of a so-called good Christian, and that emotions are at odds with “proper discipleship”.
Years ago, I learned a helpful tool for processing emotions prayerfully to understand the lies I believed about myself and claim God’s truths. This was a super helpful tool to help me name my emotions and listen to them, so I’ve generally felt pretty in tune with my emotions. So I was surprised by this week of readings and practices and how they felt a bit like a necessary remedial refresher course in paying attention to my emotions — I think I’ve been pushing my emotions aside while in survival mode, not giving them space, not taking time to listen to what they are telling me.
Corrie, I relate to what you’ve said about pushing emotions to the side because of being in survival mode… that was my experience in the weeks after my husband‘s recent injury. Drawing parallels between our experiences is like comparing a short sprint to a marathon through an obstacle course. It sounds like your family has had a prolonged time of dealing with cancer and hospitalizations; it must be grueling and exhausting. Basically, I hope it helps to know that you’re not alone in the sense of being in survival mode and I’ve been holding you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you, Colleen - and likewise!
Last night I giggled as I went to bed. I felt happy. This came from having just finished a few hours of reading and research for a work related project and my recognition of how much I had missed that kind of stimulation. What energy is coming from doing something ‘newish’. That coupled with Day 34 focus on the power of play was a good reminder that God wants me to feel the range of emotions if I let myself.
Kris, giggles and laughter are so rewarding.
I agree with you that "the power of play" is so under-utilized.