Three Healing Practices that Changed My Life.
October 18, 2024
I was recently asked in an interview, “What self-help practices assisted in your recovery from abuse.”
Good question, I thought, so I wanted to share with you. But I’d rather call them healing practices, because when I relied on my own self-help practices of avoidance and silence for a good portion of my life that didn’t work out for me.
But these practices, well, they made a difference. I live them out to this day.
Journaling.
Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way got me started with journal writing and creative expression as a part of my healing journey. And I never stopped. I have several filled journals lining my book shelf that have recently inspired me to write my repurposed story.
Journaling for me is a way to be intentional with my days. To remember.
I often write down scenarios and stories that tell of the wonder of God in my life. When I’m doubting and discouraged about where I’m going, I’ll flip back through the pages and see in writing that The Lord has come through for me time and time again.
My journal is also where I scrawl out my burdens, often with my thoughts going faster than my pen. Some days it’s a list! It feels good to just have the words outside of me and on the page. Then I try to leave my troubles within the folds of my journal, knowing God has them now. I’ll often go back to them and jot down side notes of the answered blessings or clarity, not always as I expected or wanted, but usually for my ultimate good.
Moving!
Activity is good for our health, but that’s not the main reason I do it. It’s the endorphins from exercise I crave! I actually love getting my blood pumping out in the fresh air. I become more motivated, positive and focused. A run, bike ride or walk can turn things around mentally for me. And trying new activities stimulates my brain and helps me realize I’m not too old to learn new things! Most recently, paddle boarding and mountain biking are new inspirations for me to get up and go. But I’ll need a new fix as the cold months approach.
Mornings with God.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is beginning my day sacredly. Most mornings, I grab my cup of fresh brew and head to my quiet place, a corner nook in my bedroom that overlooks our wooded backyard. I sip, pray, journal, dig into the Bible, or sometimes, just sit with God and listen without an agenda or an ask (this in itself has taken a lot of practice!).
I make a point to get up early so I have this unhurried time to center and prepare myself for the day ahead.
But, what really keeps me coming back is knowing that my strength, power and purpose ultimately come from spending time with my Father God.
You might say, “That’s great for you Joanne. But I don’t have time for these luxuries.”
I understand. I’ve been there. But I came to realize that it wasn’t so much that I was lacking in time; I just wasn’t prioritizing my time in a way that served me best. I wish you peace and healing that transcends all understanding.