Happy Tuesday, friends! Would it even be a week if I weren't hit with some type of emotional upheaval? I think not. I'll never stop being surprised over this kind of thing when it happens, but once again, it forced me to go try to process through writing. Here's something that was heartfelt at the time that I wrote this.
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Strong emotions hit hard. They can stop me in my tracks or pull up things I thought I'd already dealt with. But they're also part of being human. They're a reminder that I care deeply, that I'm still growing, that I'm still healing from old wounds and opening up to new things.
It's messy sometimes, but it's honest—and honesty feels better than pretending I'm unaffected.
I'm coming to realize that strong emotions aren't a sign of weakness—they're a sign of aliveness. They show me what matters, what I'm still holding onto, and what I'm finally ready to release. They can be overwhelming at times, but they're also clarifying. They reveal the truth beneath the noise. And when I let myself feel them instead of fighting them, I end up understanding myself a little more than I did before.
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I'll be glad when things stop taking me off guard! I don't know that this will ever happen, but a girl can dream, right? And now for the second part of this post...random things that I've saved to my phone.
I love Mel Robbins! I felt this one deep within me yesterday and saved it to my phone. It's my gentle reminder to myself that I don't have to have things all figured out anytime soon. I'm going to enjoy living my life in the present.
I love this one; it's something I think we could all benefit from knowing.
I saved this one to my phone in December; it has great scripture references for lots of tough life situations.
I think I'll end on this one, friends, since I'm writing this at night after work. Do any of these stand out to you? What about the words I shared about strong emotions; how do you go about handling such times in your life? I really would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn
Yes! I love how thoughtful, deep and brutally honest your writing here is. Yes to it all. It is so real and so dead on- never stop being you XO
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend! I do try to keep things real over here. I can't help but do that, actually, since I write here so often, and my writing tends to reflect my thoughts/emotions in that moment. I always appreciate your encouragement!
DeleteFirst off, I'm sorry for your emotional rollercoaster. But you have good perspective on it.
ReplyDeleteI have been so emotional for the last year. I wanted to talk about it but knew it made some people uncomfortable. A friend or family member just cannot truly understand what it feels like to lose a parent until it happens to them. In your case, only another person in your situation can understand the pain of divorce - when you didn't want it.
I think these things make us more empathetic to others for sure.
I love the reminders/memes that you have here, too. I think saving these in your camera roll is a good reminder. I hope you have a lighter day today!
Thank you! You'd think I'd be used to this by now, but maybe I'll never be? This is all part of the new me that I was forced into. I totally get what you're saying about things and making people uncomfortable. I've had friendships that have changed over this, and I try to not be sad about it all the time. It is good that we're more empathetic towards others who have walked similar paths; that will always be a good takeaway for me. I'm a great listener/sympathizer these days because of life circumstances. I like to think of how things in our life can be used for the good of others, and I think we will both have a lot to offer people who walk through hard times.
DeleteMeanwhile, yes! Here's to a lighter and brighter Tuesday. xoxo
I don't really know anything by Mel Robbins but I do like that quote a lot!
ReplyDeleteShe posted a whole thread of them, and they were all so good!
DeleteHi Jenn, I had a tough year last year with work, so writing and reading blogs took a back seat with everything going on. I’ve gone back and read some of your previous posts to catch up on what’s been happening for you. I’m so sorry to hear it’s been such a hard year with your divorce. I really love your inspiring honesty and how you stay so positive because of your faith in God. I also loved the Mel Robbins quote you shared, it’s such a great reminder to treasure the people who care and make the most of every moment. Wishing you brighter days xx
ReplyDeleteHello, Ruth! I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a hard year at work last year. I'm glad that it seems like you're moving forward, though! It's good to "see" you here again! I appreciate your kind words and that encouragement. Even though it wasn't anything I originally wanted, I'm grateful for how my life has turned out, and I am content in this current season. I'm so glad to say that yesterday was a much brighter day! I anticipate going up from there! I hope to see you back here soon, my friend. I hope your week is going well and that it ends on a high note!
DeleteI think what resonated the most with me was the idea that strong emotions can be clarifying. I really love that and think there is so much truth in it! While I love ALL of your posts - I really look forward to when you go deep. Your honesty and vulnerability are so refreshing!
ReplyDeleteThat got to me, too! It's true that they really do show you a lot about yourself and where you are in a situation. Thank you so much for your kind words and the encouragement! I always hope to encourage and inspire people here, so your words really mean a lot to me. I hope you have a great rest of the week!
DeleteThe Mel Robbins quote - 12/5 my sister passed away then the day after Christmas my husband fell and fractured his back. We entered a new year and on 1/10 my brother passed away it's been a season for sure. This quote is just a good reminder to cherish each day and the people you love. I enjoy reading your blog so very much.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that great? I'm so sorry to hear of all that you've gone through in such a short time, friend. I really feel for you and understand what that feels like, with experiencing so much loss in such a small amount of time. I'm proud of you for pressing on and continuing to show up. I truly hope and pray that you're able to keep the peace that you seem to have right now, and that you stay diligent and faithful. I'm always thankful and hopeful for brighter days that are surely to come...and that is my wish for you as well, friend. Thank you for sharing with me here today! I hope you come back often and find some encouragement. You should follow me on socials, if you're there. My info is on the right sidebar if you're on Instagram! I love to share and encourage there, as well.
DeleteI'm sorry your emotional roller coaster just keeps on going. I love the Mel Robbins quote, and all the other ones from that IG post as well. Such a good perspective.
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend! It was a short lived moment this week; yesterday was so much better. I love her so much!
DeleteSo sorry you are back on the emotional rollercoaster. It is good you can process things through writing.
ReplyDeleteI love the random things you have saved on your phone!
Thank you, friend! I'm so much better after yesterday and I know today will be great as well. I hope you're having a great week!
DeleteHello, dear friend. I can imagine you're ready to get off that emotional roller coaster, especially since you didn't even want to get on. The beauty of your journey lies in your acceptance and willingness to hang on and enjoy the ride, knowing there will be highs and lows ahead. Your writing is beautiful and allows us to resonate with you in ways that reflect our own journeys. And that is more helpful than you know. Keep on keeping on, my friend. We appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteHello to you! I am SO ready to be off this roller coaster, because I hate them. Ha! I'm hopeful for brighter days ahead, though. I so appreciate your kind words; thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy reading what I have to say here. I just keep on doing it for therapy, and in the hopes that I can encourage people during a difficult phase of life. Much love to you, sweet friend!
DeleteI call you :)! Those are great reminder posts! I love those.
ReplyDeleteYup! And I also call you. Love you, friend!
DeleteI don't know that emotions and the memories with which they're associated ever leave us. I still grieve my mom and dad. They been gone 22 and 52 years, respectively. What I miss most about my dad is not really knowing him. I was 16 and a stupid teenager who didn't know enough to ask questions. But, I have to admit when those strong emotions hit, I tend to be moody, snarky, and all the bad things. After, I'm contrite and apologize to any and all I've possibly offended. And, then, as I'm saying my prayers, I confess those sins and ask forgiveness, knowing they'll be forgiven even though I'm doomed to do it again. But, I think we need these strong emotions to show us how the days without them are so lovely. It's the yin/yang way of life. Can we know the good without knowing the bad? Just my philosophy, I guess. Visiting from my blog after reading your lovely comment.
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/