When turmoil hits your life, people who care rally around you offering support, a listening ear and assistance with the every day responsibilities. Of course, you tell yourself…
“This too shall pass.”
“Things always work out for the best.”
“It is God’s will.”
“I should just be thankful for my blessings.”
If you’re Christian, you might wonder how to pray for God’s will when all you might want is your own desire regardless of His will? I’m like that too and sometimes I feel like Johnny Smith…
- Johnny Smith climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord… “God, what does a million years mean to you?”
The Lord replies, “A minute.”
Johnny Smith asks, “And what does a million dollars mean to you?”
The Lord replies, “A penny.”
Johnny Smith asks, “Can I have a penny?”
The Lord replies, “In a minute.”
Obviously I have a little more growing in order to not whine during rough times, but that’s part of the reason I’m on this planet, right?
Maybe you have more faith than I do, but even so, there are still a few basic things people can do when going through a tragedy or rough spot in life.
- Stop all the extras activities in life and concentrate on just yourself. Declutter your activities and avoid having unrealistic expectations of yourself.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
- Get plenty of sleep, rest and relaxation. Grief and trauma are exhausting and often triggers the “flight or fight” response.
- Seek and find your inner strength through peaceful activities such as reading, meditation and praying.
- Accept your mood swings.
- Ask for help with anything no matter how trivial the task.
- Do not make any major decisions such as moving, buying a car, etc.
- Seek help with a therapist if you need someone unbiased to listen. This will allow you to walk through the pain and obtain coping skills.
- Allow yourself time to grieve and comfort yourself in your own way. Ignoring the pain will be detrimental to your long term mental health and trying to cope someone else’s way is pointless.
- Remember that it takes time to recover from tragedy and the effects it has in living day to day.
- Eventually you will get to the point where you feel empowered in your life again. Recognize the tragedy and healing so that you can make plans for the future.
That list a little bit to munch on, but I did leave out one thing.
Try to reconnect with humor.
Laughing produces endorphins in the brain and that will naturally cause you to feel happier. Another endorphin producing activity is exercising, but that is a dirty word on this blog.
So here is my attempt to give you a smile today…
- There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.
- Eat a live toad first thing in the morning, and nothing worse can happen to you the rest of the day.
- The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes
- If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Toll-Free: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Web Site: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Workplace Helpline
Toll-Free: 1-800-WORKPLACE (967-5752)
Web Site: http://www.helpline-group.com/home.asp
Office for Victims of Crime
Toll-Free: 1-800-851-3420
TTY: 1-877-712-9279
Web Site: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ovcres/welcome.html
Helpful Resources
National Mental Health Information Center
Toll-Free: 1-800-789-2647 (English and Español)
TDD: 1-866-889-2647
Web Site: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
Mental Health Services Locator
Toll-Free: 1-800-789-2647 (English and Español)
TDD: 1-866-889-2647
Web Site: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
Toll-Free: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7 English and Español)
TDD: 1-800-487-4889
Web Site: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Toll-Free: 1-800-729-6686 (English and Español)
TDD: 1-800-487-4889
Web Site: www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
Smiling while wearing cute shoes,
The penny thing was cute!
That is a very good story, I have never heard of it before, laughter is a very good healing tool.
Great post. Good reminder. I especially like the list of things to do during the rough times. Thinking of you. <3
That's a good list you provided and I think it's great that you added those resources at the end. Lots of people are grieving and not everyone has a good support system already, so it's good to point them in the right direction.
I really like the Johnny/God conversation. Thanks for sharing.
I'm a counselor and I confirm that all your tips are what I say to people as well. I've seen people tell others who are in trauma to get busy doing more stuff especially church related..although I'm a woman of faith, I disagree with them. What you said is right on. People need time to process what they are going through. Many people don't make wise choices will under anxiety or depression.
Thanks for this post… I'll have to bookmark it for those low times as a good reminder.
Hang in there! You remain in my prayers!! Lots of LOVE and ((HUGS))!
Loved the penny story/joke. Also very much liked your thoughtful words and advise list
[i][b]Jen[/b][/i]
How cute was the answer Elohim gave..Funny!
Enjoying the blog. Have a blessed day
Great post. Thank you!
Great post. Thank you!
Hope you are doing well, or as good as can be expected under the circumstances. Thinking of you.
Tina
Little Tots Big Ideas
Cute story and great advice too!
A well told story and I love the photos… Happy Friday!
I'm going to re-tweet your line, "I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt." It brought a smile to my face. I hope today brings you lots of reasons to laugh and smile. As you said, humour is a huge healer!
That is a wonderful list! It made me think of 2 friends who recently miscarried just weeks before delivering. I think I might just have to share that with them.