Tag: Resilience

Faith Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

Beads of Courage – A Story of Strength and Recognition

Brandi C

Beads of Courage – A Story of Strength and Recognition

Beads of Courage – A Story of Strength and Recognition. For two years, we’ve tried to access the Beads of Courage program—a powerful way to honor children facing life-altering health conditions. I first discovered this initiative through a fellow blogger whose child received these meaningful beads. The concept stayed with me.

At one point during a hospital stay at Norton Children’s, we inquired about participating. A Child Life worker explained the eligibility requirements, which include:

  • Cancer and blood disorders

  • Cardiac conditions

  • Burn injuries

  • Neonatal ICU families

  • Chronic illnesses

Believing we qualified under chronic illness, we completed a detailed form documenting medical procedures, treatments, and milestones. It was a humbling and emotional process to recall every difficult step. Despite submitting the paperwork, we never heard back. The reason? Our child didn’t have cancer, and thus wasn’t eligible at that facility.

We didn’t inquire again at other hospitals, assuming the answer would be the same.

Until recently.

During a visit to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, we saw a boy proudly walking with his Beads of Courage necklace, and that spark reignited. When we mentioned it to our Child Life specialist, Katie, she lit up. “He qualifies,” she said without hesitation.

The program had expanded over time, and our child was now eligible. Katie walked us through the process and gave us a form to fill out—documenting brave moments, medical milestones, and the number of days he’d been ill. Each bead represents a piece of his story, and he got to handpick every one.

Hospitals may be unpredictable. Nurses, routines, and outcomes change. But the Beads of Courage offer something constant and bright in a child’s journey. Each bead is a tangible reminder of strength, bravery, and resilience.

You can help make this joy possible for other kids by supporting the Beads of Courage program. Donations—whether beads or financial—can be made through their official website. Organizations like the Nashville Predators also help fund the program at Vanderbilt, spreading hope one bead at a time.

Reach Out

💛 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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Never Confuse a Single Defeat with a Final Defeat

Brandi C

puedo y lo haré

Never Confuse a Single Defeat with a Final Defeat

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One moment, we’re moving forward, full of hope and determination, and the next, we find ourselves knocked down by disappointment, failure, or heartbreak. In those moments, it’s easy to believe that a single loss defines our future. But as F. Scott Fitzgerald wisely said, “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”

This quote is a reminder that setbacks are just that—setbacks, not endings. They are chapters in our story, not the conclusion. Too often, we allow our struggles to convince us that we’ve lost the whole battle when, in reality, we’ve only lost a skirmish. What we do after defeat is what truly defines us.

The Power of Perspective

Defeat stings. It shakes our confidence and sometimes makes us question everything. But perspective is everything. When we see failure as an opportunity rather than a roadblock, we give ourselves permission to grow. Every great success story includes moments of defeat, but those who rise again refuse to let those moments define them.

Consider Thomas Edison, who famously said he didn’t fail—he just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work before inventing the light bulb. What if they had accepted defeat as final?

Resilience in the Face of Defeat

Resilience is the ability to push forward despite hardship. It’s about seeing defeat as a lesson rather than a label. Maybe a failed job interview is redirection to something better. Maybe a broken relationship makes space for healing and personal growth. Maybe a dream deferred is simply a dream delayed.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” Defeat isn’t a full stop—it’s a comma. It’s a pause that gives you a chance to regroup, reassess, and restart.

The Final Defeat Is Only When You Stop Trying

The only true defeat is the one where we stop showing up, stop believing, and stop trying. As long as we keep going, failure is just a stepping stone on the way to something greater. Whether it’s in relationships, careers, personal battles, or dreams yet to be realized, we have the power to write our own endings.

So the next time you face a setback, remember: It’s not the end. It’s just a plot twist. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. Your final chapter hasn’t been written yet.

💛 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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Silence with a Side of Stirring

Brandi C

Silence with a Side of Stirring

There is so much I want to say, yet I remain silent, paralyzed by fears of judgment, isolation, and retaliation. It’s important to understand that just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they’re ignorant, apathetic, or unintelligent. Silence does not equal a lack of depth or thought. Here is my Silence with a Side of Stirring.

In this season, as the new year unfolds, I’ve been diving into books. Stories of resilience, trauma, healing, and making peace with the past have filled my reading list. There’s something deeply moving about witnessing strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. I’ve only finished a couple of books but have started a few more. My goal is to finish what I’ve started and continue working through the ever-growing collection.

Processing the thoughts swirling in my mind has become a quiet but persistent focus. Questions, comments, and statements linger, and the books I read offer insight into many of them. Yet, some things still require reflection and time before I can fully understand them.

A quote I stumbled upon recently hit me hard: “A history of trauma will have you mistaking peace for boredom.” That resonates deeply. Life has shifted from constant noise and chaos to a strange and unfamiliar quiet. For so long, the background hum of busyness, conversation, and laughter defined my world. Now, in this quieter season, I find myself unsure of how to exist in the stillness.

The quieter moments have brought realizations I wasn’t prepared for. I’ve lived in a constant state of stress for years, and now, as things settle, emotions I had pushed aside are surfacing. I find myself breaking into tears at unexpected times, my body seemingly releasing years of built-up tension. Healing is happening, though it feels strange and unsettling.

Peace vs. Boredom

Webster’s Dictionary defines peace as “a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations.” Boredom, on the other hand, is “the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest.” What I once mistook for boredom is actually peace. I am not restless or lacking interest; I’m simply in a season without crisis. It feels foreign, but it is necessary.

For years, my days were defined by putting out fires—both figurative and literal. The constant state of fight-or-flight dictated my every move. But now, there are fewer fires. Fewer emergencies. Less chaos. And I find myself wondering, Now what?

Adjusting to this new rhythm of life is a journey. It means learning how to exist without the constant need to fix, manage, or anticipate disaster. It means understanding that rest is not laziness, and peace is not a void that needs to be filled.

What I Can and Cannot Control

One of the hardest lessons has been realizing that I cannot control others—their words, actions, or perceptions. I can, however, control how I respond. When something feels “off,” I can seek clarity rather than assume. I can choose peace over engaging in unnecessary battles.

People will believe what they want, sometimes without ever stopping to ask, “Does this truly reflect the person I’ve known?” If the answer doesn’t align, the solution is simple—use words, communicate directly, and seek truth.

There’s so much more I could say, but for now, I rest in knowing that peace is not something to fear. This season of quiet reflection, healing, and growth is exactly where I am meant to be.

💛 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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Bloom Where You are Planted

Brandi C

love yourself, make peace with yourself, that's the first step to being able to live life in peace. (3)

Bloom Where You Are Planted

This is one of my favorite phrases. It’s simple, yet profound. Life doesn’t always place us where we want to be. Sometimes, we find ourselves in difficult situations, surrounded by challenges, grief, or uncertainty. In those moments, the idea of blooming—of growing, thriving, or even just surviving—feels impossible. There are times when I don’t want to bloom. I want to stay buried, hidden in the soil where it feels safer. But the truth is, the beauty that comes from pushing through the dirt is always worth the struggle.

We often wait for the “perfect” conditions to grow. We tell ourselves that once things settle down, once we heal, once we move past the hurt, then we will begin to thrive. But life doesn’t work that way. If we wait for the ideal circumstances, we may never bloom at all. Growth isn’t about being in the perfect place—it’s about making the best of where you are right now.

Flowers don’t get to choose where they are planted.

They don’t get to decide if they grow in a manicured garden, along a cracked sidewalk, or in the middle of the wilderness. But they bloom anyway. They push through, stretch toward the sun, and bring beauty to the space they inhabit. And we can do the same.

Blooming doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay when it’s not. It doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be happy in a place of pain. Honestly, it means finding a way to keep growing, even in adversity. It means allowing yourself to learn, to adapt, and to find moments of joy—even in the hardest seasons.

There is strength in blooming where you are planted. It means choosing resilience over bitterness, hope over despair, and perseverance over stagnation. It means embracing the process, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trusting that the struggle is shaping you into something beautiful.

So, wherever you are right now—emotionally, physically, spiritually—know that you have the strength to bloom. You don’t have to wait for the storm to pass, for the circumstances to be perfect, or for all the pain to disappear. You are capable of growing, of thriving, of bringing light and beauty into your space—just as you are, right where you are. 🌿✨

Reach Out

💛 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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What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes

Brandi C

amor propio baby,

What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes

Life is like a glass pitcher from the 1960s—meant to hold lemonade, sun tea, or even flowers. From the moment we are born, we have a purpose, just as a pitcher is meant to hold liquid. As we grow, we fill that pitcher with our dreams, aspirations, and ideals. We pour into it our vision of the perfect career, the ideal family, the dream home, the car we long to drive, and the life we imagine for ourselves. Every hope and expectation fills the pitcher to the brim, reflecting the future we once envisioned. Here is a story of What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes.

But then, life happens. The pitcher slips from our hands, crashing to the floor, shattering into countless pieces. Our dreams scatter across the ground, and as we scramble to gather them, we cut ourselves on the shards of broken expectations. In that moment, we face a choice: sweep it all into the trash and discard our dreams, or painstakingly pick up the larger pieces and try to glue them back together.

Choosing the latter, we piece together our pitcher, carefully mending the cracks. To the naked eye, it may look almost whole again, a testament to our resilience. But as we begin to refill it with new dreams and experiences, the invisible fractures reveal themselves. Water seeps through the cracks, reminding us that no matter how hard we try, the pitcher will never hold liquid the way it once did.

This has been the story of my life. My dreams were grand—I wanted to be a veterinarian for farm animals, inspired by my father’s belief in my natural talent. I pursued that path, thinking it was the only way to make him proud. But in time, I realized he was proud of me simply for being his child. My true calling was to help people, though I didn’t have the words for it back then. It took 30 years for that dream to materialize.

I dreamed of a life on a farm, raising Angus cattle. Instead, I built a different kind of home. Marriage, too, took unexpected turns. He wanted one child; I wanted four. We compromised on three, ended up with five, and now we have seven. Parenting has been anything but perfect. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned the power of apologizing and acknowledging those missteps. I can’t undo the past, but I can ensure my children know they are loved, seen, and heard. I can’t force forgiveness, but I can model grace and understanding.

The dreams of my youth—riding a canary-yellow Harley, living in a spacious two-story house—evolved over time. I went from a sporty little car to a minivan, then an SUV. Our first home was a tiny 900-square-foot space, squeezing in seven people with a single bathroom. We moved several times before finally settling into a house we love—one we chose with our adult children in mind, a place where they would always feel welcome.

Is my family as close as I had envisioned? It depends on the season. Some relationships are stronger than others, and we all navigate misunderstandings and miscommunications. But we come together for holidays and gatherings, and I believe that, when it truly matters, we will show up for one another.

My pitcher will never hold water again. But rather than discard the broken pieces, I created something new. I took the shards—my pain, trauma, uncertainties, poor choices, regrets, and disappointments—and mourned the loss of what could have been. And then, God transformed those pieces into something beautiful. Like a mosaic, my life tells a different story than I once imagined, but it is still a masterpiece. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of beauty rising from ashes, and I have found that to be true. Even when life feels like it’s burning around me, when I take time for self-care, lean on those I trust, and embrace grace and forgiveness, I can see the beauty in the brokenness.

My story is still being written. My mosaic is still taking shape. And in its imperfection, it is more beautiful than I ever could have planned.

Reach Out

💛 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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Keep Moving Forward

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (5)

Keep Moving Forward and You Will Never Have a Reason to Look Back

Life has a way of throwing challenges in our path. Some obstacles leave scars—both seen and unseen. The weight of the past can feel overwhelming, making it tempting to dwell on what was, what could have been, or the pain we’ve endured. But true growth happens when we shift our focus from what’s behind us to what lies ahead.

Why Moving Forward Matters

Looking back too often keeps us stuck. Regret, guilt, and fear can act as chains that hold us in place, preventing us from embracing the future. But when we choose to move forward, we give ourselves permission to heal, to grow, and to discover new possibilities that we never imagined.

How to Keep Moving Forward

✔ Accept the Past – Acknowledge what has happened, but don’t let it define you. ✔ Forgive Yourself and Others – Carrying resentment only weighs you down. ✔ Set New Goals – Focus on what excites and motivates you. ✔ Surround Yourself with Positivity – Be with people who uplift and encourage you. ✔ Take Small Steps Every Day – Progress isn’t always huge leaps; even small movements count.

The Power of Forward Motion

When you keep moving forward, you shift your mindset. You become more focused on growth rather than pain, more centered on opportunities rather than losses. The road ahead may not always be easy, but every step forward is a step away from the things that no longer serve you.

No Need to Look Back

Keep moving forward, and you will never have a reason to look back. Not because the past doesn’t matter, but because the future holds so much more for you. Walk boldly into it—you are stronger than you think, and your best days are ahead.

💛 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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Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (2)

Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Scars tell stories. Some are visible, etched into our skin as reminders of battles fought and wounds healed. Others, though, remain hidden as they carve deep into our hearts and minds, shaping us in ways the world cannot see but are just as real.

The Weight of Invisible Wounds

Emotional and psychological scars often go unnoticed. There’s no cast for a broken spirit, no stitches for a wounded heart. Trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression—these struggles don’t always show on the outside, but they shape us just the same.

The hardest part? Others may not understand. It’s easy to offer sympathy for a physical injury. However, invisible scars often come with judgment, doubt, or well-meaning but dismissive comments like “Just move on” or “It’s all in your head.” But pain doesn’t have to be visible to be valid.

Healing Takes Time

Just like physical wounds, emotional scars need time to heal. Healing doesn’t follow a straight path; instead, it moves through ups and downs. Some days, you feel strong, and on other days, the past creeps back in. That’s okay. True healing isn’t about forgetting what hurt you—it’s about learning to live beyond the pain and finding ways to move forward.

How to Care for the Unseen Wounds

✔ Acknowledge Your Pain – Your feelings are real and deserve space. Recognizing and accepting them is the first step toward healing. ✔ Speak Your Truth – Whether through therapy, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend, expressing your emotions can be powerful and cathartic. ✔ Set Boundaries – Protect your peace. It’s okay to walk away from toxic environments and relationships that no longer serve you. ✔ Practice Self-Compassion – You are not your trauma. Therefore, be gentle with yourself and give yourself the grace to heal. ✔ Seek Support – You don’t have to carry this alone. There is strength in reaching out, and there are people who want to help.

You Are Not Alone

If you carry invisible scars, know this: You are seen. You are valued. Your pain matters. Healing is possible, and you are worthy of it.

Scars, visible or not, are proof of survival. And you? You are still here. You are still fighting and you are still standing. That is strength, resilience, and that is something to be proud of.

💛 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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Not All Storms Disrupt

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (8)

Not All Storms Disrupt—Some Clear Your Path

Life can often feel like an unpredictable storm—chaotic, overwhelming, and full of uncertainty. We face challenges, setbacks, and painful experiences that make us question the direction we’re heading. But here’s an important truth: not all storms are meant to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path and prepare you for something greater.

At first, storms can feel like an obstacle. The winds of change can be scary, and the rain of hardship can make us want to give up. But sometimes, these very storms are what push us toward the growth we need. They strip away the things that no longer serve us—the habits, relationships, or situations that were holding us back. What we may perceive as a disruption is, in reality, a clearing of the space for something better to come in.

Here’s why storms can be a blessing in disguise:

  1. They reveal what’s important. When everything is shaking, it’s easier to see what truly matters in life.
  2. They force us to grow. Storms challenge us, pushing us out of our comfort zones and forcing us to find strength we didn’t know we had.
  3. They clear away the old. Just as a storm clears debris, the difficulties we face can remove obstacles from our lives, making way for new opportunities.
  4. They build resilience. Each storm we face makes us stronger, teaching us how to navigate future challenges with more grace and courage.

When life feels stormy, don’t be quick to think it’s the end of the road. Sometimes, the storm is just clearing your path for something new, something better, and something that will lead you to a brighter future. Trust the process. Keep moving forward, and remember that every storm has its purpose.

Reach Out

💛 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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Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (4)

Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier

Worry has a way of creeping into our minds, filling us with doubt, fear, and endless “what ifs.” It steals our joy, drains our energy, and keeps us stuck in cycles of anxiety. But what if, instead of being a worrier, you chose to be a warrior?

A warrior faces battles head-on, not because they are fearless, but because they refuse to let fear win. A warrior acknowledges the struggle but pushes forward anyway. Life will always have challenges, but you are stronger than your worries.

Worry keeps you focused on the problem, while a warrior mindset shifts your focus to solutions. Instead of letting fear paralyze you, choose to take action. Pray, prepare, seek wisdom, and trust that God is bigger than whatever you’re facing.

How do you stop worrying and step into a warrior mindset?

  1. Trust in God’s promises. He tells us not to fear because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10). Surrender your worries to Him, knowing He is in control.
  2. Take action where you can. Some things are out of your hands, but for the things you can change—do the work, make the decision, and move forward.
  3. Speak life over yourself. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, remind yourself: I am strong. I am capable. I am not alone.
  4. Let go of what you can’t control. Worry won’t fix anything, but faith will give you peace.

Warriors don’t waste time on worry. They stand firm, trust God, and keep moving forward. Whatever battle you’re facing today, step into it with courage. Be a warrior, not a worrier. You were made for more than fear—you were made to fight and rise.

💛 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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Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Brandi C

Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Some wounds leave visible marks—reminders of pain, survival, and healing. But not all scars are on the surface. Some are hidden deep within, carried silently in the heart and mind. These invisible scars—of grief, trauma, betrayal, and loss—are just as real as any physical wound.

The hardest part about unseen scars is that the world doesn’t always recognize them. People may not understand the weight you carry, the battles you’ve fought, or the strength it takes just to get through the day. You may feel pressure to “move on” or “get over it,” but healing doesn’t work that way. Wounds take time. Scars remain as proof that something happened—something that changed you.

If you carry invisible scars, know this: you are not broken. You are not weak for feeling the weight of your past. Your pain is valid, your healing is personal, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek help. Talk to someone who will listen—whether it’s a trusted friend, a therapist, or God Himself. You deserve support, and you deserve peace.

Healing is not about forgetting. It’s about learning to live beyond the pain, to embrace the beauty of resilience, and to know that scars—seen or unseen—do not define you. They are reminders that you survived. That you are still here. That you are stronger than what tried to break you.

So be kind to yourself. Extend grace to the wounds still healing. And remember: just because others can’t see your scars doesn’t mean they don’t matter. You matter. You always have, and you always will.

💛 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 Enough

Brandi C

untitled design (1)

You Are Enough

I know it feels like the world can be against you sometimes. The weight of others’ opinions, assumptions, and judgments can be exhausting. But hear me loud and clear: you are enough. You are worthy of love, respect, and all the good things life has to offer.

You do not deserve to be treated as “less than”—not by family, friends, co-workers, or even a stranger having a bad day in a drive-thru. Your worth is not up for debate. You deserve kindness, just as you should extend kindness to others. We are all trying to navigate this life, and we only get one shot at it. Make it count.

People will believe what they want to believe about you. Let them. You cannot control someone else’s thoughts, assumptions, or misunderstandings. What you can control is how you allow those things to affect you. You don’t have to make space for people who tear you down, question your worth, or bring negativity into your life.

Setting boundaries is not just healthy—it’s necessary. Protecting your peace is not selfish; it is self-respect. If that means creating distance from toxic people, do it. If that means cutting them out completely, don’t hesitate. The people who truly care for you will respect your boundaries, not challenge them.

You are not here to prove yourself to anyone. You are here to live, to love, and to embrace the beauty of who you are—without apology. Do not let anyone convince you that you are anything less than enough.

Stand tall. Walk in your worth. And if someone refuses to see it, let them go. You are enough—exactly as you are.

💛 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 Can Always Begin Again

Brandi C

untitled design

No Matter How Hard the Past Is, You Can Always Begin Again

Life has a way of throwing us into storms we never saw coming. Painful moments, regrets, and heartbreak can make us feel like we are stuck—trapped in a cycle of the past. But here’s the beautiful truth: no matter how hard the past has been, you can always begin again.

Starting over isn’t about erasing what happened; it’s about choosing to move forward despite it. The past may have shaped you, but it doesn’t define you. Every sunrise brings new mercies, every breath is an opportunity to rewrite your story, and every step forward is proof that you are stronger than what tried to break you.

Maybe your past holds trauma, mistakes, or loss. Maybe you carry the weight of things you wish had been different. But beginning again isn’t about forgetting—it’s about healing. It’s about learning to give yourself the same grace you would offer someone else.

The most powerful thing you can do is believe in the possibility of renewal. It doesn’t have to be a grand, dramatic reinvention. Sometimes, beginning again looks like getting out of bed, making one small change, or allowing yourself to dream again. It looks like choosing hope, even when it feels impossible.

You are not your past. Remember, you are not your mistakes. You are a person capable of growth, love, and new beginnings. The past may be behind you, but your future is waiting—with open arms, ready for you to step into the next chapter.

So take a deep breath. Let go of the weight you no longer need to carry. And begin again.

Reach Out

💛 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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Take a Deep Breath and Try All Over Again

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (3)

Take a Deep Breath and Try All Over Again

Some days don’t go as planned so you need to take a deep breath and tray all over again. You wake up with the best intentions, but life throws curveballs—stress, setbacks, exhaustion, or unexpected challenges. It’s easy to feel frustrated, defeated, or like you’re failing. But here’s the truth: you are not failing. You are learning, growing, and doing the best you can.

When things don’t go the way you hoped, pause. Take a deep breath. And try all over again.

Every single day is a fresh start. A new opportunity. You are not defined by yesterday’s struggles, last week’s mistakes, or the moments where you felt like you weren’t enough. Seriously, you are allowed to reset. You are allowed to begin again. And again. And again.

Trying again doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff—it means choosing to keep going despite it. It means giving yourself grace, adjusting where needed, and remembering that progress isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others, but every time you get back up, you prove to yourself just how strong you are.

So, if today feels heavy, breathe. If you feel like you’ve messed up, breathe. If you don’t know how to move forward, breathe. Then take one step forward—no matter how small.

You are not stuck and you are not failing. You are trying, and that is enough. Keep going. Keep showing up. And when you need to, take a deep breath… and try all over again. 💛

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Faith Journey

Focus On the Step In Front of You

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (2)

Focus on the Step in Front of You

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—the long journey ahead, the challenges still to come, the uncertainty of it all. But when you stand at the bottom of a staircase, you don’t climb it all at once. You take it one step at a time.

The same goes for life. When anxiety whispers that you’ll never make it, when depression tells you it’s all too much, when the weight of responsibilities feels unbearable—pause. Breathe. Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.

What is one thing you can do today? Maybe it’s getting out of bed, drinking a glass of water, answering one email, or simply reminding yourself that you’ve survived hard days before. That one step is enough for today. Tomorrow, you’ll take another. And then another.

It’s okay if progress feels slow. Healing isn’t a race. Growth isn’t always obvious. Some days, just standing still is a victory. Small steps lead to big changes, even when you can’t see them yet.

So, if the road ahead feels too long, don’t let it paralyze you. Shift your focus. Just take the next step—no matter how small. And when you do, know that you are moving forward, that you are capable, and that you are not alone.

You don’t have to climb the whole staircase today. Just take the step in front of you. That is enough. 💛

💛 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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

What Do You Want To Do?

Brandi C

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What Do You Want To Do?

This is a question that I would pose to my ladies when I worked as the inpatient residential therapist, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”. They would come to our facility, at their lowest of lows, broken with little hope. My job was to give them the hard core facts but to lace it with beauty and hope.

When I asked this question (with ladies between the ages of 18 and 70), they would just look at me with wide eyes. For a moment, there was a world that they could become anything they wanted to be. Some ladies wanted to be moms, others wanted to work in the field of addiction, some wanted to be therapists, nurses, work in retail, the answers varied from person to person.

Facts

Here is a fact that most people don’t like. Every single person is one bad decision away from complete devastation in their lives. Everyone. The ladies I worked with, they made that decision and their lives were turned upside down and inside out. Here is the beauty. There is ALWAYS hope. Tomorrow is fresh and new. Each person can take the brokenness of life and create something beautiful out of it.

What are the pieces of your life that are broken? Is there something, out of that brokenness, that you can create and make something beautiful out of it? If you see a pitcher…like to hold water. The job of that pitcher is to hold liquid for drinks, possible put flowers in it but it has a purpose, right?

What happens when there is a crack in that pitcher or if the handle broke off of it or even if someone dropped it and it shattered all over the floor. Typically, one would sweep up the shards of glass and throw it away. What if…just what if, you took the shards and brokenness and did something besides throw it away.

What if you took a canvas, slathered it with glue and created a beautiful mosaic with those broken pieces and you hung up that creation in your house. That pitcher will no longer hold water but the beauty of the sun shining on the different colors of glass will be stunning. You took what was broken and created beauty out of it.

💛 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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What is a Traumaversary?

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

What is a Traumaversary?

Brandi C

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What is a Traumaversary?

A traumaversary is the anniversary of some sort of trauma in your life. It can be from a deployment, abuse, car accident, traumatic pregnancy/birth, house fires, neglect… the list can go on and on. You aren’t obsessing over all the bad things that happened in your life. It is simply something that you haven’t resolved and your body keeps the score.

Symptoms of a traumaversary can vary from sadness, anger (another topic for another day), anxiety, hypervigilance, insomnia or hypersomnia, flashbacks, nightmares, guilt, and even can manifest itself in a physical illness. The book, The Body Keeps the Score is not a fun read but it is interesting and it does drive home these concepts. 

I explain it to people who have never heard this word before in a way that it is easy to understand. When they call me for an appointment, they are usually in some sort of acute stress. When we get to talking, I ask if they remember feeling this way at the same time, every year. 9/10 times, they do feel the same way and they can’t figure it out.
When we get to digging, there is usually something that occurred, way back when, that their body is remembering/reacting to even though they hadn’t cognitively thought about that issue since it occurred. They pushed it WAY down and stuffed it away. However, their body remembers.
There are ways to cope. First, acknowledge the event and that it no longer has power over you. Talking it out…not talking it to death over and over again but just one time from start to finish. When you get the thoughts out of your head through tears, snot, words, or writing…it releases it from captivity in your brain. Again, you are not giving it power over you. A lot of times, just talking it out and saying it out loud to another set of ears releases you from that bondage.
Every person wants to be seen, heard, and, validated in their experiences. When they are, it releases you from the prison that the trauma has placed you in. I want you to remember that you are normal. There is nothing wrong with you. Have grace and compassion with yourself, practice self-care, do something for others, or just take a nap or long shower.
You are not alone. Knowledge is power. You are no longer a slave to your past. Plant your feet firmly in the present and look towards your future. That is where hope lives.

💛 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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

You Are Capable

Brandi C

You Are Capable

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You are capable of doing all things when Jesus is by your side. People often tell me that they do not know who they are anymore due to the amount of trauma that has occurred in their lives. It is my pleasure to tell them that they are not only capable of doing all the things they dream of, they were created to do these amazing things because the King of Kings has gifted them with amazing talents. God will take all the tests (trauma) of your life and allow it to be a TESTimony for Him.

This makes you capable of handling any and everything as long as He is on your side because it isn’t you doing the heavy lifting. You are being obedient and He is carrying the burden for you. Matthew 11:28-30: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

💛 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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When the Silence is Deafening

 

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth

Brandi C

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth

How to Pursue Personal Development Without Losing Yourself

Guest Blogger - Mindful Growth
Picture by Freepik

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth was submitted by Ed Carter. In the pursuit of personal growth, the fine line between pushing your limits and overstepping them is often blurred. Navigating the path of self-improvement requires a balanced approach, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being. This guide, courtesy of Barefoot Faith Journey, offers strategies to foster personal development without falling into the trap of burnout.

Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step

You might think that dedicating every waking hour to your goals is the quickest route to success, but neglecting self-care only leads to diminishing returns. It’s crucial to make your well-being a priority, not an afterthought. This means setting aside time for adequate rest, engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, and allowing yourself moments of leisure without guilt. When you’re well-rested and mentally refreshed, you’re more capable of tackling challenges and absorbing new information.

Adopt Mindfulness and Meditation

Integrating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformational practice. By training your mind to focus on the present, you not only reduce stress but also gain a clearer perspective. This mental clarity is indispensable when making decisions, solving problems, and learning new things. Start small, with just a few minutes a day, and observe the profound impact it can have on your peace of mind and productivity.

Refine Your Time Management Skills

The art of time management goes beyond just keeping a calendar — it’s about setting priorities, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and avoiding procrastination. By mastering these skills, you can navigate your day with confidence, knowing that you have a plan to handle your responsibilities. Tools like digital planners and to-do lists can be invaluable allies, helping you to stay on track and keep overwhelm at bay.

Variety is the Spice of Self-Improvement

Monotony is a surefire recipe for burnout. To keep your journey toward personal growth vibrant and engaging, sprinkle in a variety of activities. This could mean picking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or dedicating time to nurture relationships. These activities not only enrich your life with new experiences and skills but also ensure that your path to self-improvement is diverse and fulfilling.

Advance Your Education with Flexibility

Earning a degree online provides unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, enabling students to study from any location at their own pace. This approach enhances time management and self-discipline, crucial skills in both personal and professional realms. For example, if you currently work as an RN, with an MSN degree, you can explore diverse healthcare careers such as nurse education, informatics, and nurse administration. This flexibility ensures you can advance your education and career without upending your lifestyle.

Recognizing Your Progress Fuels Further Growth

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in the realm of personal development. Celebrating these achievements is essential for maintaining motivation and building confidence. Whether it’s completing a course, reaching a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, acknowledging your progress reinforces the habits and behaviors that got you there, setting a foundation for future successes.

Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities

No journey is without its obstacles, but the setbacks you encounter are not dead ends — they are detours on the path to success. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth, you cultivate resilience and adaptability. Analyze what went wrong, learn from the experience, and adjust your strategy. This approach not only helps you overcome future challenges but also contributes to your
personal and professional development.

The SMART Way Forward

Establishing clear, achievable goals is the compass that guides your self-improvement journey. By setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, you create a roadmap for success that is both challenging and realistic. This methodical approach ensures that your efforts are focused and that you remain motivated, making continuous progress toward
your aspirations.

The path to personal development is as unique as you are, filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. By embracing these strategies, you equip yourself with the tools needed to pursue growth sustainably, ensuring that you can achieve your goals without compromising your well-being. Remember, the journey of self-improvement is a marathon, not a sprint, and taking care of yourself is the key to crossing the finish line.

Join us at Barefoot Faith Journey for inspiring stories and insights that will encourage you to explore life’s possibilities without fear. Embrace each day with hope and a new perspective, one step at a time.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Faith Journey

Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters

Brandi C

Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters

Breathing in Hope as I Navigate Rough Waters

The past few years have been filled with so many challenges that it’s difficult to even begin to describe everything I’ve been through. I was talking with my therapist recently, and she often asks me, “What would you tell your client?” For me, answering that is easy:

  • Beauty is always in the ashes.

  • You are worthy.

  • This too shall pass (like a kidney stone).

  • You are enough.

  • The trauma that you have stored in your TNT box needs to be talked about and processed in order for you to heal. Then, it will just be a crappy memory that doesn’t trigger strong emotions like depression or anxiety.

She often asks me why I don’t listen to my own advice.

Trauma

Trauma is a word I don’t use lightly. In therapy, we talk about little ‘t’ trauma and big ‘T’ trauma, but honestly, it all hurts. Without the tools to process what’s happened, you’re left struggling with depression (where you can’t control the past) or anxiety (where you can’t control the future). In either case, you can’t live fully in the present.

Today, my supervisor asked me to think about a triangle: your thoughts dictate your emotions, which in turn affect your behavior.

For me, what I’ve been through doesn’t feel like trauma. I hear trauma stories all day, and they break my heart. There are days when all I want to do is rock a client and bake them cookies, letting them know they’re seen, heard, validated, and loved. But when I told my therapist I didn’t think trauma was part of my story, she laughed at me. “These are just things that have happened,” I said. “Do I deal with them well? No.”

This Last Round of Gross

This season has tipped me to the edge of my sanity. I’ve dealt with severe depression, moderate depression, anxiety, or a combination of both, but this time it’s been mostly depression. One hit after another—some significant, some minor, and others so tiny they’re the straw that broke the camel’s back.

During this season, I’ve been quiet. I deleted my social media, removed numbers from my phone, screened calls, and withdrew into myself. I never meant to isolate, but I’m so depressed that I don’t want to “infect” anyone else with my heaviness.

Life Keeps Moving

I still do all the things—work, cook, clean, be a grandparent, manage the home, etc. It all gets done. My sister left me a voicemail recently, saying she’d been asking my mom about me and giving me space, but now enough was enough. She told me to call, text, or answer the phone at least twice a week, and that we weren’t going to talk about my hurt unless I wanted to. We were just going to touch base.

In my sadness, I didn’t even realize people noticed. My daughter made some comments about my silence, but I didn’t fully understand what she meant because I rarely go a day without talking to her. A friend at church apologized for not reaching out. I told her I was fine (lie), but she said, “I know how you get when you go quiet.”

Those Statements Made Me Realize

Though I feel alone, I’ve been reminded that there are people who love me and would listen if I called to cry or vent. I just don’t want to impose or make people feel like they have to fix what’s going on in my world. No one can fix it. What’s broken is beyond repair. But their love and support give me hope. Hope that one day, things will be okay. Hope that I am loved and not alone. I have hope that there is a tomorrow. Hope that I have people who are willing to hold me up when I can’t stand on my own.

Hope is a powerful thing. Today, I am hopeful. Yesterday, I was not, and tomorrow is still a mystery. Mentally and emotionally, I am still not okay. There’s a lot on my heart and mind. Decisions need to be made, conversations need to happen, and the things troubling me are still there.

But here I am, still breathing and holding onto hope. Understanding that trauma is different for everyone, but it does not have to dictate my life. It’s simply a crimson thread woven throughout my tapestry. We all carry some trauma, but when processed properly, it can just be a blip on the radar—not a tsunami of epic proportions.

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

The Reality of my Nightmare

Brandi C

The Reality of my Nightmare

In The Reality of my Nightmare, my guest blogger writes about her interpretation of the trials that surrounded her. She writes it as if she were me. I read it the morning of my friend’s funeral. She is pretty spot on in all that she said.

The Reality of my Nightmare

Writing this seems like a nightmare

I am waiting to wake up from this nightmare because of how real it feels. But when I open my eyes, it will all go away. No. This nightmare is real. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Why? Why me? What did I do wrong to cause these people to knock on my door? Who has been watching me and observing my every movement? 

I am afraid

Afraid to raise my voice even the slightest bit because someone might be watching. Also, I am scared to take my child to the other room for fear that someone might think I will punish them. Afraid to go out in public with my child for fear that someone will judge me the wrong way and call them again. Why me? 

Raising Kids

Raising kids is hard, especially 7 of them. They are all so different in so many ways. Yet, I would not change a single hair on their head because I love them so much. I love my kids with every fiber of my being. I would gladly take any strife or burdens off their shoulders. I will put them on my own if it helps them and their future. 

My kids are special.

Some have mentally challenging issues. Then, others have some physical problems that need my constant attention. Being a mom is hard. It is tiring even. Yet, I am glad God chose these beautiful children to be mine. 

I love fiercely and will do anything in my power to protect them from the world and its temptations. Sometimes, I help others before I think about myself and my needs. I have run ragged, going in different directions to help those in need as God calls me to do. Honestly, I try to open myself up to other moms in various clubs and organizations my kids participate. I try to help them and converse with them when they need a friend or a shoulder to cry on. 

But You

You took care of my child when he played sports on your team. He became best friends with your kids. I thought you loved him like one of your own. He stayed at your house and slept over so many nights. Every time, he had a blast when he came home beaming from ear to ear. He would tell me all about how fun it is at your house. 

Invitation then Betrayal

I invited you into my home, which we manage to keep clean amongst the chaos of having multiple children and animals in the house. And yet, you betrayed my trust by calling them. Why? Why me? 

You know my child is well-fed. We give him clothes and things to toys. Furthermore, we keep him involved in sports. Importantly, we teach him the love of Jesus in everything we do. We fight for him daily because he is different. And that’s okay because I love him so much.

How Would You Feel

You are a mother with kids of your own. How would you feel if someone called them? They showed up at your doorstep asking to be invited in. Then ask you probing questions about your home and relationships with your kids? And what if you found out that it was a supposed “friend” who called them on you. 

How would you feel? 

Betrayed? 

Confused? 

I should hope so. 

That is how I felt. 

Terrifying Agony

The terrifying agony that my kids could be ripped away from me with no warning. Sadly, the wailing and uncontrollable sobbing happened in my car when I got the call. My heart can’t take it anymore. I am so tired of having to justify myself to these people. Justify every action that I do and every word that comes out of my mouth. 

How would you feel? 

Would you demand an explanation from your “friend” and say some nasty things to them in retaliation? Would you constantly look over your shoulder to make sure no one was watching you if you ever had to punish your child in public? Or are you one of those parents letting their children run amuck and do whatever they want? 

Either way, I want you to know that it is understandable if you did not know the family or had never been in their home and seen how the family operates. It would be understandable if you didn’t know my son or me. 

But you did know us. 

I was at every game. I talked to you all the time. And yet, you still called. I could trust you. You have betrayed my trust. But I choose to let God be in control of my situation. I prefer to let God judge your actions when you get to Heaven instead of judging you, which I am not called to do. 

Honestly, I choose to love like Jesus with skin on and be the city on a hill for you. I prefer to let God listen to my sorrowful prayers and collect my tears in a jar. Furthermore, I choose to let God pick me up and comfort me because he knows I am the mom He called me to be. I am not perfect. But God does not call us to be perfect. He calls us to be his disciples and to love our neighbor in his word. 

My house may be messy sometimes, and my kids may drive me crazy most days, but in what reality is home always tidy and the kids always clean and well-behaved? I would love to meet those people and that family. 

Haven’t you ever made a mistake as a parent? 

Because if you say no, that is a bold-faced lie. We fail daily at things. The key is learning from those mistakes, moving on, and leaving the past behind us. Those failures are also successes. I have put several of my kids through a full education (and I have homeschooled them for many years as well). Two of them graduated with honors, which is a huge accomplishment.

Mama Pride

One of my kids is married with a baby on the way. I could not be happier for my sweet child. My smallest child is excelling at what doctors told us would be impossible. Yet, with me by his side, he has survived those odds. 

The moments of pride I feel for the children I raised surpass the moments of sadness I think when things like this happen. I choose to find the beauty in the ashes. I will stand tall and not be shaken by people’s opinions of my family and me.

My Choices

So I will also choose to continue to stand by my children and attend every activity, club, and sporting event they are in. And if you other moms judge me or whisper tall tales about me that are not even true, I will smile and turn the other cheek as God has called me to, even if it is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Cruelty of Others

People can be so cruel nowadays, and they always look at the plank in someone else’s eye rather than focusing on the speck of dirt in their eye. Words can slice through a person and bring them down when we should be standing together as moms and supporting one another rather than bringing them down and jumping to conclusions by calling the organization before they have the facts straight. 

No, we moms are not perfect. But we are doing the best we can with the circumstances we are currently in and the children with whom the Lord has blessed us. I will continue to be the city on a hill and shine my light bright for my kids and you. 

And I know deep down in my heart that God will be pleased with my strength and integrity, and when I get to Heaven, He will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I can not wait for that day to come. 

In the meantime

I will continue to be the most fantastic mom to my kids and a faithful spouse to my husband. I am showing them the light of God. Continuing to shield them from the world will be a lifelong journey, but I would not change one thing about it, not for you or any other mom who says a spiteful word towards me. 

I will pray for you even though it is painful. Because in my darkest moments, I cling to Jesus the most, and when my faith is tested, I come out stronger than ever because my Redeemer is with me. No more hiding. No more fear. I will not be afraid.