Are you at a low point? We all find ourselves in the valley of despair from time to time. But emotional obstacles don’t have to hold you back any longer. There are 6 steps you can take to find emotional freedom.
STEP 1: Distinguish Between Guilt vs. Shame.
Guilt says, “What I’ve done is bad.” Shame says, “I am bad.” Feeling guilty is a God-given response when you’ve done something wrong. But shame is not put on you by God—He wants you to be set free. Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
STEP 2: Break Free From Codependency.
“Codependency is a lifestyle where we focus on meeting the needs of others while neglecting our own.”—Steve Arterburn
Trying to rescue others is tiring. Perhaps you have enabled someone’s addiction; or, you may have tried to please people by always saying yes.
Either way, you can’t change anyone else. But you can learn to say yes to taking care of your own needs—and say no to the demands of others.
STEP 3: Get Out of the Trauma Trap.
You may have been a victim in the past; yet, you’re responsible to face your problems today. One of the best ways to deal with trauma is to find a counselor through the New Life Counselor Network who specializes in a form of therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
STEP 4: Climb Out of the Pit of Depression.
If you’re depressed, don’t wait until you feel motivated. Do what you can. Get a professional evaluation from a doctor—they may recommend medication. Practice self-care by getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, exercising, and staying connected.
“We know better. But when we’re depressed, our bodies refuse to do better. There’s a gap—and that gap is energy. There’s no motivation or energy. So, engaging in life-giving activities is important.” —Chris Williams
STEP 5: End Procrastination Once and for All.
First, discover why you put things off. Apostle Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:16). Are you neglecting to use your time wisely? Or, are you avoiding a difficult emotion— such as fear (of failure or success), grief, sadness, or loss?
Second, find a solution. Sometimes you can delegate. Other times, you will need to work on something for 15 minutes at a time until you finish.
STEP 6: Build Healthy Relationships.
“Remove yourself from relationships and situations that are hurtful; develop relationships with people who love and respect you as a valuable human being.”—Steve Arterburn
Two things are needed to build healthy relationships: (1) boundaries, and (2) safe people. Learn how to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Also, seek out relationships with safe people who are supportive of your growth and healing.
Don’t let emotional obstacles hold you back any longer—our Emotional Freedom workshop can help you. You’ll discover the steps you need to take to begin to move through the valley of despair to a mountaintop brimming with hope!
