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Today we tackle the last section of our PAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2021 - How do we improve our spiritual health and take care of our souls?

We kicked off this four-week Pain Management Plan series looking at the four deeply interconnected components of a human being−a soul (spiritual aspect), a heart (seat of our feelings, emotions, values, and the core of who we are), a mind (how our brain processes thoughts and emotions) and a physical body. In Ancient Scriptures Jesus referred to the components when he talked about love. He said love with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind (Luke 10:27).

Planning to improve one facet of our lives but not the others, is futile. Therefore, my Pain Management Plan is broken down into four main categories: Physical Recovery, Mind Work, Emotional Health and Spiritual Growth.

In Part 3 of PAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2021 we have seen how our emotional health influences our physical health.

Today in Part 4 of PAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2021 we’ll discuss how deeply rooted unresolved emotional issues−hate, unforgiveness, shame and guilt influence our soul, spirit, and body.

Which emotional hurts are you still battling? To which self-made prisons are you carrying the keys? How long will you hold onto to it?

Friend, please let go of past hurts.

Let go of the hate that keeps your mind occupied with irrational thoughts to get even. It distracts you from current and future loving relationships.

Let go of the bitterness to those who wronged you. Your negativity and unhappiness seeps into all aspects of your life and results in social isolation. Forgive others as God has forgiven you. Scripture tells us to forgive seventy times seven.

Let go of the heavy burden of guilt weighing down your shoulders causing anxiety. Let go of your regrets, and your wishes to go back to change what happened. It affects your concentration and causes insomnia. Forgive yourself. I know it’s tough to forgive yourself, especially when your bad decisions escalated into hurting others and left a trail of broken relationships. I need to remind myself daily of Jesus’s love and forgiveness. Self-forgiveness is an ongoing process in my own life.

Let go of the shame, self-loathing, anger, and disgust. Shame could lead to depression, panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus”. Jesus loves you; he has given his life so that you could become part of God’s family.

I am not defined by my past, what I’ve done, where I’ve been or who I was, nor are you. I am defined by whose I am at this moment. I am The King’s daughter; I am part of God’s family. If you’ve made the decision for Christ, so are you, sister in Christ.

Jesus has already set you free from your sins and the dark forces. Colossians 2:15 says “… he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross”. John 3:16 confirms God’s love and plan for us “… He gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus equipped you with a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline and not a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Therefore, you can move forward with confidence to work intentionally to lessen your pain. Recognize that deeply rooted unresolved emotions cause much physical pain, work through the healing process and care for your soul. “Remove the chains of slavery from your neck. Get out and leave your captivity!” (Isaiah 52:2 & 11).

How do you take care of your soul?

1. Invest in a good counselor to guide you through your healing process.

2. Join a community of Christian believers where you can heal in safety, grow spiritually, and embark on a life of abundance.

3. Set up a morning routine: Be quiet for ten to twenty minutes before your daily rush starts; Invest time filling up your soul with the truth from God’s word; Meditate on God’s promises; Calibrate your heart; Practice gratitude, pray and journal.

4. During the day, break between tasks/projects. Pause and breathe. Set your intention for the next step. Look out for the goodness and the faithfulness of God in events, conversations, and the actions of others.

5. Breakaway for a morning cardio walk. Or treat yourself at the end of your day with a stroll in the park or a walk on the beach.

6. Feel, see, hear, smell, taste and experience God’s goodness and the beauty of His creation. Enjoy the aroma as you sip on your first cup of coffee, letting the bold taste settle in your body. Smell the fresh scent of flowers in the early morning air. Notice the different shades of colors, the blue sky, and the wondrous flight of a bird. Feel the cool breeze on your face.

7. End your day with journaling. Reflect on your emotions throughout the day. Write down where you’ve seen God today and thank him for his goodness and love.

It was a hard battle to work through my personal shame and guilt. But as I processed my deeply rooted hurts with my counselor, and adopted the above practices of living intentionally, my pain levels decreased. It’s all worth it dear friend.

Though, before we end our four-week session let’s review all four categories again:

In Part 1 of the Pain Management Plan we kicked off on how to get a proper diagnosis by taking control of your own health. And we touched on your first steps getting back into physical exercise.

In Part 2 of Pain Management Plan I discussed on how your thoughts influence your actions and how changing your thoughts can decrease your pain.

In Part 3 of Pain Management Plan I raised awareness on repressed and suppressed emotions, how to cope with emotional hurts and hang-ups by recognizing and working through your emotions. Journal about your emotions and pour out your heart to God/friend/counselor.

Today, in Part 4 of Pain Management Plan , we concluded with letting go of past hurts−forgiving others and yourself; claim God’s promises over shame and guilt, and getting into the routine of being quiet, mediating, praying and practice gratitude. Finally, invest in a good counselor to guide you through the healing process.

Create your own plan to experience less pain and improve your overall health. Kick off by setting one goal per category. Remember it’s important to set a reachable goal. Be serious about it. Write it down. Review your Plan first thing every morning.

Evaluate it weekly and monthly and adjust. Keep moving forward. One step at a time, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Let me pray for you before we part ways today: Father, I pray the words of Psalm 31 over every pain sufferer today “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength. I am wasting away from within.” Father show me what hurts I am still hanging on to, what emotions I am suppressing and repressing. Help me to identify each one, to work through them. And heal me. Please bring the right people across my path to help me, support me and encourage me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Thank you for your time today. I am here to help. Let me know how I can be of assistance with your Pain Management Plan and goal setting. Contact Me

Next week we start with Living Light Series.

Please sign up for my email list to receive an alert next week when my new post goes live. I pray for you. Stay strong dear friend.

Anita Beukman

Your Hope Coach.