It’s been a bit tough…

Lately, it’s been a bit tough.

Not in relation to anything in particular though.  Our family is doing well.  Jeremy preached on Sunday, and was amazing.  We did another marriage series skit and everything came together just fine.  Our kids are relatively healthy and happy and enjoying school and activities.  This past week, the last of our Fall ministries started up, launching us into our “normal schedule” for the school year (which basically means most afternoons and nights are full with the exception of every other Friday).

And to be honest, there is so much to be thankful for.

But I have to acknowledge that I’ve been struggling.  Feeling down and full of anxiety.  And these days and these feelings aren’t my favorite.  They become this heavy burden of feeling emotional and overwhelmed.  And it’s so limiting as to how I view the world around me.

And I feel like I can write this, because I’m pretty sure we all have these moments.  These days.  And sometimes, it’s hard to know what to do, or where to start to find the upswing.

Thankfully, for myself, I know what helps.  It’s this combo pack of a little bit of talking it out, a little bit of perspective shifting and a lot of sweating and working out.  So I talked to my husband who knows me and still loves me and tells me what I need to hear.  I talked to a few friends who prayed for me which was just so encouraging.  I added to my journal list of things that I’m grateful for.  And I ran.  And went back to my gym.  I’d taken a few months off with the busyness of summer, but really realized that it helps my anxiety so much.  For me, sweating is so cleansing and helps bring such relief to my anxious heart.  And another thing that helped just now?  An impromptu dance party with our kids.  Christian found a few songs that he knew I loved and we just danced it all out.  So yeah, with all that, a little crazy dancing with the kids helps too.

Tonight, if you are in the same boat, know you’re not alone.  It’s kind of a crappy (excuse my language) place to be but when you’re ready, find the things that help you get to your upswing.  Because even though life feels difficult at times, and even though life is difficult at times, there is always hope.  There are always positive ways to make your world feel better.  And yeah.  That’s about all I’ve got for tonight.  Thanks so much for stopping by.