Tag: Gratitude

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

How to Live Life

Brandi C

How to Live Life

Live Life Like It’s Always Spring: Renewed and Refreshed

Spring is a season of renewal, a time when the world awakens from the quiet slumber of winter. Flowers bloom, trees bud, and the air is filled with the promise of new beginnings. What if we chose to live our lives as if it were always spring—embracing renewal, growth, and a fresh start every day?

Embracing a Renewed Mindset

Spring is a reminder that no matter how harsh the winter, new life will emerge. We, too, can adopt this mindset in our daily lives. Let go of past failures, regrets, and worries. Each morning is a fresh opportunity to grow, to learn, and to thrive. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what can go right.

Renewal starts with perspective. Just as nature sheds the old to make way for the new, we must release what no longer serves us. Forgive, heal, and allow yourself the grace to move forward.

Refreshing Your Soul

Spring refreshes the earth with rain and sunshine, washing away the cold remnants of winter. In the same way, our souls need refreshment. Seek out what fills you with joy and peace. Whether it’s a quiet moment with God, a walk in nature, or time spent with loved ones, make space for what renews your spirit.

Let gratitude be your rain—nourishing your heart and mind. When we focus on the blessings around us, life feels lighter and more vibrant. A thankful heart is a refreshed heart.

Growing into Your Best Self

Flowers don’t rush their bloom—they grow steadily, reaching for the sun. We, too, are meant to grow at our own pace. Personal growth takes time, patience, and nurturing. Invest in yourself, develop your passions, and surround yourself with people who encourage your journey.

Allow yourself to embrace change rather than fear it. Just as the seasons transition seamlessly, we can trust that growth and transformation are part of life’s design.

Living with an Open Heart

Spring invites us to open our windows, breathe in fresh air, and embrace the beauty around us. Live life with that same openness. Love freely, give generously, and approach each day with curiosity and wonder. When we live with open hearts, we create space for joy, connection, and new possibilities.

Steps to Keep Spring in Your Life Year-Round

  1. Start Fresh Daily – Each day is a new beginning. Leave yesterday behind and embrace today.
  2. Seek Renewal – Find what refreshes your soul and make time for it.
  3. Cultivate Gratitude – Focus on the beauty around you and the blessings in your life.
  4. Grow with Grace – Allow yourself to evolve without pressure or comparison.
  5. Live with Open Arms – Be open to love, kindness, and new opportunities.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

No matter the season, you have the power to bring renewal and refreshment into your life. Live each day like it’s spring—full of hope, new possibilities, and a heart ready to bloom.

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Take a Deep Breath

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Quotes

Take a Deep Breath

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services

Pause. Take a Deep Breath.

Life moves fast. We rush from one thing to the next, caught up in responsibilities, worries, and endless to-do lists. But when was the last time you truly paused? Took a deep breath? Allowed yourself to simply exist in the moment?

Right now, take a deep breath. Inhale slowly. Feel the air fill your lungs. Exhale and let go of the tension you didn’t realize you were holding. Now, look around. Notice the little things—the way the sunlight filters through the window, the sound of laughter in the distance, the feeling of your feet grounded beneath you.

We spend so much time looking forward or looking back that we forget the present moment is all we truly have. The past is gone. The future is unknown. But right now—this breath, this heartbeat, this moment—is yours to embrace.

No matter what challenges you face, there is still beauty to be found. A quiet morning. A warm hug. A kind word. These small moments hold more meaning than we often realize. They remind us that even in the chaos, there is peace to be found.

So pause. Breathe. Let yourself be still, even if just for a moment. Appreciate the life you are living right now. The world will keep moving, but you don’t have to race to keep up. Presence is a gift—one that is always within reach if you simply choose to take it.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Be here, present, and grateful.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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New Mercies Every Morning

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

Integrity

Brandi C

Integrity

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This is something I tell my kids (and myself) on, almost, a daily basis. This is the definition of integrity. Once you realize that everyone you encounter is not just by happenstance, it is directly ordained by God. You can take every moment captive and when you make eye contact with someone, pray for peace in their lives. Say that “breath” prayer because behind that smile, those fancy clothes, the ragged clothes, the haggard or dirty looks you may be getting from that person…there is a story. You don’t have to know the details to do the right thing and choosing kindness.
A breath prayer is just that…one breath. “Jesus, give them peace.” It is simple, focused, and to the point. Some people think you need to be in a 3 piece suit and speak like King James spoke with all the “thou art” type phrases. Talk to Jesus like you talk to yourself or to a friend. When I am having a big moment and I am going to pray out loud is to say “in the Name of Jesus, satan and all his friends must leave” and then it is game on LOL.
 
On a joyful note…Happy birthday to my sweet daughter and my mother-in-law. The joy that they both bring to my life is unexplainable. I’m thankful we get to celebrate them.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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You Are Capable

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Lockup: Extended Stay

Brandi C

Lockup: Extended Stay

Lockup: Extended Stay

In Lockup: Extended Stay, I just completed a four-day stay in the hospital because of my mental health. I am not ashamed to say that’s why I was in the hospital. I needed help, and I can admit that now.

Things have been bad for me for basically a month, and I had nothing left to give. It started with me realizing that even though I had forgiven myself for my brother’s death, it didn’t make it any less painful than I was expecting. I thought that if I had forgiven myself, the hole in my heart wouldn’t feel as big.

Trauma Relived

On top of that, I have started remembering things from ten years ago, which just hasn’t worked out in my favor. I also had anxiety about what to do with the information I remembered. Do I report this even if it may ruin my family?

Do I report it even if I will have no biological family afterward? The decision was made for me. Now I’m dealing with the anxiety of waiting to hear from the police. Every time the phone rings, it’s like my world stops. I start shaking, and I get nauseous. I hate this feeling.

First Few Nights

My first few nights at the hospital were very lonely. I didn’t even start to make friends until the night before I left. Even though, I only knew those people for a short time, but they made a massive impact on me. I can’t help but think about where they are in the world.

Did Katie and Michaela get out today? What about Jamie’s mom? Did she ever pick him up from the hotel room? The other Katie, did she get the Job she interviewed for right after she got out? Did the girl with super long hair throw a chair through the window? Where are they now? Are they doing okay?

Dawn, the Night Nurse

My night nurse made the most significant impact on me. Dawn deserves a raise because she doesn’t make enough money for what she does. From the moment I met her, she was nothing but caring. The nurse answered any question I had. She got me food from the fridge when I was too anxious to do it myself. She treated me like I was her child.

On my last night there, she shared something with me that she had never shared with anyone. I won’t say what it was because that’s not my story to share, but it made me believe that I could talk to the police. I am strong enough to get through this.

Home Now

Now that I’m out, I feel like there’s this pressure that I have to be good now. Like I feel like I can’t be anxious or depressed. Don’t get me wrong, I am the best I have ever been, but it’s still not great if that makes sense. The bar was literally on the floor before now. I now appreciate the people around me a little more.

Looking back, I know I wouldn’t have made it through the past month without them. That’s not something I’ve been shy about, either. I’m so grateful to Bart (you guys may know him as “Big Daddy”) and Brandi. They have completely changed my life. I love them wholeheartedly, and I could never thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.

Guest Blogger

This was written by one of my favorite people. She is so precious to my soul. I am so encouraged by the strength it took for her to admit that something was not quite right. There have been so many days and nights that I have seen her struggle to maintain. The dam broke. Without the help of her medical provider, his nurse, and my son, she would have never had the strength to stand up for herself. She would have never sought the help that she needed.

Since doing that, it was discovered that she has Serotonin Syndrome. Many symptoms range from excessive sweating to goosebumps. All of this is caused by an accumulation of serotonin. Antidepressants cause some your body produces and some.

Thankfully, she is on the proper medication. She was on too many SSRIs and has completely leveled out. There is no shame in getting help. Had she not gotten the help she needed, she would have never discovered the meds to help her were hurting her.

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Memories with My Mom

Brandi C

Memories with My Mom

Memories with My Mom

 

Memories with My Mom. My earliest memories of my mom are when she would rock me and sing silly old songs that would make me giggle. We would play hide and seek, sit outside on the glider, and swing for a long time. 

We had snuggled in the bed, played with Barbie dolls, or watched me dress up about a million times just because she wanted to. We rode our bikes down the dead-end street and the car rides we would take to Granny’s or Jojo’s house. 

I love my mom. 

She is the best kind of mom a kid could have. My mom and dad were strict, but they made rules up for me to keep us in a structured house, and we always managed to have fun. She always took me to church on Sundays and AWANA on Wednesdays; she homeschooled us for the longest time, which I know at times must have been challenging for her with three kids. 

We would always do fun things together as a family and were all close. My mom always opened her home and heart to foster children and kids that we eventually adopted into our family, which caused us to grow in numbers.

My Thoughts

I must have made my mom’s life challenging because I was a considerably difficult child. There were a lot of things wrong in my life. Our relationship has hit lots of bumps in the road. I am very stubborn and unwilling to try new things because I am always afraid I will mess it up and embarrass myself. 

She gave me so many things that I asked for (begged for) without hesitation because she knew I wanted them. I never truly appreciated all of her wisdom and knowledge because I always think my way is best, and I know what I am doing is right. 

So many mistakes. 

I have made so many mistakes. I have hurt my mother on more than one occasion, yet she still loves me and still forgives me. No matter what. I love my mom. I love her kind and gentle soul. Her willingness to help others at moments of notice. The way she cooks with love and affection (she is the most fantastic cook). She is still in love with my dad after years of marriage. She still loves me even after all that I have put her through. 

So many tears. 

I can still see the look on her face when I told her I screwed up again. She gave me so many chances that I honestly did not deserve. She has been there for me through joyous occasions, heartbreak, funny moments, and moments of pride when I accomplish something the right way.

Communication

She has helped me learn how to communicate. To use my words even though that is sometimes very hard for me. Sometimes, I do not know how to articulate times properly. She has been there for me through my depression and anxiety. Honestly, I do not know how to handle it properly yet. She has been there for me throughout my whole school education. Also, she has supported me during the most challenging moments of college. She is the best person. Even if she says she isn’t, she is.

Strength

I do not care what she says. She is an excellent mother who does her best under certain circumstances that are out of her control. We are the very definition of a blended family. We have all kinds of mental health problems, physical problems, trauma, etc. And she is so graceful in dealing with everything she has dealt with in the past.

Hindsight is 20/20

I wish I were not the cause of some of her heartache. Also, I hope I had just listened to her instead of trying to do things my way. I wish that I had not asked for all of those things just because I wanted them. Honestly, I have prayed so hard that our relationship would be strengthened. At that moment, I vowed that I would always be honest and communicate with her whenever she asked, even if it was hard for me.

Answered Prayers

I have admitted some things to her that I can not even accept about myself. We have been open with each other, and we have gotten so much closer than we used to be, which I am so thankful for. God answered my prayers. I am gaining wisdom from her, and my communication has improved with time and patience. 

She is my rock and the one person I can trust never to judge me. I know she loves me with all of her heart, and I know that she prays for me every night. I can only hope that one day I will be like her. She is an amazing person. 

Mom, I love you more than words can even describe. 

I am so blessed and thankful that God chose you and Dad to be my parents. I am so sorry for all the times I made you cry over me. I am grateful for all the times you have been there for me, the times you have forgiven me, and the times that you have extended grace towards me. You inspire me with your strength every day. 

Mom, you are always the one to go without hesitation to help us kids. Lately, to sit with us in the hospital for days on end. You have such a giving soul. I have seen it through the relationships and friendships that you have had in the past. I can only hope that one day I will be like you.

Thank You

Thank you for everything you have done for me and what you continue to do for me every day. You are a gift and a treasure, and I will love you for the rest of my days on Earth. Know your worth (like you tell me every day). Know how much of a blessing you are to your family and friends because of your giving heart.

I love you, momma.

Always and forever.

Love, Peach.

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger

To the Person That’s Been There Through it All

Brandi C

 

To the Person That’s Been There Through it All

To the Person That’s Been There Through it All

To the Person That’s Been There Through it All

Thank you

And thank you for caring

Thank you for sharing

And thank you for loving me

When I felt that no one ever could

 

Cared for Me When No One Else Could

You didn’t have to do any of those things

But for some odd reason, you did

You cared for me when no one else could

You shared with me to try to help me understand

And you loved me when I needed it the most

On top of all that you’ve treated me like your own

 

Helped Me Grow

You’ve helped me grow to understand who I am

And who to look to when I am in need

To search for Jesus first instead of the worst.

and to consider Him in mind with my choices first.

You’ve shown me what it feels like to be loved by choice

Not by obligation

 

I Love You

And I just wanted you to know that I thank you

And most importantly I love you.

 

Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998. Focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, they offer a toll-free telephone number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors.

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