Facing the same tigers

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

We often feel like we are alone or that others don’t have tigers (stress and fear) in their lives. This is so far from the truth; the reality is that we all face the same tigers. More so than ever we are all facing the same fears and worries. It is important to take comfort in the fact that we are all in the same boat, and that these worries and fears are not unique to us.

There are many common misconceptions that often only create further trouble. I have listed a few:

• We often feel as though we can just think our way out of feeling bad. While our mindset is a powerful tool, we still need to put practical steps in place to deal with our stress.
• We feel we are crazy or inadequate for feeling the way we do. The truth is we have the right to feel the way we do, and it does not make us crazy or inadequate. Don’t deny yourself your true feelings.
• Busyness solves all problems. Keeping busy is not a healthy way to cope with our worries, stress and feeling better about ourselves.
• Other people won’t care, understand or support us when we communicate how we feel and are honest with our struggles. We need to talk to someone (parent, teacher, friend, counsellor) about our feelings, we were not designed to navigate life alone.
• It is weakness in seeking the guidance and support of others. This is not weakness, we need to include other people in our lives, including our fears, difficulties and problems that we face.
• Life is so serious. Yes, it can be, but we need to take time to enjoy our lives and stop being so critical of ourselves.
• I don’t have time to look after myself (eat well, relax and enjoy some leisure time). We need to make time for our faith, our health, our passions and our rest.

There are many other misconceptions, but it is important to realise that we need to stop being so critical of ourselves and we need to involve others in our lives, really involve them, and to take time to full our own cups. TURN TO GOD!

I also feel it is so important to find things to celebrate and be grateful for amidst tough times. What better reminder to us of this than the resurrection of Jesus after being crucified on the cross. I am not saying that there aren’t things to fear or that worry isn’t real, what I am saying is that we still have the opportunity and choice to focus on what is good, and on our numerous blessings. I pray that as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can find a resurrection of faith, trust and hope in our own hearts.

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”