Being busy can be good. In the past I have often used that to keep from thinking about problems. I still do sometimes. I think it can be healthy if not overused.
Sometimes a respite is needed.
But I've come to believe that a busy mind is not the normal state of the mind. For me it was a way to avoid the abusive situation I grew up in. I honestly didn't know any other way. But busy minds, don't have time left over for being creative or reflecting. Too much energy is used up with anxiety and defensiveness.
Joyce Meyer talks about this in her book "The Battlefield of the Mind". She talks about the anxious mind being one that can never be at peace for they are polar points of existence. Once you have begun to deal with your own anxieties, issues or demons, you will find that you have time to think on other things. You can choose to continue having an anxious mind or you can choose to have a peaceful mind. Of course, it takes much practice to make this change.
Joyce encourages us to think on the good things, the blessings we have been given and to have faith for the future. Of course if you know Joyce's works, you know that she has much scriptural support for her writings. One such scripture is Philippians 4:6 and 7.
"Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."
For those of you like myself, this journey to a peaceful mind is daily. Some day harder than others. But it does get easier. I have found myself lately with some time to just sit and converse and share with family. (Of course, I am on vacation and it is easier to do that when you are away from the daily grind.) But, I also find myself with time on my hands at home more often where I can choose what to do and I don't have to keep working to feel safe, or loved, or happy or at peace. It is quite nice. I can relax, read, write on my blog and not worry! It is a nice change. And if this has been a struggle of yours, I encourage you think on the good things. Be at peace.
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Bones
I used to think "the abuse was a long time ago. That was then. This is now." I was totally unaware of how much the past was affecting my present. Emotional damage yes, and physical.
We bury things to survive. These things live in our bodies, they live in our bones and flesh. They cause tension, physical problems and a myriad of emotional problems. But of course we don't know it at the time. At the time, it was a healthy response, a survival based response. It was necessary at least for a survivor of long-term sexual abuse.
For me, as time went on it seemed I didn't realize what I had hidden. Yes, I remembered my abuse, but the feelings, the confusion, the anger had all been buried. I basically had denied myself and disconnected myself from my feelings. You can't do that without repercussions. There is a price to pay for storing all that stress.
The price I believe is intimately knowing and being in touch with the "real' you. You tend to be more of a puppet, unsure of yourself and your own opinions. And you tend to adapt to those around you really well, too well even.
Fortunately, there is hope. Through competent counseling and much effort you can reconnect. It takes a lot of work and it is painful. BUT IT IS WORTH IT! YOU ARE WORTH IT! For me, it took EMDR, and some hypnosis. But, you'll have to figure out your own needs. I encourage you to do it. Be brave, be patient with yourself and learn to love the "real" you.
We bury things to survive. These things live in our bodies, they live in our bones and flesh. They cause tension, physical problems and a myriad of emotional problems. But of course we don't know it at the time. At the time, it was a healthy response, a survival based response. It was necessary at least for a survivor of long-term sexual abuse.
For me, as time went on it seemed I didn't realize what I had hidden. Yes, I remembered my abuse, but the feelings, the confusion, the anger had all been buried. I basically had denied myself and disconnected myself from my feelings. You can't do that without repercussions. There is a price to pay for storing all that stress.
The price I believe is intimately knowing and being in touch with the "real' you. You tend to be more of a puppet, unsure of yourself and your own opinions. And you tend to adapt to those around you really well, too well even.
Fortunately, there is hope. Through competent counseling and much effort you can reconnect. It takes a lot of work and it is painful. BUT IT IS WORTH IT! YOU ARE WORTH IT! For me, it took EMDR, and some hypnosis. But, you'll have to figure out your own needs. I encourage you to do it. Be brave, be patient with yourself and learn to love the "real" you.
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