Day 8/31 of Self Love

Read this post for an explanation!

My Definition of Self Love - Learning not to hate yourself; being okay with past mistakes, but not repeating them; refusing to use current failures as fuel for self-hate and instead using them as opportunities to improve; and reminding yourself, "You are loved, you are valuable, and you are God's child."

Hmmm...probably in my journey to healing. It's very easy for me to look back on my past and compare it to my present, telling myself, "You're a failure because you're not any better than you were a few years ago." Thankfully, I have J to encourage me by pointing out areas in which I have grown. Since my journey to better mental health will probably take many years, it's easy to become discouraged and think that nothing will change. But the war against anxiety and depression is often won by small battles - things that are seemingly trivial to someone without similar struggles, such as making a phone call, reaching out to a friend for help, or making a therapy appointment. I need to recognize that the size of these victories does not diminish their importance. I need to tell myself, "You are not a failure because you still struggle with anxiety and depression. You have come a long way, by the grace of God in your life working through the support of friends and family and cognitive behavioral therapy. You may have a long way to go, but you have come even father."

J's Thoughts:

As a future pastor, when speaking to individuals about slowing down and taking time in their lives, they often assume I'm referring to having more quiet times with God. While the need for quiet times and personal devotions should not be dismissed, I don't think that's a primary struggle for most believers. In their walks with God, most serious believers are very intentional - they carefully plan their quiet times, join Bible studies, and faithfully attend church. What many Christians miss, however, is the simple, pure joy of having a relationship with Christ. Many believers need to slow down and take time to simply rejoice in what God has made. A Christian's walk with God is not a religious to-do list - it's a living relationship with God. This is the God who created waterfalls, stars, and the taste of food! I firmly believe that most believers need to remove much of the religiosity from their lives and instead experience joy and worship in the simple things God has made.