Don't Isolate.

There is something healing and therapeutic about spending time with loved ones.  This is why it is important not isolate yourself on your healing journey. It is not enough to just go to work and have that small circle of people you confide in. You need to be around people who will make you feel, laugh, and push you past your comfort zone.

Let me elaborate… this Sunday, I woke up not feeling well at all. I was in pain, the meds they gave me for the pain had me feeling dizzy to the point of not being functional, and I started to feel defeated and overwhelmed in my emotions. 

I prayed and journaled and read my Bible, but I knew I needed more; I needed to share this burden with a friend to help me carry it. Because fighting cancer is weighty!

So I called my good friend at 8 in the morning and told her how I was feeling, we prayed together, we prayed so good, HEAVEN OPENED UP ANSWERED (Believers in Christ Jesus will understand). Then we just sat on the phone for about 2 hours talking about any and everything. I needed that. I needed to be seen. I needed to be heard. I needed to feel a sense of nor mal in the midst of my not-so-normal life. (Because let’s face it, no matter how common cancer becomes,  IT SHOULD NOT BE ANYONE’S NORMAL)

I felt refreshed and less defeated once we ended the call. Although I was still physically not well, my mind and emotions had been fortified with love. 

So I let my son know how I was feeling and that I would be needing some extra help throughout the day.  I made peace with the fact that I needed to use a cane and move extra slowly, I took my time, and I was grateful that I had the support and help I needed.

Once I arrived at the family dinner, I swear the pain and dizziness subsided immediately as I was loved on and loved by my grandkids and kids.  The laughter, the conversation, and the yelling at the TV while watching football were what I needed! 

And SO I want to encourage you not to isolate yourself in your pain and trauma. Live through it, be transparent with those around you, let people in. This too will help you on your healing journey as you learn how to live beyond the trauma you face.

Love, Listiner Inspires