Join a growing community learning about brain health and following Jesus.
Shifting Your Story
|
Hello Reader, How we tell our story has a lot to do with how we live it out. Whether speaking of a recent victory or a moment of loss, the words we use and what we focus on matter. There’s a particular season of my life I’d like to forget sometimes. One thing I am learning is how to shift my story by changing how I tell that story. Let’s review how I’ve told this story in the past and contrast that version with a new perspective. Perspective 1The year 2002 marked the beginning of one of the worst seasons of my life. That year and the three to four years to follow were some of the most grueling years of my life. In 2002, I was laid off from one of the best jobs I have ever had. This began a seemingly endless job search where, time after time, I started and ended multiple jobs. It was the perfect breeding ground for life-altering trauma. Perspective 2The year 2002 marked the beginning of one of the most challenging seasons of my life. That year and the three to four years to follow were some of the most character-forming years of my life. I truly learned to depend on God as stability was lost time after time due to unstable employment. God proved faithful and provided for all our needs. This season taught me a lot about what type of work suits me best. Healing from the trauma I experienced will take time, but I know God will be with me through it all. What can I learn from this?If we compare the two perspectives, one thing is clear: This was a tough season. I don’t want to pretend that all was rosy because it wasn’t. I am learning that the words I use and what I choose to focus on are essential. This process has helped me see all of the good that I miss when I focus on perspective one. Which side of the story do I want to live out?I frequently ask myself this question. I have spent the last nineteen years processing this season’s events and working on healing. I am NOT pushing these emotions down or putting on rose-colored glasses. Now that I have spent time reflecting on this season, it’s time for me to move forward. What is your next step?Everyone's journey is different, but I would encourage you to think about where you stand. Maybe it is time to find a counselor or pastor to help you process trauma or difficult emotions from past events. You could also go through this exercise and write about an event that brought you stress, frustration, fear, worry, shame, or another tough emotion. Whatever you choose, I would encourage you to surround yourself with a community of people who love and support you. If you would like to go through this exercise, you can find it posted in the discussion space within the Overflow Community. Not a member of the community? Tap the button below to receive an invitation. If you or someone you care about are experiencing depression or anxiety, please know you don’t have to face them alone. Check out the Overflow Community by tapping "Join the Overflow Community " below. 👇
(Note: After tapping the button, you will receive an email invitation with instructions and a link to join the community. If you have any questions, reply to this email.) I'd love to hear how this applies to your life. Could you hit "Reply" and tell me about your story? If you would like to read more about my story, check out this link. -Craig Booker P.S. If you enjoy Overflow and want to support it, here are four ways! PICK ONE right now before you forget: 1. Forward this newsletter to a friend with an invitation to subscribe right here. NEW EPISODE! #057: Choosing a SideListen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Click or tap on "Listen Now" 👇 to check out the latest episode.
|
Overflow by Craig Booker
Join a growing community learning about brain health and following Jesus.
Hello Reader, Pressure builds. Have you ever accidentally shaken up a can of your favorite soda before trying to open it? Much like your can of soda, pressure can unexpectedly build. Anytime pressure builds, it will eventually need to be released somewhere. If we fail to deal with it in a healthy way, it will come spewing out in unfortunate places. This explosion of emotions can happen in a variety of ways. The explosion will look different for each of us. If we allow the pressure to build...
Hello Reader, Have you ever been in a place where you couldn't face something? I ✋🏻 surely have! Just this past week, I woke up like I usually do on a Tuesday. For some reason, a question came to mind. I do not recall why I started thinking about this question or how it came up, but it was there. A few minutes later, I began making a note on my phone. I knew this question might get lost in my morning routine, and I didn't want it to slip through my mind. After making a note of the question,...
Hello Reader, There's an old saying that says, "Time heals all wounds." While time certainly plays a crucial role in our journey, it will not heal all wounds. We cannot experience a traumatic event, circumstances, or surroundings and sweep it under the rug, hoping for it to disappear. Returning to those feelings, we often find emotions as fresh and raw as the day we left them. In last week's exercise, community members created a timeline detailing the events and circumstances that helped...