Song Recommendation: Let You Go (feat. Will Reagan)

Fun fact. You have around 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day. I’m sure you’ve heard some wild static about this or how around 80% of our thoughts are negative.  On top of this, 98% percent of your thoughts are exactly the same as they were the day before…. talk about creatures of habit. The reason I’m bringing this up is to show how POWERFUL our thoughts are and how they have the capacity to highly influence our reality: mentally, physically and emotionally.

I can recall constantly battling my mind, leading to very unhealthy habits. I never understood the power of my thoughts until I started doing some soul searching in my early 20’s. I was a pretty “positive” person in the world’s eyes. I practiced mediation, yoga and read plenty of self-help books to ease the pains of the “chaotic world”. What I didn’t realize is how the mind and the soul are so intricately connected – and how the soul doesn’t belong to us but to the creator of the universe.

I’ve found it nearly impossible to escape my mind on my own. The only way I found relief was to focus my attention on God and his plan (whatever that may be). The true reason I am writing this article is to bring light to a sometimes very dark place and let you know you are not alone.

Depression:

Have you ever had depression? It sucks. A feeling of complete hopelessness. I forgot about depression. Why? Well Jesus. He gave me hope. And with a life full of joy and light, I try not to let in darkness; but don’t get me wrong I have my days.

I was in the shower the other day; really stoked on life. Singing and getting ready for work then BAM, flashback. I remembered this feeling, the weight of confusion.

When I was going through an epic battle of depression the shower was the only place where I felt normal. I would sit under the hot water for what seemed like hours, and let it wash my tears. My body would relax and I felt at ease for a moment, and then back to reality. *Pretty depressing*

I once heard this theory the more creative you are the more prone to depression you are, that made me feel better. But seriously, depression is WHACK and even as a faithful follower of Jesus the enemy gets in my head and whispers lies into it.

So how do I cope with depression or better yet how was I FREED from depression and am continually freed from it DAILY?! (Cool right).

As I stated before the mind is a powerful thing, but I believe God is more powerful than even our minds. I mean He created it!

The first thing I usually do when I feel like crap, because that’s how you feel when you’re depressed, worthless.

PRAY

When you’re depressed PRAY. If I could write a book about the power of pray I would (maybe one day) but pray works. For a while *even being in faith* I didn’t understand prayer. I used to think is God really hearing me and going to heal me or am I basically just making myself feel better by talking out loud. Well God heard me and still hears me and prayer is the key to giving your darkness over to the light. By shedding light onto the dark parts of your thoughts God is able to heal you.

“To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible–and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” Ephesians 5:13

Also, scripture calls us to prayer because God knows what’s up. He knows life is hard and wants to help us out. Basically he’s a really cool Dad and loves the HECK OUT OF YOU. So pray the pain away friends.

Some tips on prayer. I usually ask God to cover my mind and take my thoughts away from me. It’s not only admitting to my own self that I don’t want to feel like this anymore but to God. CHOOSE to let Jesus into those dark spaces.

ACCOUNTABILITY

God bless friends. To all my friends who have been on the opposite end of a crying phone call; Thank You. Accountability and friendship are CRUCIAL to getting through this thing we call life. There has been times where I have straight up called a friend saying, “I suck, I’m depressed, I can’t get out of my head HELP.”

Do not be afraid to be vulnerable with people. Vulnerability is sexy, and it’s the only way to heal. In order to be vulnerable with friends, you have to be vulnerable with God first. The basis of real trust is only learned through a healthy relationship with Him. But sometimes we just need a hug and that’s okay too. If you don’t feel like you have a proper community to poor into you, go check out some local churches or community groups. You would be blown away by how many, PEOPLE need PEOPLE. Crazy right?! We need each other guys.

Ps. if you see a friend struggling please reach out. PLEASE. They might need someone and may be too afraid to put themselves out there.

LET GO

Do you know how many times I’ve told myself to let go? LET GO AND LET GOD. Ha. But really it’s that easy. Having expectations towards life and people WILL KILL YOU. And if there is one thing I’ve learned and try to master in this life is to not have expectations, in anything I do. Life is going to happen the way it’s going to happen so instead of trying to control or live in fear, jump aboard the train and enjoy the ride. Were only here for a nanosecond and there’s something so beautiful and freeing about letting go and allowing Gods plan to take full course. He is the author of the most beautiful stories of EACH one of our lives.

This has to do with your inner most being as well. The amount of depression I have caused myself by not being easy on me is crazy. In order to live fully you need to be happy with where you are right now, NO MATTER WHAT. Remind yourself, you are in Gods hand and no person or circumstance should ever change that solid truth. Go with the flow of life and let it happen. DON’T STAND IN GODS WAY.

SPEAK TRUTH

Speak truth over yourself. You are beautiful, you were created for a purpose and a plan, you are creative and special, you are greatly loved. Write yourself an affirmation list and repeat it daily. Start it with I AM _____ and so on. Speaking truth over yourself will remind you’re inner being who you really are! With the shuffle of life it’s easy to forget this.

GET OFF AND GET OUT

If you feel depressed get off of social media and get outside. I can’t stress this enough. Instagram is a highlight of people’s lives. Yes life is awesome, and life is more awesome with Jesus but there are days when I feel like CRAP and post a super happy picture of myself (guilty). The illusions of everyone’s happy life can make you feel more depressed so unplug and go connect with Gods creation. It’s the key to joy. I do this at least a couple times a week (alone) to feel refreshed and connected to my soul.

Depression SUCKS, but there is a way out. CHOSE THE LIGHT. I hope these tips might help you as they helped me!

XO Em