Imagine your friend is going through a really rough time in their life. What would you say to comfort them? Really, take a few minutes and go over in your head what you would say to let your friend know that they are loved and that you will help them through whatever it is they're facing.
My roommate Canada just shared with me what her stress management group talked about. The leader of the group asked everyone what they would say to their friend going through a tough time, and then he said that what they said was what they individually needed/wanted to hear.
Canada talked about how we don't talk to ourselves the way we talk to others when they are stressing out and going through a hard time. We offer advice and love and comfort to them, but all too often we view ourselves as unworthy to receive those things. What would happen if we started to view ourselves as our friends and family see us? Or how Heavenly Father does? How would that change the way we think about how we do things? Would we be more confident in them?
This is the biggest thing that I struggle with, seeing myself through my Father's eyes. I suppose that's why it's so easy for me to rush to comfort and encourage somebody else, because I know that feeling of worthlessness that I pull upon myself.
The past few days have been much better for me. I started seeing a counselor who happens to be LDS as well and who has helped to put things into perspective for me. I've been able to decide between happiness and sadness a little bit better, and I love being happy.
