Uncategorized – Page 2 – Authentically Abby

Meeting the Right Person at the Wrong Time

Encountering impactful individuals can significantly influence our lives, especially in the context of “right person, wrong time.” Mental and emotional readiness dramatically affects our ability to embrace these relationships. My experiences taught me the value of openness, honest communication, and seeking support. Embracing vulnerability and new experiences can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.

There comes a point in our lives when we encounter people who leave a remarkable and lasting impact on us and how we navigate life after meeting them. I have always been skeptical of the “right person, wrong time” concept. To me, it didn’t make sense. Sometimes, we do not understand a concept until we have experienced it ourselves. Only then do we truly grasp the reality of what others have been repeating time and time again.

Right person, wrong time. How is this possible? It is all circumstantial. Where we are in our lives determines whether or not we can fully accept someone else in our everyday lives. For each person, these circumstances are different. However, the situation that tops all others is one’s mental and emotional capabilities. When we come across someone at a time when we feel completely broken and lost, we might not be able to see the goodness in them and the value they can bring to our lives. We are so blinded by our pain and all that we have been through. So much so that we push those who mean us well away. We see ourselves as failures, so we cannot realize that we deserve good things and good people. Only when we have destroyed relationships with people and isolated ourselves from everyone can we truly begin to see how amazingly perfect someone could have been for us.

I believe that nothing happens before its time and that everything does happen for a reason. We can constantly worry about what could and should have been, but it all boils down to the greater good. You see, I am guilty of pushing people away. My ability to detach is scary. I did not realize that there would come a day when I would not understand these new emotions that presented themselves from wanting to push someone away. Someone I had grown to care for in a relatively short time. In so doing, I underwent a period of introspection. I then understood that healing does not have to be a solo journey. Some parts of ourselves require us to heal with the help of others.

When that person arrived in my life, and now that I think about it, it was the wrong time for both of us. I firmly believed that they were the right one. I was not ready to receive them. I was in a constant battle with myself. Walk away or stay. The pain I felt from thinking about cutting ties was enough for me to throw caution to the wind and go for a ride- and boy, was it a ride and stories for another time. I laid my cards on the table and bared it all. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I have no regrets. That decision made me feel lighter, freer, alive, and genuinely happy for the first time in years. I could have missed out on all this and more had I stuck to my old ways. Unbeknownst to them, this individual forced me to work on myself and my struggles. Although the outcome was not what I expected, I am happy I took the chance because I would have missed out on something so magical and beautiful that I know only an author as creative as God could have written. I would not change a thing if I could.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few tips that might help:

Be Open to New Experiences: Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Do not let fear hold you back from forming meaningful connections.
Communicate Honestly: Share your feelings and fears with the other person. Honest communication can build stronger bonds and help both parties understand each other better. During my introspection, I learned that bottling emotions only leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
Seek Support: Whether from friends, family, or a professional, seeking support can help you navigate your emotions and gain a clearer perspective.
Embrace Vulnerability: It is okay to be vulnerable. Being open and vulnerable can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.
Reflect and Learn: Take time to reflect on your experiences. What have you learned about yourself? How can you use these lessons to grow and improve your relationships?

Our encounters with people who leave a lasting impact on our lives can profoundly shape our journey, especially when we consider the notion of the “right person, wrong time.” Through personal experiences, we understand that our mental and emotional readiness significantly influences how we receive and nurture these relationships. My journey taught me the value of openness, honest communication, and seeking support when needed. These interactions often push us towards introspection and growth, revealing that healing does not always have to be a solitary endeavour.

By sharing these experiences and offering practical advice, I hope to inspire others to embrace their emotional journeys with courage and vulnerability. Life is full of unexpected twists, and we often find the most profound lessons in these moments of connection and self-discovery. Remember, every experience—whether it seems like the right or wrong time—contributes to our personal development. Embrace the journey, trust in the process, and believe that each step leads you to where you are meant to be.

As you reflect on your journey, consider this: How might embracing vulnerability and openness to new experiences transform your relationships and personal growth?

Until next time,
Abby

Navigating Emotions and Grief: Waves by Blake Proehl as a Source of Hope

Abby shares a transformative walk where the song “Waves” by Blake Proehl resonates deeply. She experiences grief like crashing waves, finding comfort in prayer and the Bible. Believing in God’s plan, she navigates through life’s storms, finding solace in faith. This emotional release brings hope for the future amid life’s challenges.

I was out for a walk. I had my Airpods in with music blasting to drown out the outside noise, but I was focused on the game I was playing on my phone. A few songs had already played without me paying attention until a few words from one particular song caught my attention and stopped me in my tracks. “But I know these waves will crash over me, but I’ll have faith”. I instantly switched to the music app to see the song and view the lyrics. The song was “Waves” by Blake Proehl. As I read the lyrics, I was immediately brought to tears. I hit replay and gave myself a moment to get myself together because I was not the only person where I was.

Music does have a way of speaking to the soul. These past months have been rough for me. Waves. That is the perfect description to capture the whirlwind of emotions assaulting my body. There are days like today when everything seems normal, and then I get hit with a reminder, and everything comes crashing back. You know when you’re on a beach, standing in the ocean, and a big wave comes in and crashes into you? That is how some of my days are.

I have been deep in prayer and putting my trust and faith in God because I know this is all a part of my journey. He is preparing me for something good. Whenever I have these thoughts, a feeling of calm wraps me in its arms, and I am comforted in knowing that God has my back and means me well. However, this does not mean that all my worries are suddenly gone. As you can see from this post so far, I have moments where I feel defeated and lost, as if I am drowning. I tell myself that having these feelings is ok and give myself time to feel and process. In these moments, I rely heavily on my faith and pray that God will get me through. You see, in moments when we are most vulnerable, it is so easy for us to lash out and curse at God. The devil wants us to do that. I can’t allow him to distract me from God’s purpose for me. So, I pray.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. I try to remember this Bible verse in moments of doubt and confusion. God is my strength, and with His help, I will get through this season.

Grief comes in waves. It has its ups and downs, just like life. No one can put a timeline on when you should start to get over what you have been through. Like a ship on a stormy ocean, ride the waves until the storm passes. Through it all, remember that God is the vessel’s captain, and with Him at the helm, we can make it through any storm.

My walk today was more than just a routine activity; it was a profound reflection and emotional release. The song “Waves”, pierced through my distractions, echoing the tumultuous journey I’ve been on these past months. Life’s challenges often feel like relentless waves crashing over me, but in these moments of vulnerability, I find solace in my faith. Turning to prayer and scripture, anchors me, reminding me of God’s plans for my future. Though grief and hardship come in waves, I believe that with God as my guide, I will navigate through the stormy seas and find peace. Just as the waves are a part of the ocean, these trials are a part of my journey, shaping me and preparing me for the good ahead.

Until next time,
Abby

Conquering Dreadful Mental Images: Strategies for Relief

I think some, if not all of us, have an image that will forever be imprinted on our minds. An image that brings a sinking feeling within our stomachs. An image you can see as clear as day whether your eyes are opened or closed. An image that brings you complete dread. You know the one I am talking about, don’t you? You wish you could reach into your consciousness and snatch it from its contents. Erase it completely.

I didn’t think this would be my first post when I decided to take blogging seriously again, but here I am. The question is, how do you get rid of this image? How do you stop your mind from allowing it to slip into your consciousness when your defenses are down? I have some thoughts, although they have yet to be tried and proven by me, but I’ll be sure to provide an update.

It is believed that talking about the things that bother you will set you free. It helps to release all the pent-up emotions, and if you’re in a mindset to receive feedback, it just might help. Just thinking about mentioning this to my therapist is weighing me down. I can feel my body gearing up for fight/flight. And while she may not be the cure-all, she can help with getting to the root cause, which will allow this image to not have power over me.

Distraction is also an idea that pops into my mind. Doing things that keep the mind actively engaged and concentrating on other things is sure to prevent the wayward thoughts and that crippling image from popping up. Refocus.

This brings me to my next point: meditation. Meditation practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation. I have tried meditative techniques before, but my mind always refused to be quiet. They say it becomes easier with practice, though. I’ll give it another try.

I am no expert, and I am always open to feedback. We all have something that constantly burdens us. The most important thing to do is to give ourselves grace. Giving oneself grace involves practicing self-compassion and forgiveness. It’s about acknowledging that mistakes are part of learning and not overly critical of oneself. How we conquer these thoughts and take back our power will be freeing.

Until next time,
Abby