The Silent Sufferer Part 4: 5 Tips on How to Come Out of Isolation
Ladies, it's a new day, a new minute, a new year, so it’s ok to walk into a new level of you. I really mean this. It is time to walk in a new level of who you are. But we know there can be a few barriers that present themselves to us, there are fears that we live with and call them friend, and there are social pressures we succumb to. It's time to rise up like the great Maya Angelou so eloquently stated in her written word.
Isolation is one of those hindrances that can keep you from being your best. Isolation will keep you a silent sufferer if you allow it. Isolation will have you believing you are the only woman going through your situation. Keeping your thoughts, fears, troubles, doubts, and irritations to yourself will have you to believe it’s just you! Well, I have come to tell you, you are NOT alone!
You are not the only lady who have lost a child, buried a loved one who was gunned down, visiting a brother or sister in prison, raising a child with a developmental disability, been divorced, lost your job or even thought of taking your own life. It is time to come out of isolation, please choose not to die in the dark, but live in the light!
Here is a guide with 5 tips on how to come out of isolation, starting today:
Build community: It’s nothing like have a community of people around you who genuinely love and care about you. These folks refuse to see you stay down. They are your hedge of protection, correction, affirmation, and a shoulder to lean on. Now I must share with you, every person who you want to be part of your community may not be able to join in, but God will send you the people for you. He already may have. Take a look at those who check in on you. Always want to hang out with you and text you words of encouragement. You may not have recognized them as apart of your community. Therefore, it is time to take inventory.
Prayer: Prayer saves lives! It really does! Pray, pray, and pray some more without ceasing (meaning we need to pray continually). Talk to God about EVERYTHING and sit to wait for his responses. He has an opinion about your life, relationships, decisions, career, marriage, singlehood, children, and the list goes on.
Reach out to a friend: Do you get caught up in your life on a day-to-day basis so much that you forgot about your friends and/or family relationships? Let’s reach out to a friend 1-2 times a week to check in especially if you are prone to stay to yourself and deal with your problems by yourself. Being vulnerable with those closest to you can bring perspective to your situation, you could have a prayer partner and accountability with this person.
Journal your thoughts and feelings: Journaling is another way to NOT be stuck in isolation by choosing to share those thoughts and feelings you are wrestling with. Put it down on paper. Turn it into your prayer time, it’s ok to write prayers. You could also share your story with your friend/family member the next time you check in with them.
Join a church community: Being a part of the right church community for you can give you language for your life, struggles, and destiny. There are many benefits such as building community with others who are on similar journeys, serving in a ministry, and developing your relationship with God on new levels.
This list is not just a list for me. It’s a way of life. I use these tips for myself to stay out of isolation and no longer living the life of a silent sufferer. Join me in walking out of darkness into the light!