Happy Sunday Everyone! This week I want to talk about dealing with life challenges. I personally have been dealing with this topic for a few years now and I still struggle with navigating my health challenges.

 

Regardless of the challenges you face it can be exhausting. Some challenges push us to be better, some challenges help us to see what we are made of and some can even challenge our faith.

 

It's ok to question, it's ok to have moments of anger when dealing with difficult times, it's ok to admit you are struggling. Struggling is not a sign of weakness, it teaches us to hopefully reach out and ask for support. It teaches us about our own humanity.

 

I am grateful for the support I have, especially these past for weeks. I find that as I continue to deal with decrease mobility and increase physical pain that I sometimes struggle to keep it together. I struggle with depression at times and thoughts of “I can't do this much longer.”

 

But then I remember to breathe and meditate on my pain. That probably sounds weird right to meditate on your pain? But I was taught about 20 years ago that meditating on pain helps to reduce suffering by separating the physical sensation from emotional panic, stopping the cycle of resistance, and changing how the brain processes discomfort.

 

I can not take narcotics for they make me physically sick and block my intuition, so I work with natural resources for pain treatment, meditation being one of those.. Most days I do ok, but some days/weeks are more challenging and I have to remember self-care, which is why you may miss an e-news here or there.

 

But how do you deal with life challenges? Whether physical or otherwise? Do you fight against it? Do you surrender to it? Do feel defeated by it? What are the challenges you are facing today in life today? 

 

When dealing with challenges do you white knuckle it and get through it by yourself feeling like you need to suffer alone? Or do let people know you need help? For me asking for help used to be impossible, I never felt like I could trust people to be there when I needed them. Today I know the people who are here for me and I can be honest with and who will not judge my experiences.

 

But here is the thing too - when you reach out to people do you let them know what you need or expect them to just know? Example, sometimes I just need a sounding board, someone who will allow me to vent without offering advice, I am not looking for someone else to “fix” me. If I am looking for suggestions or opinions I will ask for them.

 

It is important when you are struggling to be empowered to speak your needs. Let people know what it is you need from them. It's also ok to admit you don't know what you need. Maybe it's just a hug, a shoulder to cry on. It could be a lousy cup of coffee or it could be advice. Whatever it is that you think you need speak up.

 

For those offering support I will let you know the worst thing you can do when someone is struggling is try to make it better for the person because you can't. One thing I find when you live with chronic pain you get a list of have you tried ….. I promise you there isn't anything I have not tried in trying to relieve my pain. Listen, emphasize, be gentle and know that it's ok that people struggle, it's part of our growth. And no matter what do not judge.

 

So, whether you are going through a challenging moment remember what you feel is valid and ok. You are not broken, therefore you do not need to be fixed. We all experience those dark moments in our lives just remember you do not need to go it alone. I find sharing my feelings and finding out that others feel the same way helps me to feel less alone.

 

If you are currently struggling, physically, spiritually, or emotionally know that you do not have to struggle alone. There is help, whether you talk to a friend, doctor, counselor does not matter. Follow your heart and do what is best for you. You are NOT alone!

 

 

 

If you have additional questions about Spiritual Counseling/Guidance and if it is for you, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at spiritualpathwaysnh@gmail.com.

 

Namaste,

 

Pat Laurino

Intuitive Energy Healer/Spiritual Psychic/Medium

 

 

The above list is only a portion of the providers we are blessed to have. So, if you feel frustrated with traditional medicine maybe try one of the above practitioners, who knows it may just change your life and aren't you worth that?