Beauty in the Raw & Glam

Sometimes our chronic pain can make us feel bleh.

Who am I kidding? Not sometimes, but MANY times. And not just bleh, but maybe even like *BLEEP*.

It takes time and work to feel confidence in BOTH the raw and glammed up.

Don't get me wrong, getting yourself ready and dolled up does amazing things for your self-care, your confidence and productivity.

But I wanted to share the behind the scenes, and not just the highlight reels.

Here I am, raw, no hair product, no makeup and me in pjs before getting dolled up for my photoshoot.

And I am just as comfortable and confident sharing this photo with you now as a glammed up one.

“People pleasers aren't willing to be rejected and perfectionist try to prevent it.” -Brooke Castillo

I am recovering in both...and releasing both more and more is SO FREEING!

Give all that to the only one who lived perfectly and was STILL unjustly rejected, but willing to be FOR YOU to be freed from that rejection. You already have His approval in every season.

What is something you want to embrace more and have more confidence in? Start taking steps today!

You Can Still LIVE with Chronic Pain

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

When we have lived with chronic pain for so long, it can be easy to forget the joys we once experienced before they hit.

This past Memorial Day weekend, I got to remember some of that joy when we went to the beach. I don't sit out the sun for too long, because it causes a lot of pain.

But sometimes we forget...I forget...that the gift of freedom allows us to pick and choose when we can enjoy these blessings, and when we can take a break and rest from them.

Because of the countless lives lost by brave men and women, I have the freedom to choose.

Because of the countless lives lost, I got to bury my feet in the sand that day with my precious daughter

Because of the countless lives lost, I got to thank my God FREELY that I got to experience this with her and my church family.

We don't have to allow our conditions and our pain to steal our joy.

Does that mean we will always experience joy through the pain and suffering? No.

But we don't have to let it dictate our emotions and deprive ourselves of amazing memories and experiences that we are worthy to have as well...that many people sacrificed their lives for, so we could continue living.

May I live my life honoring their lives and sacrifice, and ultimately honoring the one who paid the highest price, by living out my mission set before me with bravery, courage, endurance, love, strength, compassion and perseverance.

And sister, may you do the same.

Seasonal Triggers

We've talked about physical and emotional triggers. Today, we will focus on seasonal triggers.

Seasonal triggers are particular times of the year that bring about more negative thoughts and emotions as usual.

When you are aware that particular times of the year can bring more anxiety or pain, you can plan how to handle them as best as possible.

Will it take the pain away 100%? I can’t guarantee it ever will, but being aware and planning ahead can make a big difference so you don’t fall into deeper pain and depression. Remember, emotional pain can definitely make physical pain worse.

Seasonal triggers can be specific holidays or specific times of the year that bring painful emotions (loss, big life event, painful memory, etc.)

Being aware of them and planning ahead for them can reduce more of the emotional pain, which can lead to less physical pain from your conditions.