How do you deal with stress in your life? I have heard reports that issues of stress, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are on the rise this year. I suppose that’s not surprising, but the question is, how can we be prepared to deal with it?
The good news is, a lot of caring people in the world are doing all they can to offer support for people who are struggling. As a teacher in a public high school, I have received a lot of advice related to mindfulness exercises, and I do my best to pass those along to my students. I am so grateful that we have caring mental health professionals who partner with us to serve our students.
But when I get home, or when I’m alone in my classroom at lunchtime, I am so grateful to have the ultimate mindfulness technique – prayer! How lucky are we to have the rich tradition of prayer in our Church?
Over the last couple years, I have also found the amazing community of Catholic writers and podcasters and speakers, who are sharing our beautiful faith every day. It’s amazing how the tone of your day can change when you begin it in conversation with the Lord. Then, if you sprinkle in some inspirational messages from those who share the faith, it can keep you afloat through even the roughest storms.
One of these nights, I’m going to sit down and list all the amazing resources I have found, highlighting the people who really touch my heart and help me grow in faith.
For now, I’m just going to offer a prayer of thanks to the Holy Spirit for guiding me to all of these wonderful people, and pray that you find similar comfort from all the craziness in our world today. I love my everyday Catholic life!