Today is one of those days.

It’s one of those days wherein I know I am enough…but man, I sure don’t feel like enough.  I feel so very small, unimportant, and unseen.

Today is one of those days. 

A day wherein I am able to identify the lies and limiting beliefs rolling around in my mind…I can intellectually see through their deceptive attacks to my self-identity and see them for what they truly are: accusations by forces of evil that are lacking of all merit.  However, as much as I “know” what is true and choose to focus on the right things…today my feelings are exceptionally skilled in their persistence to try to convince me otherwise.

Today is one of those days.  

A day wherein the negative aspects of recovery are very apparent. There’s no way I’m ever turning back; there’s no other way but forward for me.  But still, I’m exhausted and desperately want out of the “middle” of this season: I long for the “super bloom” in my journey – the season of promise that awaits me…a season wherein God will bring healing to others through use of my story and recovery will be behind me in entirety.  

Today is one of those days.  

A day wherein I call upon God and speak truths into my life to combat the falsities that nip at my spirit.  But each nugget of truth cannot seem to break through the emotional storm surrounding my soul. 

Today is one of those days.  

A day wherein my feelings and thoughts are trying to get the best of me. But I remind myself: I am not my feelings and I am not my thoughts.  

Today is one of those days…but I still have a choice in how I respond to my feelings and my thoughts.

So today, I choose to feel my feelings, but will not allow them to define me or determine my destiny. I choose to hear my thoughts, but will not identify with anything that does not line up with what God says about me.  

Today, I choose to embrace this day as a gift: a day that holds lessons to be learned and gems to be sought out in the rough.  I choose to seek God’s peace, despite the war within my mind.  I choose to hold onto hope, reminding myself these feelings and these thoughts shall pass.  I choose to trust God’s plan for my life, knowing He is working all things out for good.  

I choose to share this “case of the Monday’s” not to solicit sympathy.  But to hopefully provide you with hope if you are having “one of those days” yourself.  We are all met with hard days and we all “feel blue” at times.  In a stormy patch of life, it may feel like you are the only ones going through a rough time; but let me assure you, you are not alone.  We are all going through and/or struggling with something: our battles may look different, but battles we all face.

Some of us have trouble opening up about the dark days. Which is totally understandable: being vulnerable and admitting when you’re not okay can be very scary and difficult to do.  But friend, let me encourage you to not suffer alone.  Invite someone in…be real…be honest.  With someone…anyone. 

And do your best to not fear “those days” that are stormy.  They may feel uncomfortable, but they always pass.  I encourage you to view these challenges as opportunities for growth: you may just be left with some valuable lessons and insights that are often only learned through hard times.

And remember: the sun is always shining…even when we can’t see it or feel it.  We can experience the Son (Jesus) and call on Him anytime for strength…in any season we face.