Healthy Outlets

Via

Although I enjoy blogging and social media in general, sometimes I'm weirded out by the online world and am tempted to delete everything. Recently, it's the amount of negativity on the internet that's got me feeling that way. Perhaps it's because I'm dealing with my own stuff and hearing others vent or spew opinions is more overwhelming. Or maybe I'm venturing into cyber territory I don't want to be in, that of negative bloggers, tweeters or Facebook friends. I'm working to figure it out.

It's made me think though, about how I utilize or don't utilize the online world.

I was talking to a friend recently about some of the struggles of living in London and she pointed out that she wouldn't have guessed things were hard from reading my blog. It's true, I namely share positive things here, but things are never perfect. It hasn't been my goal to paint a false picture of how things are, I've just decided my blog isn't where I want to bear all or vent. I'm not confident that it'd actually help and I'm even less confident that it'd be helpful to other's. It's impossible to first gauge where people are at and know if they're prepared to hear or help. But I know we all need outlets of some sort.

Growing up my outlet was journaling. I have so many journals, even from six, seven and eight years old. I also found solace in nature. I grew up in the country so it was easy to escape into the woods or a nearby field (something I wish I could still do, darn city life!). In college I woke up early to be by myself, pray, etc., or I'd go to the gym. Recently, I've had Kurt to help me work through things, a therapist at times (scary, I know), and I go on lots of walks.

It's been crucial for me to learn healthy ways to process because I don't easily trust people with my feelings and I'm often tempted to keep things bottled up. I've tried a lot of things though, I guess I thought I needed five different outlets or something, but I realize now that I shouldn't have outlets just for the sake of having them. It isn't productive. I have to find the one or two that are realistic for me and helpful.

I'm curious, what are your healthy outlets?

I'm sure if you're a Christian, we can agree that there's always comfort and encouragement found in God's Word and in prayer. That's huge. What are some other practical ways that help you process? Do you use your blog? Why or why not?

Michaela Rae

Sunday Thoughts on Giving Thanks

At our church in California a couple months ago, I complimented a lady's huge diamond ring. She replied, "Oh thank you. God is so good!" I was a little thrown off by her response. How often do you hear someone thank God when you compliment them on a material thing like jewelry? Later that day I saw her pull away driving a BMW. I told Kurt, "that lady has a huge ring and she drives a BMW, it's kind of funny because she looks like someone who's been through a lot in life. I wouldn't expect that." Later I learned that she'd been abused in a previous marriage and had indeed had a rough life. In recent years though, she'd married a wonderful Christian man who's loved and blessed her life. It made me smile and realize just how genuine her gratefulness was. It wasn't just that she had an enormous ring, it was that she was being redeemed.

This got me thinking, why is griping easier than verbally giving thanks? Maybe we're so accustomed to grumbling that it feels awkward to actually say, "I'm doing great, thank the Lord!" I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm afraid of being perceived as a corny, fake Christian that's always happy-go-lucky. Also, I've found that it's very difficult to be thankful if I don't really believe God has saved me, is and has taken care of me and is going to allow me to reign with him in glory. I think this is probably the ultimate reason being genuinely grateful can be difficult - it requires a humble heart that knows it's place in the universe. It's a testimony of your experience of and belief in God's love.

In the times I am grateful, I find myself letting go of insecurities, identifying areas of self-deception and finding boldness, that I know only comes from the Holy Spirit, to act and speak in love. The world comes into clearer perspective, needs around me are more apparent and my heart is full of compassion when I am thankful. I need to work on building my faith and letting my thanks giving be a testimony of God's goodness.

Just some thoughts I've had recently. It helps to put things in writing sometimes...and I hope this encourages or helps you in some way too.

Happy Labor Day everyone...don't labor too much ;).



Michaela Rae

Slow Down and Trust

Life has been absolute chaos the last few weeks. With the wedding only 48 days away and Kurt and I still trying to figure out what in the world we're doing afterward, it's beginning to become overwhelming.

This past weekend I was finally able to unwind and refocus. Sunday I spent the day with Kurt and he helped me clear my head. He's such an encouragement; I really am blessed by him. After talking for awhile, we decided to do yard work at his house. He cut the grass and did all the "manly stuff" and I got to plant flowers! I'd forgotten how much I enjoy gardening. Spending time in the sun, hands all grimy, planting my favorite flowers (ranunculus)...it was pure bliss.

Sunday reminded me that time spent with your best friend, doing something you love and reflecting on what God has already done for you (not what you need/want him to do) is so much more important and beneficial than worrying.

Slow down and trust, Michaela.