Yoga has been one of the most powerful tools in my life thus far, providing both a physical and emotional way for me to sort through thoughts clogging up my head. It helped me through my crippling anxiety senior year of high school, my depression when it hit hard freshman year of college, the health problems I am currently experiencing and everything in between.
While sifting through my thoughts and trying to empty my head of worry during Shavasana at my Vin-Yin class tonight, I heard some words very clearly that I needed to hear for some time now.
Maddy, it’s not the end of the world. You are O.K.
And just like that, I zapped from my mat on the studio’s floor and into a split second of jolting clarity about everything going on in my life.
That clarity took me back to a beautiful experience I shared with one of my closest friends at Mount Bonnell last spring. It was an early morning and the air was a little too chilly for 7am, but we were determined to complete a one-on-one bible study before a busy day of class.
We talked about how at this exact moment in time, we have everything we need. God has provided everything we need to get to this point in our life.
Now let that really sink in.
You have everything you need. You are alive. You are present.
In a world that presses us so strongly to get the next best technology, the best social media response and the most Insta-worthy body, take a moment and really think about what you NEED.
Sure, you have basic necessities such as food and shelter. But why have you become so accustomed to telling yourself that life would be better IF ______? If what? If you were a travel blogger who got to brag about your experiences or if you were able to land your dream job right out of college?
Has our God not already provided us enough to not only live, but live well? To thrive, even?
Take a minute. Think about where you are. About who is with you, about everything you have been blessed with. Think about those things that ignite your soul with passion, giving you a purpose.
Look at you! You are doing so well. You are so loved.
You are cherished by a God who loves you more than anyone on this planet can love you. You are protected by someone who has managed to sustain you for this long with his nourishing and fatherly love.
When you feel inadequate, when you feel like everything is wrong and you would be better off with different circumstances or a different life, just remember you’ve made it this far.
I encourage you to spend time each day, whether on your morning commute, between classes or during a nightly walk to reflect on your many blessings. And remember, God’s has you. He has you right in the palm of his hand and he’s NOT going to let you fall.
God has brought you to this point in your life and he can’t wait to accompany you on the rest of the journey.