My journey from stressing to surrendering

Sometimes, I just want to hit the pause button on life. It can feel like such a challenge to even find a moment to breathe. I find myself overcommitting and wearing myself thin. When is there time for just me? Am I supposed to feel this way? As I’ve mentioned, I recently went through some health scares that have really put my life into perspective. It made me look closely at my priorities. It made me so grateful for the time I have, the people in my life, the opportunities, the experiences.

I remember sitting in the doctor's office thinking, I am too young for this. It felt so much like a dream.

I felt the lowest lows. I felt lost and hopeless.

I had no answers from doctors, no family by my side. I couldn’t go to work, to the job I had placed a lot of importance on. Everything I relied on for happiness was gone.

In moments like these, you have two options: you can either be dragged into the pain and suffering, or you can grow, learn and blossom from this life lesson.

I took this time to turn inward, to dig deep, to identify and reflect on my purpose in life, my biggest dreams and what truly makes me happy.

After going through this difficult, perspective-changing period, I have now come to a much more spiritual understanding. I’ve realized I cannot control my life, nor should I want to. There is a much bigger plan for my life than I can even imagine. Why would I want to change that?

I turned to a greater power to surrender my life. I had given up, I was broken, I was defeated.

I realized I do not have all of the answers.

What has helped me through this dark time is prayer, meditation and surrendering control to a greater power. Sometimes in life, you have to raise the white flag—and boy, did I do that.

I look back to what led up to this life-changing event and I see the patterns, stress, fear and anxiety that created this monster. Let me tell you, my friends—stress can truly turn a healthy 20-something into a bedridden patient.

I thought I needed to look on the outside for happiness, but I realized it all comes from within.

To that end, our daily rituals are beyond important because they set up our days for happiness and success. For me, there is something magical about mornings. It is when I feel the most connected to a greater power.

God was there for me during those times of loneliness and fear. He was there during the times of happiness and relief. And He will be there for the times of surrendering.

Life is a journey, and I am so excited to continue growing, learning and becoming the person this greater power created me to be.

Have you had an experience that’s changed how you look at life? How do you overcome stress and negativity in order to move toward a life of clarity, gratitude and authenticity?