‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’
(John 10:10, NIV)
So, for those of you who read my writing, first of all thank you!
I thought I would explain a little bit about the rebrand from ‘Living the Peaceful Life’ (LTPL) to ‘Living the Jesus Life’ (LTJL)…
Over the past couple of months we have been in a teaching series at my home church called Lionheart.
I know, it was as awesome as it sounds!
This series talked about how the role that Jesus had as the Lamb of God and His true identity as the Lion of Judah. We covered how to fail well as people of God, how to exhibit and embody bold, resilient love, we covered unity and many other faith-building topics.
The Lionheart series has been followed up by a new series all about being Young, Scrappy and Hungry (yes, the title was Hamilton inspired!)
Now, as I’ve been sat under the incredible teaching of my church leaders each Sunday, something has become unsettled in me.
As those of you who know me and have followed my personal journey as well as the LTPL journey will be familiar with, I have walked through a couple of seasons – historically – with mental ill health. On two occasions in my life so far I have been unwell in my mind and needed hospitalisation to recover.
My diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder has marked my life in a big way.
LTPL was born out me wanting to give back to the world a piece of wisdom that I had learned from the seasons of ill health I had experienced. I wanted people to know that hustle culture and ladder-climbing are not for everyone. That living a peaceful life is both godly and beneficial for us and our mental state.
Whilst I stand by this anti-hustle culture approach and still refuse to be a part of climbing any corporate ladders, I sensed that I was starting to hit a ceiling, personally.
I am a person who does not deal so well with excessive amounts of stress, (some people thrive on it!) so peaceful living has been a beautiful lesson I have learned. However, recently, I have deliberately been putting myself under some stress to see how I cope…
- I started going to the gym to intentionally put my body under some physical stress.
- I have taken on roles of responsibility that challenge me and my capacity in various settings.
- I have restarted my website (yay) and begun publishing my writing again.
These simple changes and shifts in my life have been very beneficial so far.
- My mind is clearer and I don’t feel as mentally anxious or stressed as I do without exercise.
- I am growing and developing bandwidth and realising that some uncomfortable stretches are good for me. With help and support, I can do hard things!
- I have grown in confidence in putting myself and my writing out there, knowing the I will not be for everyone, but that that is not a reason to remain silent and dormant in something I feel compelled to do – write and share about my journey with Jesus through this life.
This shift in mindset has been borne, I believe, out of a shift in my spirit around what I can and can’t handle.
The ceiling that I had been putting over myself, thankfully, was a glass one, and I believe that I am in a season of breaking through it.
Whilst I still respect and care for my mind, I refuse to allow a diagnosis to limit me and my potential to grow, change and develop as a person.
So, this is why I have rebranded my website and social media platforms.
I no longer want to barricade off opportunity for expansion because I have a mental health condition and I do not want to shy away from the chance to do more than my condition would suggest or even dictate.
I am a lionheart!
I am young, scrappy and hungry for more of the things that God has for my life!
Peace is still present – 100% – but life in all its fullness is the new order of the day!
I hope that explains things, friends.
And I hope that moving forward I can inspire, encourage and share with you all as I attempt to live the Jesus life.
Living The Jesus Life 