Always thankful.

I feel as if, by the grace of God, I've truly turned a corner. Even as I sit here trying to organize my thoughts I can't help but notice how alive I feel.

This is a new thing. A recent development.

The layers are coming off slowly and surely, just like I was told they would. I'm waking up every morning with energy and excitement to start my day...I can't remember the last time I felt like that. Maybe years ago? It's a small sign that I'm headed in the right direction. And for that I am so deeply grateful. Thank you, Jesus.

I cut my hair, another layer shed, and it makes me feel like Val. I would put up a picture, but I don't have one suitable for the internetz. :)

What else? I'm having fun with people, not hiding behind anxiety and fear. Allowing me to just by myself, and more importantly showing myself grace.

I'm learning how to take care of myself and set healthy boundaries. Even the smallest ones make a difference.

Yes, I'm so thankful for these things.

found here >>> http://shannonicole.tumblr.com/

Last week's thoughts. Do I dare?

Some days I don't pick up my phone. I intentionally bury my phone in the bottom of my purse I won't hear it ringing while I'm running errands. I leave it there when I get home in a place out of reach. The missed call messages and voice mails start to pile up. Messages I don't ever get around to listening to. Some days I cancel my plans at the last minute - texting an apology with a made up conflict. I might be working late. I might be coming down with something. But I'm really just avoiding. I'm buried in worry and doubt. I'm overwhelmed by trying to live life on my own.

For the longest time I had no idea what lies behind my outward behavior. No one's ever really called me out. There aren't any "Where've you been's?" or "We miss you's!" or "Is everything ok's?" I'm so good at pretending to be normal...not ever being really known...that even I don't suspect a thing on most days.

I've started to imagine all of this pent up-smooshed up stuff like the ultimate muffin top. It's all there, years and years of ignoring what I feel, and it's starting to spill over the top! All that stuff you don't get to process through, for whatever reason, doesn't go away. But I just suck it in and zip it up. By now you can bet it all comes naturally, automatically... And yet, it doesn't feel quite right.

There is good news. I'm learning that {it's ok to not be ok.} Ultimately, there's a purpose in hardship. I'm not in control and I can't fix myself. But I have a God who knows me, loves me, stays close to me, and is big enough for all of my problems. He died for my freedom, and so toward it, baby step by baby step, I will walk.

28. Solid Gold.

On your birthday it's inevitable that someone asks whether you feel wiser, more distinguished...

All I can say is that, by this time in my life I've finally figured out how to do my hair and how to procrastinate effectively. And I can't ask for much more.

“If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to 
make a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything
that happens to you.

It is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you,
if you thank and praise God for it,
you turn it into a blessing.

If you could work miracles,
therefore, you could not do more for yourself
than by this thankful spirit.

It heals and turns all that it touches into happiness.”

~ William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life

Truth.

Be thankful.

I was making a mental note of some praises this morning. And I thought, why not share? It's good to be thankful.

1. So thankful for grace. The Lord is teaching me about what grace is right now. Over and over again I come up against a situation where I think "This is it. This is where it all falls apart." And instead He is faithful to give me grace. I don't deserve it - but that's exactly what grace is.

2. Time at home with my family. Short visits, but they are always sweet. This time around we played Frisbee in the lawn and Dad took me for a ride on his motorcycle!

3. Speaking of home, Kayla will be here in a few days!

4. I joined a gym. And I've been running more. AND as it turns out I really like doing speed/hill work. The little wins are just as encouraging as the big ones - like when I run my first lap at a sub 9:00 mile pace.

5. Melissa met me for lunch yesterday. Why don't more of you stop by for a mid day visit every once in awhile?

6. Oh! and a haircut! I think Ashley took off nearly 5 inches. I wasn't paying that much attention to be honest. But it was a lot. My favorite thing about sitting in her chair is that I leave feeling pretty on the inside and the outside.