Tag: Self-Compassion

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Your Nervous System Isn’t Broken

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Your Nervous System Isn’t Broken

Your Nervous System Isn’t Broken

It is protecting you

Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn are not signs of weakness. They are automatic responses designed to keep you safe.

When your nervous system perceives threat, whether physical or emotional, it shifts into survival. This happens without conscious choice. Your body reacts before your mind can reason.

Fight may look like anger or defensiveness. Flight may look like overworking or staying busy. Freeze may look like numbness or shutdown. Fawn may look like people pleasing or abandoning your own needs to keep the peace.

None of these responses mean something is wrong with you. They mean something happened that required adaptation.

Many people carry shame around their survival responses. They tell themselves they should be calmer, stronger, more faithful, or more disciplined. Shame adds another layer of threat to a system that is already overwhelmed.

Your nervous system does not need punishment or pressure. It needs safety, consistency, and compassion.

When you stop fighting your survival responses, your body can begin to learn something new. Safety does not come from forcing calm. It comes from being met with understanding.

You are not broken. You are responding exactly as a human nervous system does under stress.

 

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Love Yourself

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love yourself

Love Yourself

Loving yourself isn’t selfish.
It’s sacred.

Some of us were taught to shrink, to apologize for our needs, to care for everyone but ourselves. Others have been through so much, we don’t even recognize the face in the mirror anymore.

But can I gently speak this over you?

You are worthy of love—even from yourself.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Mark 12:31 (NIV)

Jesus didn’t separate the two. He knew that real, lasting love flows from the inside out. But when you’ve been through trauma, betrayal, illness, or shame, self-love can feel like a mountain you don’t have the strength to climb.

Here’s the truth:
Loving yourself isn’t about perfection or pretending.
It’s about compassion.
It’s about seeing yourself the way God sees you—beloved, chosen, and still becoming.

You Can Love Yourself in the Middle of the Mess

Not when it all makes sense.
Not when the weight is lost or the healing is done.
Now.

Love is patient. So start there—with patience for the parts of you that are still hurting. Speak kindly to your reflection. Celebrate your small steps. Forgive yourself for what you didn’t know then.

📝 Try this: Every morning this week, look in the mirror and say: “God, help me love who You made me to be.”

“We love because He first loved us.”
— 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

You don’t have to earn love.
You are love.
And it starts with learning to embrace who God already says 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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Not All Scars Can Be Seen

Brandi C

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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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How’s Your Mental Health Today

Brandi C

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How’s Your Mental Health Today?

Life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up, schedules fill, and before we know it, we’ve gone days—or even weeks—without checking in on ourselves. So, let’s pause for a moment: How’s your mental health today?

Take a Deep Breath and Check-In

When was the last time you truly checked in with yourself? Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, content, or maybe a little numb? Acknowledging where you’re at is the first step in taking care of yourself.

Signs You Might Need a Mental Health Reset

  • You feel emotionally drained, even after rest.
  • Small tasks feel overwhelming.
  • You’re more irritable or sensitive than usual.
  • You find yourself withdrawing from others.
  • Your thoughts are racing, or you feel disconnected.

If any of these resonate, it’s okay. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and sometimes, we need to hit the reset button.

Ways to Care for Your Mental Health Today

✔ Acknowledge Your Feelings – Give yourself permission to feel whatever is coming up without judgment. ✔ Take a Break – Even five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or stepping outside can help. ✔ Stay Hydrated & Nourished – Your brain and body need fuel to function well. ✔ Reach Out – Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, connection matters. ✔ Limit Negativity – Take a break from social media or the news if it feels heavy. ✔ Engage in Something Joyful – Listen to music, read, create, or do anything that lifts your spirit.

You Are Not Alone

No matter what today looks like for you, please know that you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid, and your struggles are seen. If your mental health feels like it’s weighing you down, reach out for help—whether to a loved one or a professional. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

So, let’s check in—how’s your mental health today? And what’s one small thing you can do to take care of yourself right now?

💛 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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The Power of Small Breaks

Brandi C

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The Power of Small Breaks: Give Your Mind a Moment to Breathe

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, taking a break can sometimes feel like a weakness. But the truth is, there is nothing wrong with stepping away to calm your mind. In fact, it’s necessary.

Your mind is constantly working—processing emotions, solving problems, and managing daily life. Just like your body needs rest, your mind does too. When you push yourself without pause, stress builds, thoughts become overwhelming, and exhaustion sets in. A small break isn’t time wasted; it’s an investment in your well-being.

A break doesn’t have to be hours long. It can be a few deep breaths, stepping outside for fresh air, closing your eyes for a moment of silence, or simply sipping your favorite drink without distractions. Small moments of stillness reset your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Here’s why taking breaks is important:

  1. Rest prevents burnout. Constant stress wears you down. Taking short breaks helps you reset and come back stronger.
  2. Your thoughts become clearer. Stepping away allows your brain to process things better, leading to better decision-making.
  3. It improves emotional well-being. Breaks help you regulate emotions, reducing anxiety and overwhelm.
  4. You become more productive. A rested mind works more efficiently than an exhausted one.

Never feel guilty for pausing. Your mental health matters. Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up—it means recognizing that you are human and deserving of rest. So today, give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and reset.

Your mind will thank you.

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 Kind to Your Mind

Brandi C

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Be Kind to Your Mind

We often hear the phrase be kind to others, but how often do we practice kindness toward ourselves—especially our minds? The way we think, the words we speak to ourselves, and the care we give our mental well-being all matter. Your mind deserves kindness, too.

Life can be overwhelming, and our thoughts can easily become filled with worry, self-doubt, and negativity. But just as we nurture our bodies with food and rest, we must nurture our minds with grace, patience, and care. You are not your mistakes. You are not your struggles and you are worthy of peace.

So how do you show kindness to your mind?

  1. Speak to yourself with love. Replace self-criticism with encouragement. Instead of “I’m failing,” try “I’m learning.” Instead of “I’m not enough,” remind yourself “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
  2. Take breaks without guilt. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your mind needs time to recharge, just like your body.
  3. Set boundaries. Protect your peace by limiting negativity, whether it’s toxic relationships, social media, or overworking yourself.
  4. Seek help when needed. There is strength in asking for support. Whether through prayer, therapy, or trusted friends, you don’t have to carry everything alone.
  5. Fill your mind with good things. Read, listen, and surround yourself with positivity. What you feed your mind shapes how you feel.

You are worthy of love, including the love you give yourself. So be kind to your mind. Give it rest. Give it grace. And remind yourself daily: you are doing better than you think.

💛 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 Can Always Begin Again

Brandi C

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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

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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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Focus On the Step In Front of You

Brandi C

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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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A Diagnosis Does Not Define You

Brandi C

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A Diagnosis Does Not Define You

As a therapist, I’ve had so many clients walk into my office carrying the weight of multiple diagnoses—some given by different providers, some self-diagnosed through online research, and some that may have been true at one point but are no longer relevant. It’s frustrating because these are people, not a collection of labels on a piece of paper.

Some individuals can brush off a list of mental health diagnoses, while others cling to them, wearing them like a heavy jacket—sometimes even ten jackets—layered on because that’s what they’ve been told they are. But when we sit down together and actually walk through the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5-TR, many come to realize they don’t meet the criteria for certain diagnoses at all. Instead, they may have two conditions that overlap, or when combined, form a different, more accurate diagnosis.

This is why I believe in simplifying whenever possible. I always err on the side of the most minor diagnosis until we’ve worked together long enough to understand what’s really going on. A primary diagnosis, with a possible secondary, creates space for healing instead of overwhelm.

Now, let me be clear—I’m not a medical doctor, and this doesn’t apply to medical conditions. Always consult with your primary care physician. But here’s the key: don’t just let them speak at you. Engage in conversation. You are the expert on you, and you should always advocate for your health.

At the end of the day, a diagnosis is just one small part of who you are. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Yes, we all have struggles, quirks, and imperfections, but those don’t define us. Instead, they can be used to educate, foster understanding, and extend grace to ourselves and others.

So let’s be kind. You never truly know what someone else is carrying. The world is messy, and life is hard, but there is beauty in the ashes. And no matter where you are in your journey—you are okay. You are enough. Just as 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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Self-Care for Your Mental Health

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You Don’t Need To…

Brandi C

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What You Should Not Sacrifice When It Comes to Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days—it’s about protecting your well-being in all aspects of life. Too often, we sacrifice our own needs for the sake of others, for the pressures of daily life, or simply because we don’t believe we deserve care. But here’s the truth: there are certain things you should never sacrifice when it comes to self-care.

1. Staying Stuck in the Past

The past can hold powerful lessons, but it can also become a prison. Dwelling on past mistakes, hurts, or regrets only keeps you from fully living in the present. Give yourself the grace to move forward. Healing isn’t about forgetting—it’s about learning, growing, and giving yourself permission to embrace what’s ahead.

2. Pushing Yourself Beyond Your Limits

There’s a difference between challenging yourself and overextending yourself. Growth is good, but burnout is not. Rest is just as important as progress. Listen to your body and mind—when they tell you to slow down, respect that. You do not have to earn your rest.

3. Ignoring Your Emotions

Your feelings are valid, whether they are comfortable or not. Ignoring emotions doesn’t make them disappear—it only pushes them deeper, where they fester and manifest in unhealthy ways. Acknowledge what you feel, process it in a healthy way, and give yourself space to heal.

4. Keeping Everyone Happy

Trying to please everyone is a losing battle. You can’t control how others feel or respond, and constantly putting their happiness above your own will drain you. It’s okay to prioritize yourself. It’s okay to set boundaries. You are not responsible for managing everyone else’s emotions at the expense of your own.

5. Overthinking Everything

Overthinking can steal your peace and leave you paralyzed by indecision. While it’s important to be thoughtful, there’s a fine line between being intentional and getting stuck in a loop of “what ifs.” Trust yourself. Not every decision has to be perfect. You are allowed to make choices without exhausting yourself over every detail.

6. Sacrificing Your Health

Your health—both physical and mental—should never come last. Skipping meals, running on little sleep, neglecting movement, or ignoring mental exhaustion are not signs of strength. They are warning signs. You only get one body and one mind—take care of them.

You Deserve Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish. It’s not optional. It’s necessary. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and sacrificing yourself for the sake of everything and everyone else will only leave you depleted. Honor your needs, set boundaries, and give yourself the same love and care you so freely offer others.

If you need support in learning how to prioritize yourself, manage stress, or set healthy boundaries, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation or schedule an appointment today (Kentucky residents). You are worth 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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Self-Care for Your Mental Health

Brandi C

The Importance of Self-Care for Your Mental Health

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Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It plays a vital role in maintaining good mental health, yet it’s something many of us struggle with. I know this firsthand because, for a long time, I found it difficult to prioritize myself. But over time, I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It can be as simple as taking five minutes to breathe under a warm blanket, enjoying a scoop of ice cream after a tough day, or diving into a good book. Some forms of self-care may require an investment, like a manicure, a pedicure, or a massage, but many are completely free. The key is finding what helps you recharge and making it a priority.

Life can be overwhelming, and when I don’t take intentional moments to care for myself, I find that I “spin out” quickly. The stress builds, and suddenly, I’m reacting emotionally instead of responding thoughtfully. But when I take time to slow down and love on myself, I can regain my focus, reduce anxiety, and approach challenges with a clearer mind.

Self-care isn’t just about what we do—it’s about recognizing that we are worth the effort. You are worth the effort. Your well-being matters.

If you need some help learning how to practice self-care or tips for working through your anxiety, reach out and schedule your free 15-minute consultation or book an appointment today (Kentucky residents)! You are worth 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?

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, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Powerful Note to Self

Brandi C

This Powerful Note to Self is by a guest blogger working through some intense emotions and trauma. Remember, if you are a survivor of anything….it is NOT your fault! That can be hard to believe, especially if you struggle with implicit memories and cannot remember.

Implicit memories are memories that are from conception to three years of age. However, explicit memories are from the age of three until the present moment. Those are the memories that you can pull from and have validation. Implicit memories are ones you “feel.” They, to me, are harder to process and reconcile.

Sadly, any type of sexual abuse or molestation is devastating. It can take years to heal. Honestly, it may never heal this side of heaven. That is something that I’ve had to settle within myself to process things. My guest blogger is deep in the trenches. I am so proud of what she is doing to get help.

Powerful Note to Self

Powerful Note to Self

Note to self

This is not your fault

You are not the one who made the choice

All you did was follow a voice

A voice of someone you were supposed to trust.

Someone everyone else said you could trust

Not Your Fault

It’s not your fault

that you are scared to love

Or scared to be loved

{Or} that you are afraid to be touched.

Stating Truth

If anything it is his fault

He chose to hurt you

and He chose to betray your innocent trust

He chose to do the unthinkable

and steal the innocence that you shouldn’t have lost

Stop!

so stop blaming yourself for his mistakes

you were not and are not at fault.

You didn’t make those choices

So stop claiming it as yours

 

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

I Am Broken

Brandi C

 

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I Am Broken

I am broken

And I am not normal

I am not who I want to be

Instead, I am the one thing I have been raised to not be

The one thing that will make me lose people close to me

I am not who my parents expected me to be

Also, I am disappointed in their eyes

I am a disappointment in my own eyes

Struggling

I know it is wrong

Sadly, I know its not meant to be that way

I have not chosen to feel this way

It just happened

I have actively fought it

Honestly, I would rather not acknowledge it than admit to it

I don’t want to talk about it

And I don’t want to act on it

Normal

All I want is to be normal

To be who I was meant to be

Not who I have become

By choice or not

I hate myself for my feelings

I would rather just ignore it

Then deal with it

I am not normal

Sadly, I am broken

I AM NOT OKAY.

But one day I will be.

What God Says

God says He loves us.  He sent His son to die on the cross for us.  When we come to Christ, He throws our sins as far as the East is from the West.  Also, He says that Satan is the Prince of the Earth.  He comes to steal, kill, and destroy us all.  We have free will and it is a giant butthole.  God will not supersede free will, though He can at any moment.  He loves us and that is enough! This anonymous guest blogger shows such vulnerability and courage in writing and submitting this in order to help others.

The Trevor Project

 

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

Misery Loves Company

Brandi C

Misery Loves Company

Misery Loves Company

Misery loves company they say

But is it the misery the person wants to share

Or are they looking to someone for help?

But instead, bring them down too

Is the misery more infectious than the need for help?

Or does the person just not want it enough

Personally, I think I would rather suffer alone

Then to bring a friend down with me

I don’t want my friends and family to feel like this

I wouldn’t want anyone to feel like this

Like the whole world is sitting on my shoulders

just waiting for them to make the wrong move.

Just Waiting

Waiting for them to slip

Waiting for them to pull someone in

Waiting for them to not be alone

So they will share the misery

I don’t want to be infectious with hate

I don’t want to put bad things in people’s mind

I’d much rather put in light and love

But where can I start

To get back to that person

That everyone loved to be around

The person that was infectious to laughter

The person that loved others and at least liked herself

I guess I should start at the beginning again

And try to learn a new way of dealing with my sin

Instead of storing it away and letting it fester

I need to let it go and pray that it will work out in the end

Because I’d much rather love myself and help others

Then hate myself and essentially drown them

I don’t want to feed them the lies that I believe

That I’m not good enough

That I’m not worthy

Because we are good enough

We are all worthy of love

And not the misery.

Related Posts

Everything is Gonna be Okay

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Reflecting on Nesting Bird Wisdom

Brandi C

Reflecting on Nesting Bird Wisdom

Reflecting on Nesting Bird Wisdom

I was reflecting on Nesting Bird Wisdom from my sister a year ago. After a tough weekend, emotionally, I had my early Monday morning chat with my sister. We chit-chatted about nothing and everything. Then we moved into what my triggers were from the past weekend.

A statement swirls around in my head from another friend I told Tera. My friend said, “Brandi, you have to have a release. You have to find someone you can trust. Get this stuff off your chest. Cry if you need to cry.” My statement back to her was, “I had that person. She died. Now I don’t share or talk. I stuff it all down.”

Tera agreed with my friend. We talked about the stages of grief. Also, I have had no time to grieve anything over the past several years. I’ve gone from one hit to another. There has been little time to breathe. Sadly, no time to grieve. Sadly, there was no time to release the pain and emotion from everything that had happened.

Then, she took it one step further.

She said: “Brandi, it’s okay to have birds fly around your head (referring, of course, to grief, depression, anxiety, etc), but you can’t let them make a nest in your hair.”

I agreed. Then, I wiped my tears and got off the phone. Next, I went to the bathroom.

What I saw was a thing of fear and horror. My hair was straight up (circa 80-the 90s) in that great curly, let it be free, windblown hair.

I texted my sister and asked her to define “Nest in Hair.”

So, my birds have nested, and now it is time for them to fly south.

Bye, Bye Birdie. The bird has flown away!