Tag: faith

2025: Lessons from the Valley of Hope

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

2025: Lessons from the Valley

2025 was one for the books.

It was a year of long pauses and deep reflection, a year where many days were spent in the valley and far fewer on the mountaintop. A year filled with storms—some sudden, some slow-building—and not nearly as many victories as I would have liked. It wasn’t a year that offered easy answers or tidy endings. It was a year that asked me to sit with discomfort, uncertainty, and fear, and to learn what it truly means to endure.

Difficult seasons have a way of stripping life down to its essentials. When the noise fades and the days feel heavy, you learn quickly what matters and what doesn’t. You learn what you can cling to when there is nothing left to hold but hope—sometimes not even hope as we like to define it, but simply the decision to keep going.

There were moments this year when the darkness felt especially close. Moments when the questions came faster than the answers, when the weight of “what if” pressed hard against my chest. And one of those moments came under fluorescent lights, in a hospital room, as I prepared to undergo anesthesia for a heart catheterization.

Lying there, surrounded by beeping machines and hushed voices, my mind did not wander to all the things I still wanted to do or all the plans I hadn’t finished. It went straight to one thing—one moment I desperately wanted to reach.

My daughter’s wedding.

As the anesthesia began to take hold, fear crept in. Not the loud, panicked kind, but the quiet, sobering fear that asks: What if? What if I don’t wake up? What if I don’t get there? What if the moment I’ve been holding onto slips past me?

In that moment, I clung to prayer. I clung to love. I clung to the image of my daughter in a wedding dress, to the sound of laughter and music, to the sacred hope of being present for one of the most important days of her life. When everything else felt uncertain, that was my anchor.

And I made it.

I made it to the wedding.

And it was beautiful.

My daughter was beautiful—radiant in a way that goes far beyond appearances. There is something profoundly moving about watching your child step into a new chapter, about witnessing love take shape in front of you after all the years of raising, protecting, worrying, and praying. Standing there, heart full and eyes wet, I knew with absolute clarity that every storm, every valley, every fearful moment had led me to that sacred joy.

2025 taught me that difficult times don’t always come with immediate redemption. Sometimes the victory isn’t in the overcoming but in the surviving. Sometimes it’s in showing up—still breathing, still loving, still willing to hope even when hope feels fragile.

What do we cling to in the darkest moments?

We cling to love.
We cling to faith.
We cling to the people and moments that remind us why staying matters.
We cling to the belief that even in the valley, beauty can still be waiting ahead.

This year wasn’t easy. It wasn’t gentle. But it was meaningful. And if there is one lesson I will carry forward, it is this: even when the storms are many and the victories feel few, life can still surprise us with moments so beautiful they make the struggle worth it.

2025 may have been a year of hard lessons—but it was also a year that reminded me why I keep going.

The Art of Compassion: Helping Loved Ones Heal

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

When You Can’t Fix It: Being There for Loved Ones in Their Pain

There are moments in life when someone we love is hurting, and there is nothing we can do to take their pain away. Grief, loss, heartache—these are deeply personal experiences, and while we may wish to absorb their suffering, to shoulder it for them, we simply cannot. It is their journey, and our role is not to fix it but to walk beside them. So how can we show up in meaningful, supportive ways without offering empty words or repeating well-worn advice?

Hold Space Without Filling It

Silence can be one of the most powerful ways to show love. So often, we feel compelled to say something, anything, to ease the discomfort of pain. But instead of searching for the perfect words, try simply being present. Sit with them in their grief. Let them talk, cry, or say nothing at all. Being a steady presence can speak volumes more than any well-intentioned words ever could.

Acknowledge Without Trying to Solve

One of the most painful things for someone in distress is feeling unheard. When they express their pain, resist the urge to offer solutions or compare their experience to something you’ve been through. Instead, acknowledge what they’re feeling: “I hear you. That sounds incredibly hard.” Sometimes, knowing they are seen and validated is all they need.

Offer Tangible Help

Rather than saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” offer specific assistance. Bring them a meal, run an errand, pick up their kids from school, or handle a small task that might be overwhelming in their current state. Practical support can be a lifeline when grief or hardship makes even basic tasks feel impossible.

Respect Their Process

Healing is not linear, and everyone moves through pain at their own pace. Some days they may want to talk, other days they may withdraw. Some moments will be filled with tears, others with unexpected laughter. Let them lead the way, and don’t impose expectations on what their grief should look like.

Lean on Faith, If That Feels Right

For many, faith provides comfort, but in moments of deep pain, even the most devout can struggle. If faith is a part of their life, remind them gently of their beliefs without forcing platitudes. Instead of saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” try, “I am holding you in my prayers” or “I am here to sit with you in this, however long it takes.” Sometimes, embodying faith through love and patience is more powerful than words.

Encourage Without Pushing

There may come a time when they need professional help, whether it’s therapy, a support group, or other resources. If you sense they’re struggling beyond what they can bear, gently encourage them without making them feel broken or weak for needing help. You can say, “You don’t have to go through this alone,” and offer to help them take that step when they’re ready.

Find Your Own Support

Loving someone in pain can be exhausting. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so lean on your own faith, family, or friends when you need to process your emotions. Supporting them doesn’t mean ignoring your own needs; it means showing up from a place of strength rather than depletion.

Love Them Through It

At the heart of it all, the best thing you can do is love them. Love them when they cry, when they push you away, when they don’t have the words, when they feel stuck. Love them not by trying to remove their pain, but by being someone who remains, steady and unwavering, no matter how long the journey takes.

Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is simply showing up, again and again, with love.

Embracing Struggle

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

How Life’s Challenges Lead to Blessings

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect them. There are moments when the weight of our struggles feels unbearable, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we are being punished or that we will never overcome the obstacles in our path. Yet, if we take a step back and look at our lives from a broader perspective, we might realize that struggle isn’t the enemy—it’s a necessary part of growth, transformation, and ultimately, the realization of our blessings.

The truth is, we often stand in the way of our own blessings, not because they aren’t meant for us, but because we struggle to embrace the challenges that are essential for our growth. Struggle, as paradoxical as it may seem, is part of the divine design of life. When we’re experiencing hardship, it’s easy to focus on the pain or the apparent lack of progress. But what if, instead of resisting those difficult times, we leaned into them? What if we learned to trust that, even when things seem bleak, something greater is unfolding behind the scenes?

The Gift in Struggle

Struggle teaches us resilience. It forces us to grow in ways we never would have imagined. When life tests us, we uncover strengths within ourselves we didn’t know existed. It’s in the hard moments—when we feel like we’re at our lowest—that we discover a well of courage, patience, and determination we never thought we had. It’s in the darkest valleys that we develop the perspective to truly appreciate the peaks.

The famous author C.S. Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” How true this is! Often, we look at our struggles as things to avoid or eliminate, but they are often the very things that shape our future. Our challenges bring us closer to the people we are meant to be. Without those tests, without those failures, we wouldn’t have the capacity to appreciate the victories, the light, or the blessings when they arrive.

Faith and the Power of the Unseen

There’s a deep, unspoken truth in life: sometimes, we don’t see the good that is coming to us, not because it isn’t there, but because it isn’t visible yet. Faith is the quiet assurance that something greater than ourselves is at work. It’s the belief in things not seen, the trust that even when we can’t see the way forward, something beautiful is unfolding.

Whether you identify as religious or spiritual, many people have experienced moments where, looking back, they see how the challenges they faced led them to a place of profound growth and understanding. There’s a reason that “faith” is often spoken about in times of uncertainty—because it is in those moments, when we feel lost, that faith reminds us that there’s more to the story than what we see in front of us.

In these moments, it’s important to remember that what may feel like a setback is sometimes a redirection. Life, in its mysterious way, is preparing us for something far better than what we could have imagined. What we interpret as failure could be a setup for success—a process we have to go through to become who we’re truly meant to be.

Gratitude for the Darkness

It’s easy to be grateful when things are going well. We’re thankful for the good health, the steady job, the happy relationships. But what about when things are not going well? Can we also find gratitude in those times? Can we be thankful for the struggles, the challenges, the darkness?

I believe we can, and we should. The darkness teaches us to appreciate the light. It’s in the moments of deep struggle that we learn to recognize the power of joy, peace, and contentment when they do come. Imagine how easy it would be to take blessings for granted if we didn’t know what it was like to feel without them.

Gratitude for the darker times isn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending that everything is fine. It’s about recognizing that through hardship, we grow. We become more compassionate, more understanding, more resilient. We develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the things we used to take for granted. And in this process, we cultivate a strength that can only come from facing the storms of life head-on.

Growing Through What We Go Through

Ultimately, life is about growth. We are meant to evolve, to learn, to adapt. The struggles we face aren’t there to defeat us—they are there to refine us. Every time we face a challenge, we have a choice: we can give in to defeat, or we can use that challenge as an opportunity to grow. When we choose growth, we choose the path that leads us to better versions of ourselves.

Through each struggle, we develop new skills, insights, and emotional intelligence that enable us to navigate future challenges with greater ease. And when we approach life with a mindset of growth, we begin to see opportunities in places we once saw only obstacles.

So, instead of focusing on the difficulty of the moment, let’s shift our perspective. Let’s ask ourselves: What can I learn from this experience? How can I grow from this challenge? How can I use this to become a better version of myself?

The Blessing in the Struggle

Looking back on the challenges we’ve faced, it’s easy to see how they shaped who we are today. Some of our biggest blessings may have been disguised as hardships in the beginning. The job that felt like a dead end may have led to a more fulfilling career later. The relationship that ended may have opened the door for a deeper connection with someone else. The illness or setback may have forced us to slow down and reevaluate our priorities, leading us to a healthier, more balanced life.

In the midst of struggle, we can’t always see how things will unfold, but we can trust that, just as the sun rises after the darkest nights, so too will brighter days follow our challenges. Our struggles don’t define us—they refine us, helping us become who we are meant to be, ready to embrace the blessings that are on their way.

Wrapping it up for you:

Life is a mixture of light and dark, joy and sorrow, success and failure. It’s easy to be thankful when things are going well, but the true test of our character comes when we learn to appreciate the value of struggle, to embrace the unknown with faith, and to cultivate gratitude even in the darkest moments.

Through the struggles, the setbacks, and the pain, we grow. And in that growth, we discover our deepest blessings. So, the next time life feels like it’s challenging you beyond measure, remember this: your growth is happening in those moments. You are being prepared for something far greater than you can imagine, and sometimes, the struggles you face today are the stepping stones to the blessings of tomorrow.

Forgiveness for others, for yourself

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

The Struggle of Forgiveness: Why Letting Go is Vital for Mental Health

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of healing we can do for ourselves, but it’s also one of the hardest. Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you, or battling the guilt of not forgiving yourself, it can feel like an impossible task. However, forgiveness is essential for mental health, peace of mind, and moving forward in life. It’s a powerful tool that can free us from pain, resentment, and the weight of negative emotions that hold us back. But why is it so challenging, and how can we move past the struggle to heal?

Why is Forgiveness So Hard?

Forgiveness can feel like giving up your right to be angry, hurt, or upset. When someone wrongs us, the emotions can run deep. There’s often a sense of betrayal, hurt, or disappointment. It’s natural to want to hold onto these feelings, because it feels like protecting yourself. In the case of self-forgiveness, it can be even harder. How do you forgive yourself for things you regret? The shame and guilt can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t deserve forgiveness.

But what if we told you that holding onto these feelings is actually making things worse? Unforgiveness doesn’t hurt the person who wronged you—it hurts you. It keeps you stuck in the past and prevents you from moving forward in life. It can affect your mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Holding onto guilt or resentment also weighs on your heart, mind, and body, making it harder to find peace and joy.

The Impact of Unforgiveness on Mental Health

The emotional and physical toll of unforgiveness is real. Studies have shown that carrying the burden of anger or regret can lead to increased stress, lower immunity, and even chronic health issues. When we hold on to unresolved emotions, they can manifest as tension, sleeplessness, headaches, and more. In the long run, harboring unforgiveness can even contribute to deeper mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety.

Mentally, not forgiving can cause you to relive the pain over and over again. You might find yourself ruminating on past events, replaying conversations or moments in your head. This can make it difficult to move on and create new, positive memories. The past can trap you in a cycle of negative thinking, which holds you back from being present and finding joy in your life today.

Forgiving Others: A Gift to Yourself

Forgiving others doesn’t mean excusing their behavior or forgetting the hurt. It means deciding that you are no longer going to let their actions control your happiness and peace of mind. When you forgive, you are taking back your power. You’re choosing to let go of the negative emotions that have held you hostage for so long.

Forgiving others is a process—it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to take small steps and allow yourself to feel angry or upset. But each time you release that anger, even in tiny moments, you’re creating space for healing. Start by acknowledging the pain, expressing your emotions in a safe space, and eventually, choosing to release that pain for your own peace.

The Importance of Self-Forgiveness

While forgiving others can be challenging, forgiving yourself is often even harder. We tend to be our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to impossibly high standards. When we make mistakes, especially ones that hurt others, the guilt can feel suffocating. We often ask, “How can I forgive myself after what I did?”

The truth is, everyone makes mistakes. We are all human. The key is to learn from those mistakes and use them as stepping stones toward growth and self-improvement. Self-forgiveness doesn’t mean absolving yourself of responsibility. It means acknowledging the mistake, accepting that you’re not perfect, and giving yourself permission to move on.

When you forgive yourself, you free yourself from the burden of guilt. This act of self-compassion is vital to mental health. It allows you to focus on the present and future instead of being stuck in the past. It helps you cultivate self-love, which in turn boosts your self-esteem and sense of well-being.

Taking Stock of Unforgiveness in Your Life

Forgiveness is an essential part of the mental health journey. It’s important to take stock of any unforgiveness in your life—whether it’s toward others or yourself. Ask yourself: Are there people or situations that I’ve been holding onto, keeping myself stuck in pain? Are there mistakes I’ve made that I need to forgive myself for? Recognizing areas of unforgiveness allows you to begin the process of healing.

Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength, courage, and self-care. It’s about reclaiming your peace and taking control of your emotional well-being. Whether you start with forgiving someone else, or you begin with forgiving yourself, remember that it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Progress in forgiveness is progress in mental health.

Wrapping up: Healing Through Forgiveness

The struggle with forgiveness is real, but the freedom that comes from letting go is worth the effort. Forgiving others, forgiving yourself, and taking stock of any unresolved feelings can help you break free from the past and move forward with a lighter heart and mind. Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. It may take time, but every step you take toward forgiveness is a step toward healing, peace, and better mental health.

Let go of what no longer serves you, and give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Your mental health will thank you for it.