Hey friend! Okay, let's get real for a second. Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of stress management and how to give shame the boot when we're struggling. Because let's face it, we're all beautifully complex humans, and guess what? That's exactly how God designed us! Now, I know there's this pesky little misconception that tends to float around in Christian circles (and trust me, I've fallen for it too)--the idea that if we're grappling with big feelings, intense emotions, or just facing some tough challenges, it must mean we're doing something wrong. ;/ But here's the thing: that's just not true. Nope, not even close! In today's episode, we'll explore the wild and wonderful truth that our emotions are not some kind of curse. In fact, learning to feel and process them is all part of the "holy and hard work" of personal growth. It's like a spiritual workout and so worth it in the long run. And you know what else? We'll talk about how our pain and struggles can actually become our purpose. Those hardships we go through can equip us with the wisdom and compassion to minister to others who are going through similar things. It's like turning lemons into the most delicious, soul-quenching lemonade. ;) I hope this episode wraps you up in a big ol' hug and reminds you that you are so not alone in your struggles. We're all in this beautiful, messy, amazing journey together. I'm so grateful you're here, and I can't wait to share this time with you! Love and grace,Dani P.S. If you haven't already, come join the party and sign up for my email list at www.danisumner.com ! I promise it's not just another boring newsletter. We'll have some laughs, share some tears, and walk this journey together. Can't wait to connect with you there! Key Takeaways: 1. Life's hardships, circumstances, relationships, and our unique physiology can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, or grief, and it's crucial to acknowledge and process these emotions without judgment. 2. We are not spiritual robots, and resenting ourselves for struggling emotionally can be harmful. Instead, we should strive to be self-aware, observing our feelings and thoughts to understand their deeper roots. 3. Our emotions are not a curse, and learning to feel and process them is part of the "holy and hard work" of personal growth. 4. As triune beings (body, mind, and spirit), trauma and pain can leave lasting imprints on our entire being, making it essential to find healthy ways to release pain and not allow our bodies to become "coffins for pain." 5. Our pain and struggles can become our purpose, allowing us to minister to others through the wisdom gained from hardships. 6. Experiencing difficulties doesn't make someone less of a Christian or indicate that they are doing something wrong. 7. Engaging in the work of processing emotions and experiences within a supportive community can be transformative. Quotes: "Your pain can also become one of your biggest purposes on this planet." "We are not spiritual robots, but we are spiritual beings, and we have to tend to those places within us." "Doing this life together ... is literally his kingdom come, thy will be done on earth now as it is in heaven."   Resources: - "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk (book mentioned in the episode) - The Feel Better Journey (a program created to help you process emotions and experiences in a healthy, Jesus-centered way, and it's a fun time, together!) 🌟To learn more about Dani -> www.danisumner.com ✅ 🎉Dani's Coaching program--"The Feel Better Journey."  🙏🏽Want to get in touch? Contact Us At—> [email protected]   🤳🏼 ALSO, let's connect on social media: Facebook, Instagram -> Facebook and Instagram