All of the unemployment paperwork arrived in the mail today. Things just got real. As I read over the affidavits, my mind got a little fuzzy while the rest of my body felt like I was carrying a fifty-pound weight.

I don’t feel worried or panicked. But, I do feel the gravity of our situation.

At my previous doctor’s visit, I teared up when he asked me if I currently had a lot of stress in my life. For the last year, we’ve been working on getting my body functioning more efficiently. He asked because, at my most recent check-up (before Tim’s lay-off), some of my numbers came back a little out of wack. I was disappointed because I’ve been making significant progress. It was a good question. I know that the majority of my stress is rooted in our loss of Justin. I also know that there’s no easy fix for that kind of strain. 

While I can’t change my circumstances, there are a few things I’ve learned over the last two and a half years to help me deal with stress. 

• In the morning, I love to take walks by myself. It’s a time for me to pray, listen to the Scripture, and set my mind for the day.
• I found it’s important for me to drink a lot of water. When I am hydrated, I am energized and my brain functions with more clarity.
• I eat ten servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Okay, just kidding, but wouldn’t that be awesome? 
• I write. I wrote my first poem when I was ten years old, and I’ve been writing ever since. I keep a journal, I write on social media, and of course, here on the blog. Writing has played a vital role in my healing journey. 
• I sing. Oh, how I love to sing! On most mornings, if I am quiet enough to hear it, I wake with a song of praise playing through my mind. The song that keeps coming back over the last week is the old (and beautiful) hymn, “Be Still my Soul.” Oh, what a treasured word of truth. Tonight, I thought I’d leave you with her lyrics. I pray it’s as much a healing balm to your soul as it is to mine.

Be Still my Soul  

 Until tomorrow, 

Missy

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