No More Suffering in Silence
For much of my life I felt like a fraud. On the outside, everything looked wonderful. I was married to an amazing man, had a six-figure job, had two healthy kids, owned a home, etc. On the inside, I was a complete mess.
Although I was indeed “succeeding” according to the world’s standards, I never allowed myself to be satisfied with things as they were. I was always striving for the “next best thing.” I never felt like who I was, or what I had, was good enough. That is, until I was forced to take another look.
As many of you know from my first blog entry, I hit rock bottom in January of 2012. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and felt like a complete failure. And, what did I think I failed at? Living up to the societal standard for the perfect employee, mother, wife, body, and more.
I was completely wrapped up in an image of myself that was 100% rooted in ego. I valued this image that I portrayed in the world like it was a leading role for which I was vying for an Oscar. I coordinated the wardrobe, or “look,” I wanted to have; the cast I wanted to be associated with (friends, organizations, etc.); and more. None of which had anything to do with my true Identity as a child of God.
I cared very much what others thought of me, and was constantly working to ensure I maintained a positive perception of me. I thought that once I had all of the external things lined up, then I would be happy. What I found out the hard way was just how empty I would continue to feel until I focused my attention on living in my true Identity, regardless of what the majority were doing.
I recently recorded a video message for friends and family in which I broke my silence about the depression and anxiety I suffered from. Not all of them are on Facebook and Twitter, or don’t check them frequently, so they were unaware of the launch of this blog. I decided to share this video more widely once I received reactions from those I had no idea went through the same thing or were going through it now.
I thought to myself, “Why is it that so many of us suffer in silence? Why is it even hard to tell close friends and family when you are feeling at your worst?” For me, the reason was primarily fear of judgment. I didn’t want anyone to think I was “crazy” for being on medication to regulate my mood. And I certainly didn’t want anyone to know what had been going on in my head all of these years that got me to this point.
So, I kept it inside. All my life, I kept much of my inner pain inside. Due to the lack of release, it began to bubble up more and more in different areas of my life, until it blew up completely last January. At that moment, I was compelled to take a hard look at the ego-driven thought patterns that had been dominating my mind throughout my life and dismantle them. It was a process that was challenging at times, but it was completely worth every minute for true peace of mind. A peace that is unshaken by circumstances. A peace that “surpasses all understanding.”
For anyone who is feeling inundated with thoughts that are not contributing to your peace, know that there is a way to release them once and for all! I have become incredibly passionate about assisting others in this process of returning to peace. This Thursday, the next From Stress to Peace 21-Day Challenge launches. I am SO excited about supporting anyone who is ready to move from stress to peace! The testimonies and breakthroughs from the last round were amazing, and I look forward to hearing those that will come from this class.
It’s not too late to register! Click here to learn more about the class, how to register, and what past participants are saying. Feel free to email me at fromstresstopeace@kandacejones.com if you have questions or would like additional information about the class. Registration closes July 17th! Looking forward to supporting you on your journey to unshakable inner peace! Keep shining!
———————-——
Kandace Jones
———————-——
BLOG: http://kandacejones.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/livinginthelight
TWITTER: @coachkandace
About the Author: Kandace Jones
I used to live life shackled by fear, doubt, and worry. I put on a happy face while navigating my day-to-day duties, but I was emotionally drained, stressed, and unhappy. When I hit rock bottom, and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was determined to live life differently. I knew there had to be another way. Out of that determination, and guidance from Spirit, the "Living in the Light" blog was born. It documents my spiritual journey out of the darkness and into the Light. After nine months of publicly sharing my journey, and consciously releasing my attachment to the ego, I experienced a powerful spiritual awakening. I went from living in fear, doubt, worry, and stress to complete inner peace. My greatest passion has become assisting others on their own journey to inner peace.
My spiritual memoir, From Stress to Peace: An Intimate Journal on the Journey from Living in Darkness to Living in the Light, is available now on Amazon and BN.com. Click the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the From Stress to Peace 21-Day Challenge, Living in the Light Retreats, 1:1 sessions, and the Living in the Light Community - all of which are designed to support your journey to inner peace. I appreciate you taking the time to visit the blog and look forward to supporting you in any way I can!