Trail #26 Journey Towards Wholeness

Welcome to Embrace Joy where we are Walking the Road to Restoration. This week we will explore the different ways we navigate our healing journey especially as it relates to trauma and chronic illness.

Healing involves not just the physical but also emotional and spiritual characteristics. Let’s talk about how we can use therapy, self-care practices, and coping strategies to guide individuals toward wholeness.

Therapy is sometimes looked down on by different churches and pastors. Some people say that prayer is the only answer to the pain of life. There is a stigma that therapy is a sign of spiritual weakness.

Actually, seeking professional help is a crucial step in the healing process. It is not a sign that you are weak but a sign of strength because you are casting off pride to ask for help. Therapy can show us the power of God’s grace and His amazing healing as the Great Physician. Proverbs 11:14 states, “For lack of guidance a nation falls but victory is won through many advisers.”

Early in my walk with God I had a pastor who recommended using therapy to process my trauma. Having a Christian therapist is a safe space to explore emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It helps us understand what is a healthy relationship and unhealthy experiences. We can learn from Jesus through the way He offered love and forgiveness with boundaries. Therapy takes a look at life’s suffering. The feelings of loneliness, fear and pain with trauma can be processed with life being restored.

The next step in our journey of wholeness is focusing on self-care. We need to nurture our body, mind and spirit. Taking care of ourselves allows us to better serve and glorify God. Physically what are you doing to ensure you have all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants? We need to have the right nutrition for fuel for our bodies to run properly. It is important to find supplements that will be absorbed into the body and are in a balanced form. I have found that the Reliv products provide the nutrition to fill the gaps physically. Right now you can receive up to 20% discount on your first order.

Emotionally it is time to accept yourself. No judgment or criticism rather honor and embrace your strengths and weaknesses. This can lower stress and anxiety because it sets you free to live a happier life despite the challenges in your life. Don’t forget to have an attitude of gratitude. This is not just something we do at Thanksgiving but all year round. Author Ruthie Ridley states “Having an ongoing conversation throughout the day with God is how I stay whole, simply giving Him thanks and recognizing all that I have to be thankful for.”

How we cope with trauma can be challenging. We need to have strategies in place before the stress and anxiety creep in. This also is important as we live with a chronic illness. Notice what your thoughts are telling you. It is common to think that there is nothing you can do, life is unfair and it is hopeless. There were years and even now I need to challenge that negative self-talk. I encourage you to take the time to accept your diagnosis. That does not mean that you like it but by facing the diagnosis you can move forward.

Coping with your illness means accepting assistance from others. Sharing how you are doing physically, emotionally and spiritually with someone you trust is valuable. There are support groups around the world that often are specific to certain diagnosis. Take the time to learn about your illness. This gives us control over something that is fearful. Finding relaxation techniques can help you cope with your symptoms. Look into how prayer, yoga, along with muscle relaxation have helped others.

John 10:10 reminds us that “the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy but Christ came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” God promises wholeness. As we wrap up today’s episode, it i s clear that the healing journey is unique for each person. Therapy, self-care and coping strategies will help us on our walk towards restoration. To learn more about rising above chronic illness and having wholeness, schedule a FREE 30-minute discovery call and receive one-on-one coaching. Learn more at https://joyembracejoycoach.wixsite.com/welcome