I didn't realize the truth in that statement until this past week. Holiday season is starting, and I found myself excited! I was excited for Thanksgiving with the Macy Day Parade. I am looking forward to Christmas and all the festivities surrounding it! Now you might be saying, "Well... duh... EVERYONE gets excited around the holidays!! How could you not!" Well this time last year I wasn't excited at all.
At first, I didn't realize it was an issue, that by not being excited for Holidays was a problem. I use to get so excited I couldn't sleep, but then nothing; Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's all just seemed like another day. I thought that it was just another part of getting older was all the magic and happiness of the holidays were gone. That's not true. During that time I had really bad anxiety, and I am so thankful I had friends who put up with me through all of it.
I am happy to say though this time around I am excited for the holidays. It feels like there is light in my life again. I feel like I can breathe. I feel like I can truly smile again. Probably the biggest success in my life to date is at random I thought, "I am so glad I am not dead." For the first time, I was happy to be around, to be alive. When I use to think the best thing for those around me was to be gone permanently. I don't think that anymore. I approach situations in my life differently, I approach them with God, the Bible, and love instead of fear, sadness, and anger.
It gets better. You just have to take it minute by minute. The little things will pass over the days get better. Keep your eyes on God. You might not have a moment like I did back in January, but keep your eyes on Him, and surround yourself with those that do the same. BREATHE. When you see that little glimpse of light in your dark tunnel, keep your eyes on it, and slowly you will see that light grow and you be out of the darkness and into the light.
Realize you are not alone. Everyone has dealt with something in their life. It is ok to ask for help. To help you see that light and keep hold I challenge you to this:
1) Go to church for 4 Sundays in a row
2) Listen to only Christian music for 30 days
3) Read a Bible verse for 30 days
4) Talk to God when you are alone in the car
5) Give only 10% of what you make to Tithing
I did this. My life has changed drastically, and I am better for it. Do this for just one month. You will have blessings in your life more than you can believe. I am constantly saying, "THANK YOU GOD!" when anything good in my life happens, and I try when something bad happens. You can do this. I believe in you. Breath, and hold on, it will get better.
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." ~ 1 Peter 5:7-9
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
~ Isaiah 41:10