Whenever I’m in the thick of a challenging time, here’s something that helps:
Reflecting on a time that felt extremely hard while I was in it, but showed me SO much goodness on the other side.
That’s what our 10th joy prompt, Recounting a Growth Bout, is all about.
Whether you feel like journaling, daydreaming, sharing in the comments, or even messaging me…
I encourage you to look back in time and spot a difficult stretch that secretly grew you.
What made you stronger on the other side? What taught you so much or made you open your eyes so wide that you were grateful for the struggle?
Think: that whole friggin’ season that slowly prepared you for [insert beautiful thing here], or those couple of days of illness that gave you a newfound appreciation for [something of the senses here], those 10 straight hours of [x] that led you to [y], or, or, or.
Don’t overthink it.
Go with what first comes to mind.
Then, take a second to revel in your resilience.
Let it serve as a glimmer of hope.
Let it seep into wherever you are.
Let it remind you that you’re growing.
Can’t think of anything? Here are some verses + quotes that always scoop me up when I’m barely hanging on. Maybe they’ll comfort you, too.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
“When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
— Kahlil Gibran
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2
This post is part of the Mama Be Present series:
A joy-sparking journey + free community for moms who desire simple yet impactful ways to connect more with their little ones.
FEELING INSPIRED?
Want to keep up with these weekly joy prompts while clinking coffee with moms from all over? Join our private Facebook group or follow along on Instagram.
Meet new friends. Revel in the small things. Share your memories in the making.
Brit Stueven 