I’ve reached a tipping point and there’s no turning back! 🎯
I’m a woman fueled by God-given dreams —to live a long, fulfilling life with my husband , my sons and their wives and children. I still yearn to accomplish great things in my lifetime. I have it in me to build a prosperous online business, to minister to struggling prison families, and to explore the beauty of God’s world. And I’m grateful for the incredible support network around me that encourages me in my aspirations.
However, I’m also no stranger to trauma, which has derailed some of my dreams and ended some relationships. I realize that some people are in our lives for a lifetime and others for a season. And I’m okay with that. I’m thankful for what each one.
Yet in this process, besides losing dreams and important people, I’d lost my identity. I was so busy being everything to everyone else, I neglected me. I surrendered my identity to please others. I overextended myself—my time, my finances, my mind, my emotions, my self-worth, and my energy.
I discovered that my hardships stemmed from not understanding my identity in God . Because of this insight, God and His Words will shape me and I will no longer will allow others’ opinions define me.
I’ve learned that self-care is NOT selfish. For too long, I didn’t take care of myself. I took every phone call, I replied to every text immediately, I dropped what ever I was doing to do what somebody else wanted to do, even if I was already doing something. As a result, I ended up with frustration and resentment because as I gave myself to others, others were not giving to me in return.
For years, I wore a public mask of cheerfulness, while privately breaking down in snotty tears. I suppressed my true feelings and sought comfort in unhealthy habits like eating comfort foods and taking long afternoon naps—my own form of addictive behavior to mask the pain.
For the past 13 years I’ve been on an inner-healing journey, for which I’m grateful (and continue to pursue). But today I declare that I’m done allowing the past and what others think I should be or do to define me. I’m breaking free from my self-imposed prison by setting healthy boundaries and embracing my identity in Christ.
Now, I’m wholeheartedly pursuing my dreams, prioritizing my own needs, and discovering more about who I am each day. This transformative journey not only empowers me but also allows me to genuinely love and serve others from my heart and in ways I never thought possible .
So here’s to growth, love, learning, and unwavering focus on my goals. Let’s make the rest of 2023 phenomenal! Blessings!
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Recommended reading: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend