Finding Peace Within

This has been a very challenging season for many. Yes, we just had an election, and there is a mix of emotions being experienced, whether the candidate you voted for lost or won. However, beyond the "election anxiety", many people are struggling to find peace within themselves. Many people have lost their jobs, homes have foreclosed, loved ones have passed, and there is a sense of a collective feeling of grief weighing heavily on many.

So, what do we do with that grief? How do we manage these uncomfortable emotions? Where do we go from here? I don't have all the answers, but what I can share is this...You can get through this!

Let’s pause for a moment. Take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold it for four, then release for six. Next, take another deep breath in and imagine breathing in calm and releasing anxiety, doubt, and fear. Feel your shoulders begin to relax as you take time to breathe again deeply. Feel your arms, back, legs, and feet relax. Relax your jaw and your eyebrows. Now smile, because you did something special. You took time for yourself. You are one of a kind, special, and wonderfully designed by God!

Some individuals feel uncomfortable expressing their emotions and some may even feel angry with God. It's okay to feel what and how you feel. Are you experiencing doubt, do you feel far away from God's presence? Guess what? He can handle it. God created your emotions and Jesus even experienced emotions, the same as, all of us. He experienced grief and sadness when Lazarus died and his friends were mourning. Jesus experienced feeling overwhelmed and sorrowful as he asked God to remove the cup of suffering in Matthew 26:36-46. Jesus felt anger when he found his Father's house (the temple) being used for buying and selling items (Mark 11:15). No matter what your spiritual beliefs are please know that your feelings matter and are important.

I invite you to take some time to write down your worries. Create a T-chart and list what you can control on one side and what is out of your control on the other. From the “can control” list, choose your top five concerns and create actionable steps for each.

Remember, you're not alone in these feelings. If you would like, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me or a paid 45-minute supportive session by emailing simoneharris@empoweredtodaycounseling.com. I’m here to support you in this season of your life. If you’re ready to take an even bigger step and begin therapy, click this link for a list of other qualified professionals. I wish you the best as you search and find the peace within.