Hitting Rock Bottom

I have been wrestling with a question that I can’t suppress from my mind.  So, today’s post is going to be different from my previous ones.  I’d like to pose a question to you:  Do you think a person must hit rock bottom before actively focusing on personal growth/spiritual development and awakening to the Power within themselves? 

I was reminded of this burning question today when I ran across the quote above from Thoreau which states:  “Not ’till we are lost do we begin to find ourselves.”  T.D. Jakes also said something similar in his popular Save the Scraps sermon:  “That which refuses to be broken refuses to be blessed.  The most blessed people have been broken at some point in their life.”  The reason I’m in this quandary (Side note: I’m laughing as I type that word because my mom taught it to me in middle school and I’ll never forget it – thanks, mom! ;-)) is that I have a burning desire to help others realize their full potential, live life wholeheartedly, and release any blocks to the awareness of the Power within themselves. 

Although I want to help those that are currently at rock bottom, my heart’s desire is to reach people before they get to that point.  But, how?  I know that when I was living life on “cruise control”, with all of my luggage in the back (fear, doubt, guilt, shame, blame, etc.), I didn’t even realize there was another way to live life.  I didn’t even know there was a problem.  I just accepted my bad feelings and insecurities as normal and kept it moving….until it was too late (check out my Freedom from Ashes story for more on my breakdown).  Part of the reason I started this blog is to help others live life more authentically and experience more joy, peace, and love in daily living by sharing my own story.  My prayer was that it would help others avoid some of the potholes I hit along the way throughout my bumpy journey of life. 

I know everyone reading this blog is drawn to it for different reasons.  I’d love to hear more about that.  What got you interested in pursuing personal and spiritual growth?  Did you reach rock bottom in your own life?  Were you inspired by someone else’s journey from rock bottom?  What gave you a sense of urgency about living in the light?  I look forward to hearing about the turning points in your own lives! 

Keep shining!

~Kandace

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!