Emerge Blog Series: Time To Unpack (Pt 1)
I don’t know if you can relate, but I hate unpacking. After a trip, the last thing I want to do is unpack my clothes. I wish you could just snap and clothes would walk to the washer. But here we are. Typically I unpack my clothes when it gets too overwhelming and cluttered. And when I leave my clothes hanging out – it sets precedence for my week – rushed and anxious.
I wonder if this is similar to our everyday? Rushed, overwhelmed, and anxious when we don’t take the time to unpack. When we don’t take the time to clear out what we have been carrying?
One of the best things that have been life-changing for me was going to counseling over 10 years ago. I’ve actually been several times since then. And every time I’ve had a counseling stint, it’s helped me to see myself clearer. It’s helped me to see why I respond the way that I do. It’s helped me to dig deeper into past issues. It’s helped me to notice my patterns (good and bad).
The word EMERGE has been on my heart since 2019, but I don’t know if we can talk about purpose and rising up to the occasion without also talking about our individual healing. No perfection is expected or needed, but all of who we are will follow us as we walk out our purpose. As we rise up. Self-awareness helps us to observe the unhealed parts we need to lean into. You will notice your tendencies as you do life with people. From “why do I tend to respond that way” or “why does this situation bother me so much.” The things that you ruminate over that no one knows about. Lean into that. Be okay with asking yourself those hard questions. And be tender with yourself. In the words of Adele, “Be Easy On Me.” Because there are things that have happened to us from childhood to life experiences that have impacted us. As God puts things on your heart, give yourself grace. Be easy on yourself.
Below are some leading questions designed to help you UNPACK.
data-animation-override>
“We all have a bag. We all pack differently. Some of us are traveling light. Some of us are secret hoarders who’ve never parted with a memory in our lives. I think we are all called to figure out how to carry our bag to the best of our ability, how to unpack it, and how to face the mess. I think part of growing up is learning how to sit down on the floor with all your things and figuring out what to take with you and what to leave behind.”
Challenge + Questions to help you unpack:
-Where is your heart today? How are you feeling?
-Where has fear continued to rise up in your heart? (Ex. Fear of people’s opinions has hindered you from walking in purpose. )
-What patterns have you noticed in your life over the years?
-Who or what do you compare yourself to?
-What would you do differently if you know you couldn’t fail?
Challenge:
Ask a trusted friend or family member these two questions:
-
Progress: Where have they seen your growth lately
-
Opportunities: What are opportunities for your personal growth/where can you improve
This is so good sis. Funny thing is that I unpack so much less now as a mom because my days and life are so busy with so many tasks and responsibilities. In the busyness of all that, I end up hoarding so much stuff. This definitely encourages me to work on putting an end to that. Great read!
Thanks sis for sharing this!!
I’m actually one of the ones who unpacks almost the moment I get home because I hate having a suitcase on my floor lol. It’s harder to unpack my life and feelings though! I’ll def look over those questions and challenges to really help with that. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing this sis!!