Feels Like I'm Shutting Everything Down

Today, I am living challenged. I am challenged by anxiety, by stress, by my mind. Have you ever been challenged by those things? It feels as though the whole world, at least in your mind, is spinning completely out of control. I hate it. Most people, I think, don't want to talk about anxiety, about worry, about fear. It makes them look weak or less somehow. Why? Should it? Does it need to? Oh, if only... If only we could all pretend all the time that everything is "perfect." Would that help the situation? Change the reality? No. It would be a lie. Nobody wants that. I hope not anyway. Oh, friends, please be kind to yourself and others. This road I am on feels long, uneven, filled with potholes, scattered with booby traps, and hard...so very hard. When life narrows to a small focus and it feels like every thing that used to be a joy no longer is, you may feel the need to throw your hands up and cry out. It's okay to do so. Truly. I won't judge you...hopefully others won't either. So much of what we struggle with makes us stronger, but in the struggle (the fight) we do not feel strong. No, we feel worn, tired, weak, conquerable, defeated. We need strength, support, encouragement, restoration, joy. We need joy! I need joy! A lot of joy! And peace! And love!

I wish I could find some and bottle it up for you and for me. We could market it and make a fortune. If only... It will get better. Help is available. Peace does exist. Joy is real. Pray for me, and I'll pray for you. Tomorrow is a new day, friend. I hope to see you there.

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