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"You don't need another job!" My mom was right. Juggling being a recording artist, content creator, and songwriter was already running me into the GROUND. But somehow this feels different, it feels purposeful.
When I was preparing to write this first blog post, I was figuring out how to gracefully slide in the piece of information that really started my entire journey of wellness. Talking about mental health can be, well... awkward. I thought about a joke, or a bible verse, a friendly anecdote. But then I realized that the motivation to make my journey easier to hear comes from a place of wanting approval. Ugh! How many of our decisions are rooted in how OTHERS will receive OUR truth! Sick. Of. It.
So here it goes. No chaser. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD for those who are into acronyms (or forced to type less characters in an IG post.LOL).
I found out when I had my first anxiety attack back in 2014. I was literally stuck in my apartment, paralyzed with fear and couldn't even return to the job I loved as full-time Worship Pastor until I found some help. I went to see a psychiatrist and she basically listened to me for what felt like 5 seconds and knew what was going on. It was the first time I had language to my feelings. The big bad monster that caused the shortness of breath, sweaty palms, depression, etc. had a name- GAD.
This knowledge helped direct my next steps. From that moment on I've been on a journey to find the healthiest way for me to take care of myself. Of course, I knew I was embarking on a physical and emotional journey; but the part that was a surprise was how much of a spiritual journey it has become. I quickly realized that I carried a lot of shame wrapped in my diagnosis. I felt flawed. Which ultimately meant I felt God had MADE me flawed.
I can tell you over the last few years I tried EVERYTHING. Lifestyle change, medication, working out ( I lost 30 pounds and gained almost of them back. LOL), yoga, meditation, prayer, therapy, psychiatry, self help books. I mean... the list could go on and on.
It's literally taken almost 5 years for me to figure out what works for me. I maintain an 80% plant based diet, meditate daily, lean into the idea that prayer is a constant conversation between God and I, work with therapists, use aromatherapy and about two years ago I found my way onto a yoga mat.
There are lots of details that I'll skip for now, but know that my journey to find an intersection of faith and wellness has been- eventful. I have developed such a compassion for people of God who are aspiring to find a life of wellness outside of just attending their local church. I have developed a personal community of amazing people who have literally been the heart of God in my life. I believe that life is found in a deep relationship with Christ and that we can prayerfully find a lifestyle that supports our wholeness mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
That is the heart of Sozo Wellness. I felt led to start a community of resources and support for people who love God to walk confidently through their journey of wholeness and find their own intersection of faith and wellness. It is literally my life's work and it's a privilege to be able to share in this work with you.
This is just MY #sozostory, but I know there are so many other stories of the pathway to finding an intersection of Faith & Wellness. I believe whole heartedly in the Bible's assertion that we "overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony." So I'd love to hear your testimony of wellness through your #sozostory!
Send me an email at hello@mysozowellness.com and let me know if you'd mind if I shared your #sozostory with our community!
From my soul to yours,