It’s been a crazy year! I get that a lot of it has to do with it being a year of transitions. We experienced a ton of changes, and most of those choices landed on the asset side of the life ledger, but some of those were losses…

But… I’ve dealt with crazy before and been completely fine – functional.

Over the nearly 30 years of full-time church ministry and a life well-lived in general, I’ve dealt with immense stress from uncontrollable, outside influences, and no one from outside my inner circle would have seen the struggle… but this year was different.

This year exhausted me in ways I didn’t know were possible.

This year’s stresses spilled over into every area of my life, including my health (physical and mental health) which affected my work. I couldn’t “get by” or hide it any longer!

This quote below sums up the WHY for me.

Naomi Holdt – Psychologist and Speaker helped me understand what I’ve been feeling and experiencing this year, she gave me a little glimpse into understanding it more anyway…

A gentle reminder about why you are utterly exhausted

No one I know began this year on a full tank. Given the vicious onslaught of the previous two years (let’s just call it what it was) most of us dragged ourselves across the finish line of 2021… frazzled, spent, running on aged adrenaline fumes.

We crawled into 2022 still carrying shock, trauma, grief, heaviness, disbelief. The memories of a surreal existence.

And then it began… The fastest hurricane year we could ever have imagined. Whether we have consciously processed it or not, this has been a year of more pressure, more stress, and a race to “catch up” in all departments.

Every. Single. One. Work, school, sports, relationships, life.

Though not intentionally aware, perhaps hopeful that the busier we are, the more readily we will forget, the more easily we will undo the emotional tangle, the more permanently we will wipe away the scarring wounds.

We can’t.

And attempts to re-create some semblance of “normal” on steroids while disregarding that for almost two years our sympathetic nervous systems were on full alert, has left our collective mental health in tatters. Our children and teens are not exempt. The natural byproduct of fighting a hurricane is complete and utter exhaustion.

So before you begin questioning the absolutely depleted and wrung-dry state you are in- Pause. Breathe. Remind yourself of who you are and what you have endured. And then remind yourself of what you have overcome.

Despite it all, you’re still going. (Even on the days you stumble and find yourself face down in a pile of dirt).

Understanding brings compassion.

Most of the world’s citizens are in need of a little extra TLC at the moment. Most are donning invisible “Handle with care” posters around their necks and “Fragile” tattoos on their bodies.

Instead of racing to the finish line of this year, tread gently. Go slowly.

Amidst the chaos, find small pockets of silence. Find compassion. Allow the healing. And most of all – Be kind. There’s no human being on earth who couldn’t use just a little bit more of the healing salve of kindness.

With love ♥️
Naomi Holdt – Psychologist and Speaker

Naomi helped me put it all into perspective and made me realize that I am not alone and that this was an unusual year, this was a year where “normal” stresses were magnified. A year where I couldn’t put my finger on why I am so exhausted, why things felt off… out of control, turbulent… so wild. And, I’m not alone in that! There’s a sense of relief in knowing that…

I am finishing off this year – slowly. We talked to the kids and we are pushing the pause button on the “must-do” festivities during the holiday season. We’re taking it day by day. It’s December 21st and I’ve not been to a single department store or mall. We are saying no to the excess and are enjoying the simplicity of Christmas. Giving the gift of time to each other instead of the stuff we don’t need or actually want.

Stop. Breath. Rest.

Sometimes you need to stop doing and just be.

“Darkness wants us to live our lives worn out. Rest is holy. Get some.” – Bob Goff