Tag Archives: Faith

From Survival to Spirituality: A Glimpse Into My Journey

For much of my life, I may have appeared strong on the outside, independent, capable, resilient. But underneath, I was silently navigating years of emotional pain, family responsibility, chronic illness, and deep spiritual searching.

My spiritual journey truly began in my late twenties, during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I was trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship and couldn’t bring myself to ask for help, not from family or from friends. Instead, I turned inward. I started reading the Bible, exploring Buddhism, and practicing meditation. That inner work gave me the strength to leave, even though it took longer than it should have. It also taught me that we have more power over our lives than we think.

Later, when my mother’s health declined and started dementia to take hold, she relied on me more often. It was an overwhelming time, caring for my children, managing a household, and fighting for the support my mum desperately needed. It was during this period that I began experiencing strange, debilitating symptoms. I was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition often triggered by trauma and emotional suppression. My body had finally begun to speak the pain I’d pushed aside for years.

Amidst the chaos and challenges, my spirituality quietly deepened. I began to experience life differently, more connected, more intuitive, more open. And, while I’ve faced more grief and loss along the way, I’ve also found peace, insight, and a sense of purpose that continues to grow.

There’s so much more to this story, my isolated childhood, the loss of my father, the manipulation and shame I felt in an early toxic relationship, and the influence of a very special woman, my mentor and dearest friend Eileen, who passed away seven years ago.

I’m now working on turning this journey into a book. It’s a story of survival, awakening, healing, and the quiet power of spirituality in real life. I hope one day it will resonate with those who’ve experienced their own struggles in silence.

For now, I just want to say: if you’re walking through something painful, invisible, or hard to explain, keep going. The path may not be easy, but it can still lead somewhere beautiful.

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Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.com, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

2 responses to “From Survival to Spirituality: A Glimpse Into My Journey”

  1. Ann Algie Avatar

    Beautifully written Janet and definitely had me wanting to read more! I’m sure your book will be inspiring to many. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for this encouraging message this morning. 🥰🌻☀️

    Like

    1. janet37 Avatar
      janet37

      Thank you for your feedback Ann, its very encouraging. x

      Like

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In a World Full of Darkness, Shine Your Light Brighter

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the persistent sense of darkness that can seem to be all around us.  From the relentless cycle of negative news to personal challenges that test our spirit, it can feel as though the shadows have the upper hand. However, a light exists within each of us that has the power to pierce through the darkness – if only we remember to let it shine.

Your inner light is the essence of who you are. It’s your unique blend of kindness, resilience, creativity, and compassion. Yet, life’s trials can sometimes dim this light, leading us to forget our innate power to illuminate not just our path but the paths of those around us. The key to overcoming darkness is learning how to nurture and amplify this light within.

In challenging times, the world needs people who dare to be hopeful, positive, and authentic. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore during a storm, your light can serve as a beacon for others. It’s a reminder that even when times are hard, there’s still hope, love, and kindness in the world. Your light can inspire, comfort, and bring joy to those who have lost sight of their own inner brightness.

Embrace Self-Acceptance: Accepting yourself fully, flaws and all is a significant part of shining your light. When you let go of self-judgment, you create space for authentic expression. This authenticity naturally radiates outward, attracting others who resonate with your genuine spirit.

Practice Gratitude: Gratitude can help shift your focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life. This shift not only improves your mood but also brightens your energy, making you a source of positivity for others.

Acts of Kindness: Simple acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can see. Whether it’s helping a stranger, offering a smile, or lending a listening ear, these small gestures collectively light up the world.

Pursue Your Passions: Engaging in what you love not only feeds your spirit but also sends out a powerful message of joy and fulfilment. Passion is contagious, and when others see you pursuing what makes you happy, they feel inspired to do the same.

Stay Connected to Your Purpose: Remembering why you do what you do helps maintain your motivation during dark times. Whether your purpose is to support your loved ones, contribute creatively, or make a difference in your community, staying anchored to it fuels your inner light.

One of the greatest barriers to shining brightly is the fear of judgment or rejection. It’s natural to worry about what others might think, but it’s essential to understand that dimming your light for fear of being different or misunderstood serves no one. The world is full of individuals trying to find their way, and by bravely expressing who you are, you encourage others to do the same. Remember that people caught up in negativity, who try to reject the light you’re shining are, or have been suffering and are acting out of fear and resentment. It’s not your job to heal them and they will hopefully see the light when they are ready, but don’t let it stop you from shining.

Just as one candle can light many without diminishing its own flame, connecting with others who uplift and inspire can amplify the collective light. Seek out relationships that encourage you to grow, celebrate your successes, and offer support in times of need. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you keep your light burning brightly.

There will be moments when your light feels dimmed, whether by loss, disappointment, or personal setbacks. During these times, it’s essential to be resilient. Keep in mind that moments of darkness are just temporary. Turn to practices like mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to reconnect with your inner light and reignite your sense of purpose.

In a world full of darkness, your light matters more than you may realize. By staying true to yourself, embracing kindness, and uplifting those around you, you contribute to a world that is warmer, brighter, and full of hope. So don’t be afraid to let your light shine, even when the darkness feels overwhelming. You might just find that your light is the guiding force that others have been waiting to see.

Embrace your light, share it freely, and watch as it grows into a beacon that dispels the shadows and helps illuminate the world. You don’t have to be the brightest light, all light matters and encouraging others to shine their light too can only lead to a brighter future.

Thank you for reading my article. I cover a range of subjects from my work as a complementary therapist, personal experiences and interests.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

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Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.com, unsplash.com or pexels.com.