Kristen Henderlong

1. Journal and Reflect

The more I write, the more I learn how powerful it is to process emotions, thoughts and memories on paper.  Writing or typing out your thoughts is therapeutic because the simple act requires you to slow down and literally bring the words out of your mind and heart and put them into sentences.  It’s a way of detaching them from the abyss that is your mind and soul.  It’s as if you are capturing the floating emotions and forcing them to come out of hiding for the physical world to see.  I know it can feel vulnerable and exhausting, but in the end it’s so exhilarating.  You will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Reflecting on past choices, interactions and even environments can be refreshing because your perspective is always different in hindsight.  I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.”  And I am sure you can attest to it as true your own life.  As time passes, we learn, we grow, we change.  Reflecting on it all can bring so much encouragement or just clarity.  It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come… whether you’ve improved or drifted.

In my experience, reflection has given me a new appreciation for the present time.  I have memories that are so overwhelmingly nostalgic.  Then I have memories that I am thankful have passed.  When I am mourning the good things of my past, it gives me a new motivation to embrace the good I have right now.  When I am grateful for the things I have overcome in my past, I am encouraged that right now I am in a better place.

2. Meditate on the beauty of the outdoors and wildlife.

There is science to support the fact that sunshine is good for your body.  Fresh air can clear your mind.  But the kicker for me is the beauty that is readily available to me the second I step foot outside.  God’s creation is incredible.  It’s more than incredible.  It’s captivatingly beautiful.  Seeing how big the world is makes my problems seem small and insignificant.  When I meditate on the vastness of a mountain or the intricacy of a pinecone, my mind is wisped away from the burden of my overthinking mind.  When I sit still in the majestic presence of a horse; I look into their eyes and see more than I expect to see.  God’s spirit is so potent in all the biological life He created.  It’s so comforting and refreshing to the soul.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…” (Romans 1:20 ESV).

3.  Pray.

I know prayer can be a tough one.  I am not sure why, but so many people including myself struggle to make this a regular part of life.  Maybe you think, “Well God already knows everything so why pray about it?”  Well the point is about connecting with Him… not telling Him something He doesn’t already know.  

Do you have kids?  Or do you have nieces/nephews?  I have several nieces and nephews.  I am sure you can think back to a time when one of them told you a story or a new discovery they had.  Being an adult who has already lived for years, chances are you already know what they’re trying to tell you.  But don’t you find joy and delight in hearing it in their cute little voices; the way their little minds experienced and processed it?  

It melts my heart when my niece or nephew tell me something like, “That’s right- never give up” or they say something silly like, “I look great in these pants.”  The truth is, it doesn’t matter what they say at 3 and 5 years old—I want to hear it.  I want to engage with them and enjoy them.  I want them to know I love them and they can talk to me about anything at all—silly or serious.

I am convinced that’s how God feels when we talk to Him.  He has given us no reason to believe otherwise.

4.  Creative Outlet.

We are created in the image of God (Gen.1:27).  God is the Creator of everything that exists.  He is creative.  He is an artist.  He makes something out of nothing.  He is constantly creating new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:7).  Therefore, doesn’t that make US little creators, too?  We are image bearers of the greatest Creator of all time.  The GOAT Creator (Sorry I couldn’t resist).

Making something out of nothing is therapeutic.  It is rewarding.  Again— it can get your mind out of the gutter and onto something real.  We have to get out of our heads.  Don’t think, “oh I’m not creative at all.”  WRONG.  You bear the image of the GOAT Creator.  Don’t you forget it.  Try something you haven’t tried before.  It doesn’t necessarily even have to be an artistic thing.  It could be building a fort in the woods.  It could be starting a new club/community/group.  It could be decorating your house.  It could be going for a walk and taking a picture of anything that catches your eye.

5.  Have a heart to heart with a friend.

Most of us have that someone we verbally process life with.  Whether it’s a friend or a family member, you know what I am talking about.  If you don’t have this in your life, you need to.  I pray God brings someone into your life who can be there to listen.  One of the best places I have found people to share with is at church.  Surprise, surprise.

I know being vulnerable with someone is risky.  It can be terrifying, honestly.  But it’s so powerful to make connections with other believers in Christ.  As followers of Jesus, we all have been given different gifts and talents.  We are wired differently.  We see the world differently than any other individual.  Nobody is exactly like you.  Therefore, it can be extremely helpful to get feedback from someone else when you might feel stuck or burdened.  They can help you see it in a new light.

Not only that, but YOU can be that support for someone else.  Think of the friend you always complain to or talk to about things.  Have you been there for them the same way they have been there for you?  I challenge you to intentionally listen and openly request that your friends share their struggles with you.  Tell them you are there for them.  Tell them you care.  Listen without thinking about what you’re going to say next.  Just listen.

6.  Study God’s Word.

Along with prayer, reading and studying what God has spoken for centuries will change your life.  The Bible is complex, confusing, long, exciting, powerful, and full of historic accounts of people just like you and me.

The times were different back then.  That’s why it can be challenging to read and comprehend what is being said in the right context of the scriptures.   Hence why I didn’t say to just read the Bible, we have to study it.

I am guilty of just reading a chapter here and there to check it off my list for the day.  But when I intentionally study, work with the text, ask questions and memorize verses, it does wonders for my soul.  One thing you will learn about God if you haven’t already: there’s always more.  There’s always more to the story…there’s more to be done, more to understand, more to grow, more to trust, more to see, more to hear, more to love, more to accept, more to eat, more to drink, more to open, more to create, more to undo, more to surrender… He is the God of abundance… more.

So when we read the Bible, we cannot just take it for face value.  There’s always more.

I hope your soul is refreshed today.  If not, try one of these 6 things…and if you’re feeling really adventurous— do them all.

Remember: You are Loved.