About This Blog

My blog shares my recovery journey from childhood abuse to living with mental illness. I've been involved in twelve step groups and therapy since 1982. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in 1988. To the best of my ability, I have followed where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. Maybe you'll find the hope and strength you need through what I write. Maybe you want to stop hurting yourself. Maybe you have a friend who needs help and can benefit from my story. I was newly disabled when I asked God this question: "What do you want me to do with my life?" I closed my eyes and paused for a few moments to still my mind. This is what I sensed from Him: "Amy, I want you to write your story to bring hope and healing to those who are still suffering." And that's exactly what I am doing!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

When Stress Becomes Too Much

I love Star Trek - The Next Generation.  The original was cool but at my age, Next was it.  I especially like the opening music and words:


"To seek out new life and new civilizations,
To boldly go where no one has gone before."

In this season of life, I am learning how to stand up for myself and use my voice.  A voice that has been silent when it comes to how I am treated by others.  Relying on my inner voice to give strength to my vocal voice.  Not by yelling or screaming but by feeling and thinking and processing and yes, writing.  I usually check in with a few trusted besties before I move forward.  Sometimes I don't because I'm very comfortable inside myself to know how to handle it.

I do not yell - I am assertive and stern with my words.
I do not scream - I clearly communicate the problem.
I do not rage on someone - I try to be concise and succinct with the issues at hand

I do tell how I felt - I only share one or two feelings
I do tell what I think - Again, sparingly
I do tell what I need for a resolution - Usually one or two requests.

Then, it's up to them.

As I  keep on seeking "new life" (being conformed to the image of Christ) and "new civilizations" (my family and besties and new church), I have every ounce of faith that God is going to take me places I have never been before.

And that, my friend, is living boldly.