“You did an excellent job tonight, Tina. Now go home and eat a turkey sandwich.” This was a conversation that I will never forget. I was in my twenties, going through a really bad heartbreak, but still trying to show up as a mom, professional, and church leader.
After months of planning a major event, I finally wrapped it up that night. I did my thing, let me tell you! However, I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and couldn’t recall the last time I had a proper meal. Back then, my coping mechanism was to bury myself in work, keeping my mind so busy that I had no room to confront my feelings. I lost a significant amount of weight, and while I managed to keep it cute on most days, it was evident that I was far from well-rested.
It was such simple, loving instruction from my pastor, but it struck a chord with me. I went home, had my first real meal in months, and, for the first time in a while, I genuinely nourished myself. I slept better that night, woke up, cried, and felt a shift within me—a decision to let go and move forward.
That moment taught me something crucial: sometimes, the path to healing starts with simple acts of self-care. We often overlook the importance of prioritizing our well-being amidst life’s chaos. A gentle reminder to take care of ourselves can catalyze significant change. Now, whenever I find myself struggling, I whisper to myself, “Girl, go eat and get dressed… get your life together.”
I want to emphasize that while these acts may seem simple, they are not always easy. The healing journey can be incredibly tough, just as being stuck in a cycle of hurt can be. It’s about choosing your hard—whether you face the challenge of healing or the discomfort of staying stuck.
In my case, it was romantic heartbreak, but this principle applies to any emotional struggle. Some cope by overcommitting at work, while others might shut out the world, finding solace in a tub of ice cream or, a bucket of tears or chicken…or both. The key is recognizing that there is life beyond our pain. We must actively seek out what helps us heal and allows us to move on.
Imagine how much more vibrant our lives could be if we operated from a place of purpose rather than trauma. Consider how much more delightful ice cream and chicken could be if they were treats for joy rather than a crutch for our struggles.
So, to anyone who needs to hear this: go eat a turkey sandwich. Nourish yourself. There’s so much more waiting for you on the other side of this moment.
Take care of yourself. Give yourself permission to step into a brighter, more purposeful life. You deserve it!
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