Getting your life back after difficult seasons

I went through a season when everything felt incredibly hard.

“The first wealth is health”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

After I had my second daughter, I fell into deep postpartum depression. At the time I was taking 5 different medications, barely speaking and relying on food to cope with all the feelings I felt like I could not manage. I gained weight and my health suffered but the hardest part was how I did not recognise myself anymore.

I felt afraid of taking my girls out of the house because my mind always went to the worst case scenario that could happen and that fear kept me inside. I always craved to be present with my daughters but depression made getting through the day feel like a battle.

Little Miss Independent

Bunnings Warehouse

Slowly, things started to change. But recovery was not just one massive breakthrough. It was actually encouragement from my Husband! He encouraged me to do the hard things. And also healing through forgiveness. I have a very dear friend who has become like a mentor for me who prays for me and with me and helps guide me in the right way to forgive and let go. Having these two big blessings in my life to support me in the right way and in the right direction has led me to receive freedom through Christ. I know God has been working through many people in my life to get me where I am today. I am thankful. It also has been a collection of small but repeated and consistent steps that I took even when they were hard.

Now I get up and play with my daughters. I take them to playgroups and bring them along for grocery shopping and outings. I have started a few hobbies such as baking and painting which I was inspired by my little sister and a dear aunty of mine to start doing. I talk everyone's ears off now and I speak up for myself, and learn to set boundaries too.

I have started to lose weight for my health, not by punishing myself, but because I no longer rely on food as my source of comfort. This change came from working on what was underneath the habit, one day at a time.

Some days are still really hard. Choosing to look after myself with no excuses does take real effort. But I also do what I can because looking after myself helps me to keep moving forward.I am learning that being strong doesn’t mean everything will be easy. It can mean showing up for yourself even when it is still difficult.

I am no longer taking anti depressants. That is part of my story, and it is a choice that is connected to my circumstances and care. It may not be a recommendation for everyone which I understand but I know they were not for me. (Talk to a qualified health professional about medication)

I have not become someone that doesn’t struggle. I am someone who knows how dark things can feel and keeps finding ways to work for the life I want. A life where I can take my daughters out, laugh with the people I love, try something new and make new friends, and use my voice.

Getting my life back did not mean going back to who I was, it has meant slowly building up my confidence and creating a life I love, one choice at a time.

I'd love to hear from you 🤍
Have you ever found yourself slowly finding your way back to yourself after a difficult season?

If you feel comfortable, I'd love for you to share a little of your story in the comments.