I don’t know about you, but life has thrown me some real curveballs (often of my own making) which I have not known how to deal with.
As I went through these difficult situations, phrases were often given to me by the Universe to help me cope! Here I share a few which have made a difference in my life and the stories that go with them:
PSALM 42:
In 7th grade, I was a gawky tomboy trying to become a “girl.” Making good grades was of supreme importance to me and science was not my best subject. On one test, I copied an answer from the boy in front of me. Our teacher confronted the entire class about someone cheating and said whoever did it had to come forward! I cried inside for two days, prayed for help, and just opened my Bible, landing on Psalm 42. It was a lifesaver, and gave me comfort then, and now!
“EASE THE POUNDING OF MY HEART…”
I also have had a lifelong problem with anxiety which this awful episode of course kicked up. Another phrase that the Universe gave me before I went to “confess” was the “..Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.” Shaking, trembling, and crying, I went to my teacher and confessed that I had cheated. I did receive my punishment, which was bearable. The same two sources of comfort helped me confess to my parents and I do not even remember the consequences!
To this day, these two sources provide me with comfort in difficult situations and also help me to calm down.
“KNOCK IT OFF”
Later in life, I worked in group mental health therapy. One major issue that my senior clients dealt with was the loss of a loved one. One patient, who I will call Frank, cried in every group session; nothing the group or I tried with him helped! In between groups, he would call and bemoan with whoever answered the phone. One afternoon as I struggled to get my progress notes done, Frank called, bemoaning he was depressed and did not know what to do, which he often did. Out of frustration, I blurted out, “Knock it off, Frank!” To my utter surprise, Frank BURST OUT LAUGHING! From that time forward, Frank was no longer as depressed, was able to tell himself to knock it off, and moved eventually forward into another relationship!
(This is not a therapeutic technique I would normally recommend)!😊
“I AM SO SORRY!”
Much of my work in later years has been with those who have suffered trauma through abuse, all kinds of losses, and other grief. Most of us often do not know what to say in moments such as these. The most powerful phrase I have found time after time is simply to say, “I am sorry,” or, “I am so, so sorry.”
These simple powerful words say it all.
“IT IS WHAT IT IS!”
For many years I have just not liked this phrase. However, the older I have gotten, the more this phrase has simply helped me accept what is happening in my life at that moment, and to accept the reality of the situation, too. I quit fighting, trying to change whatever it is, and simply deal with what is.
I invite you to share phrases that have helped you in your life, and the stories that go with them because you never know when you might help yourself and someone else!
Blessings,
Carolyn
