4 Steps to Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing Inspired by Giraffes

Has life ever pushed you down? If I had to guess, I’d say it has. I have certainly felt pushed down by life many, many times. The interesting thing about life and all of its problems is that those problems are some of the best teachers we will ever have. It’s how we get back up from the fall that will determine how strong we become.
 
When a baby giraffe is born, it falls 8-10 feet because its mother doesn’t lie down to give birth. That seems cruel enough. But then, when the baby finally gets to its feet, the mother kicks it down again. Why? So the baby can build strength against predators - so it will get up quicker the next time and not be eaten.
 
As with the giraffe, resilience is really one of our biggest and best friends. But what it takes to have resilience is taking a punch from life and then getting back up again and again and again and again. How do we do that, you ask?
 
1.     Let the shock and disappointment sink in. That’s right. It’s okay to feel bad, sad, angry, frustrated, or devastated. It’s okay to sit there for a while and be by yourself with your emotions. In fact, the situation can’t be processed without doing that.
2.     Let trusted people help you. Talk about your troubles. Don’t let the devil trick you into thinking bottling things up is healthy or “I’ll do this alone” is okay. Find your compassionate friend, mother, sister, loved one, favorite life coach or therapist, minister or pastor to talk to. God has put them in your life for a reason.
3.     Find something that comforts you and relieves your stress and do more of that. Fishing, boxing, sewing, reading, watching a good movie, helping someone who is less fortunate, seeing the grandkids, etc. Your brain needs time to relax and heal. We weren’t meant to live in chronic stress. Doing things to help you cope will allow you to focus better and tackle life with poise and skill.
4.     Pray and pray and pray. God will give you strength to go on every time if you just ask Him. He will send the right message, person, article, or story your way. It will be just what you need, right when you need it. Be sure to be watching. Sometimes we overlook the amazing things He sends our way. Focus on getting back up after a fall and watch for the tools He sends you. He will lift you up and put you back on your feet. Every time.
 
Even though I find it hard to say sometimes, I thank God for all the falls, bumps in the road, disappointments, and failures. It is because of those that I have a strong soul. It is because of those “life stinks” moments that I can, without a shadow of a doubt, know that my God has given me a smooth stone to slay my giants.
 
Dare to tell life to “Bring it!” knowing that in the end you will be stronger, more resilient, and better able to handle the predators that want you destroyed.
 
God be with us when we fall,
Celeste
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
 
 
 
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