I never used to have an active flight response to times that were hard. I used to be determined to stick it out and do whatever it took to fight for my marriage. But all that ended anyways, despite my determination, and changed the way I look at everything. I put up with some stuff in my past...all the way back to early adult years...that my poor little heart is declaring it doesn't want to come anywhere close to. And sometimes, like I was telling my oldest yesterday when she saw her mom cry, adults have to deal with some hard things...that they have no clue how to deal with or even what to think about.
And times like that...everything that I have learned lately gets called into play. 1. Run TO God. 2. Talk things over with trusted friends. 3. Sometimes, I truly need to say enough is enough, and let my group leaders do their thing...and the love/support that came from it being put in their ballpark was eyeopening. 4. Don't take responsibility for what is not mine. 5. Choose to dwell on the positives and the thankfuls...it always makes a humongous difference. 6. Give myself a time limit to how long I am going to let something bug me...and once that specific time passes, stop. 7. Sew and talk to God. 8. Take pictures...or edit sunset pictures, look at pictures of fun memories just made...totally worked. 9. It's okay to say "I can't do this on my own". 10. Appreciate it when I am stood up for...amazing feeling, a new one that I can totally be thankful for. COMBINE all ten when needed.
At one point it looked insurmountable. But after some very timely reminders, and a lengthy phone call that surprised me with the outpouring of support, understanding, and deeply expressed emotions (which were reciprocated), breaking things down into manageable pieces and setting some clear guidelines for what to do so it didn't get to the same overwhelming level again...it seems absolutely do-able. Fun, probably not. But it should keep me from getting stuck...which we all know that I do NOT like. And it gives me ways to keep learning and growing...which we know I LOVE.
And remember...God has me right where He wants me to be right now...so running is not an option. Time to get determined again!
