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is this for you?
Jack Nicolson put it brilliantly in the road-trip scene from the 1999 movie As Good As It Gets:
Not everyone has a terrible story to get over. Some people have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.
If you're riding with me, know that I speak from personal experience. If you can relate, scroll down. More than anything I want you to know, YOU matter to God. IT--whatever it is, matters to God. But no one can make that discovery for you. I count it a blessing to encourage you along the way.
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The Benefit of a Personal Care Card
It's July and I'm "spring" cleaning. I came across the "2003 personal care card" I made in group therapy for survivors of sexual abuse. Here's what it included:
Overall Statement:
Believe more deeply
Hold your face up to the light
Even though for the moment you do not see it
Affirmation:
- I will rest in the unseen arms of my higher power (Today I would say Savior. Higher power is just where I was at the time)
- I search to find meaning in even my deepest pain
- I have the courage to compassionately detach from others when necessary
- I give myself credit for what I am doing to heal
- I know what I feel (this was big for me because I was usually numb)
Supportive friends:
I had three phone numbers I could call during an emotional crisis.
Comfort I can give myself:
- sleep with a stuffed animal (I had a stuffed monkey named George that I slept with as a child. I still have him and when the memories got overwhelming, I took him off the shelf and slept with him. My precious husband would bring him to me if I forgot.)
- take a bubble bath
- buy a box of crayons and color
- paint
- journal
- garden
- exercise
*My counselor encouraged us to keep our cards with us at all times. It may sound weird, but it helped. It got me focused when I felt like the world was caving in on me.
Somehow I went from keeping that card with me at all times to not realizing it was tucked away in an old journal. It's been years since I thought about it. We can and do heal (repeat three times out loud).
"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He [she] who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his [her] sheaths with him [her]." Psalm 126: 5-6
It's a promise. Cry, it's only right to, but keep moving forward. You're doing great. Keep one hand in God's and reach out to encourage someone else when you can (bear seed for sowing) and your harvest will come. God is faithful. Bless you today, sweet daughters of the Most High.
Will you make yourself a personal care card today?
Published on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 @ 10:48 AM CDT
1 comment
Holly Smith
Excellent Wendy-I love the part about your higher power because many are seeking help and not ready to be a Christian but like the 12 step deal a higher power is good for other beliefs. Wherever they want to start is fine with me to get help. Good for you for tackling such a hard subject and to be whole again!
Posted on Wed, Sep 8, 2010 @ 8:23 PM CST