Enough of the highlight reels. Let’s dive into our :

Real Life Feels

C’mon, let’s admit and time box lament over the fact that our ordeals can have us wanting to hibernate until brighter times.

Years ago, I phoned a friend about my life happenings. It all felt like too much!

This friend asked me a question that stuck with me:

Did you think life was easy?

That question made me pause.

My internal response was, “Yes, I thought it would’ve been easier than this!”.

This friend encouraged me to rethink my thoughts on the human experience – perhaps to ground me in reality.

Coming to terms with the fact that life will be continuously challenging can feel overwhelming at first, until you realize:

Life is tough, but you are tougher.

You have to know in your core that you are equipped to dominate whatever obstacles are before you. Having support is key! Let’s not pretend that we get one challenge at a time – challenges are often stacked – to the point we try to plug and play solutions like:

Jenga pieces!

Doing our best to not topple over.

Regardless of the problems and outcomes – let’s choose to not numb out with vices that can lead to even more complications.

As long as we have life flowing through our veins, let’s get up and take productive action. Refusing to stay down in our feelings for too long.

This week, I shared under a YouTube post that I felt like quitting and a kind human left me this comment.

What does “Pain is a pulse” mean to you?

There will be days that the pain you are experiencing has you wanting to remain in bed. No matter how skilled you are at reframing suffering into a positive…

Suffering is suffering.

Lovely, there are moments where I feel sad and want to hide out for 50 years, but it’s consistent action that brings transformation.

You may have to command your body to move!

I’ve had to tell myself outloud:

“Lonisa, get up girl!”

It may take me a minute, but I eventually fall in line. We have to be able to do this without requiring others to carry us. There is a difference between being supported and coddled. If we’re dependent on other humans to be our constant coach – we may be waiting for days, months, years to forge ahead.

The Holy Spirit is a comforter and with us.

Continuously talk to him and ask for help. As it says in John 14:26:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”

Keeping a list of daily actions may empower you further. Consider posting your list somewhere visible and/or sharing it with a few trusted friends. This helps to bring structure and build a form of accountability – so that even when your emotions feel on a downward slippery slope you take consistent upward action.

Here is my list:

• Prayer
• 10k steps (Join – Step Up: Daily 10K )
• Create something new
• Post on my online platforms (Blog, YouTube, Instagram)

I do the above daily regardless of my feelings and life happenings. Increasing my time in God’s word is one way I’d like to up level my list.

To obtain transformation we have to keep showing up. It’s not about talent or feeling like it:

It’s about grit.

We overcome challenges by taking action (again and again and again). Take comfort in knowing that trials and tribulations are a sign that we are alive!

What’s one thing you are committing to do daily, no matter your present pain? Share below.

Stay gritty,

Lonisa