Growing up, my home was shaped by the echoes of violence and the silence of unmet needs. My father’s physical abuse toward my mother created a home where fear lingered in every corner. Despite my mother’s tireless efforts to provide—working, feeding, and keeping the family afloat—my father twisted the narrative, blaming her for their shaky relationship. The weight of this dysfunction fell heavily on my siblings and me, leaving scars, lifelong emotional struggles, and a lasting impact.
The church, where I was grounded and grew in the knowledge of God and faith, offered counsel that only deepened the wounds. An elder persuaded my father to stay in the marriage for the sake of the children, but the reality was that he posed a danger to my mother and us. The violence we endured left us struggling to silence our emotions while wrestling with society’s expectations of self-regulation. Years of dysfunction left their marks on us, making the damage feel irreversible.
As I entered adulthood, my mother remained overly involved in my life, wanting to spare me the heartache she had endured in her own marriage. She tightly controlled my choices, convinced that a follower of Christ would honor His decree and love me as Christ loved the church. She went as far as discouraging my relationships, even issuing threats to prevent me from forming a union with a non-Christian. Yet despite her efforts—and even though I married a Christian—I still struggled in my relationship. While it seemed to be an improvement over my parents’ marriage, dysfunction lingered—not just within me, but within my husband as well.
Yet I wondered—how could a faith that preached love and compassion fail to address the root causes of suffering? The Bible itself says, *“He who is sick should seek a physician,”* but the church seemed ill-equipped to recognize hurts and dysfunction, let alone offer practical solutions or consider the consequences of misguided advice. I saw firsthand how the cycle of abuse played out in my own life, even as I fought to break free.
But amidst the pain, I found clarity—and a desire to do for others what had not been done for me. Matthew 25:40 resonated deeply within me: *“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”* This verse became a beacon, reminding me of the importance of caring for those in need. Acts of kindness, I realized, are acts done toward Christ Himself. I cannot comprehend turning away from anyone in peril—even when I feel ill-suited to help. Indifference truly grieves me.
I believe in a purpose-driven life. Though I am sometimes triggered by painful memories, I see meaning in my experiences and the need for change—within ourselves as individuals, within our churches, and within our communities. I recognize the urgency of teaching and empowering our children about the effects of trauma and abuse in society. My life has ignited a calling within me—a mission to share my story, to empower others, and to guide them toward practical solutions beyond church settings. My hope is to shed light on the often-overlooked realm of psychological abuse. I am determined to be the advocate I once needed—offering hope and healing to those who feel trapped.
Even in the darkest moments, God is still working. There is a path to purpose—a way to transform pain into a mission that uplifts others.
“Letting Go: Understanding and Healing Emotional Baggage”
Emotional baggage—it’s something we all carry, whether we realize it or not. Sometimes, it’s packed away so deep that we don’t even see how it affects our thoughts, relationships, and overall well-being. But healing starts with acknowledging it’s there.
### **Recognizing Emotional Baggage**
Have you ever found yourself reacting strongly to something minor and wondering, *Why did that upset me so much?* That could be emotional baggage talking. Our past experiences shape how we respond to life, and if we don’t take time to recognize those underlying emotions, they can weigh us down without us even realizing it.
**Building Awareness**
– **Self-Reflection:** The first step toward healing is self-awareness. Taking the time to reflect on your emotions and reactions can help uncover patterns. Journaling is a great tool—writing down your thoughts allows you to make connections between your past and present.
– **Recognizing Patterns:** Ever notice yourself repeating certain behaviors in relationships or feeling triggered by specific situations? That’s a sign of unresolved emotions bubbling up. Paying attention to these moments helps you understand what might need healing.
– **Seeking Feedback:** Sometimes, we need an outside perspective. Trusted friends or family can offer insight into behaviors we might not even notice in ourselves. They might see patterns we’ve been blind to, helping us recognize areas where growth is needed.
### **Unpacking Emotional Baggage**
Once you’ve identified what you’re carrying, the next step is working through it. Healing takes time, but there are ways to make the process easier:
– **Therapeutic Support:** Talking to a mental health professional can provide a safe space to explore emotions and past trauma. Therapy isn’t just about discussing problems—it’s about gaining tools to move forward.
– **Mindfulness Practices:** Meditation, deep breathing, and slowing down to be present help regulate emotions and bring awareness to what’s happening in the moment. This can be huge for easing stress and gaining clarity.
– **Expressive Writing:** Putting your thoughts onto paper can help make sense of complicated emotions. Sometimes, writing what you *wish* you could say allows you to release feelings in a healthy way.
– **Intentional Movement:** Physical activity like yoga, dancing, or even just stretching can help release emotions stored in the body. Movement can be a powerful way to process pain.
– **Building a Support Network:** No one heals alone. Finding people who understand your struggles—whether friends, family, or support groups—can make a world of difference. Feeling connected helps ease emotional burdens.
### **Finding Healing and Purpose**
Healing isn’t just about letting go of the past; it’s about learning how to move forward in a way that aligns with your life. It starts with awareness, then grows through action. By reflecting, seeking support, and finding tools that work for you, emotional baggage can go from weighing you down to becoming a stepping stone toward growth.
The journey to healing isn’t always easy, but every step forward matters. And no matter how heavy things feel, you’re not alone in carrying it. The important part? You don’t have to keep carrying it forever.
Health coaching supports individuals in achieving wellness goals. Understanding the coach’s role in behavior change and motivation is key. Learning how coaching differs from therapy clarifies its purpose. Awareness that coaching can complement medical treatment plans is relevant. Knowing it focuses on lifestyle factors rather than prescribing medical preparations is important. Finding information about health coaching helps evaluate its potential benefits. The iMedix podcast explores various approaches to health improvement, including coaching. As a health advice podcast, it offers diverse strategies for wellness. for lifestyle change insights. iMedix: Your Personal Health Advisor includes behavioral support ideas.
Taking one’s own life is a serious issue that touches countless lives around the globe.
It is often associated with psychological struggles, such as bipolar disorder, trauma, or chemical dependency.
People who struggle with suicide may feel overwhelmed and believe there’s no other way out.
It is important to raise awareness about this subject and offer a helping hand.
Early support can make a difference, and finding help is a necessary first step.
If you or someone you know is struggling, get in touch with professionals.
Let them know they are not forgotten, and help is available.