Do you remember a time in your life when all systems were a “go”? Perhaps a time when everything just clicked. Life was good. You were happy. Really happy. How did your body feel? Heavy, like you were carrying around a 100lb weight or, light? Really light?

Let me share my own personal story in hopes that it helps you. 2022 was probably the toughest year of my business career. Personally, we had just asked our youngest daughter to leave. My health was not in a good place. My right knee was bone-on-bone. Pain? You bet! Our business was doing well, but I felt as if I was shouldering the majority of the load. I was the face of the business and the overwhelming majority of the workload was left to me.

My stress levels at that time were quite high. Poor sleep. Weight gain. Mood swings. Feelings of depression. My light was just a flicker…and my body was definitely not light either. Life wasn’t fun.

We made the decision to sell our home and move to Columbus. This was done for a variety of reasons, the number one reason being for Noah’s well-being. As an adult with autism, services in WV are practically non-existent. Columbus, on the other hand, is akin to Disney World. Truth: it gave me a fresh start(yes, it can also be looked at as an escape). We quickly adapted to our new city and got involved in a new church. I am so thankful God paved the way for us to start attending(we’re now members) of Northwest Presbyterian Church. We love NPC and are growing in our faith.

As 2022 came to an end, I began to notice that my light was beginning to shine, even if just a little bit. My body was improving, having had total knee replacement. 2023 saw that light, and that load, improve. Lots of prayer, crying, reading, journaling and self-care brought me back. Not all the way back-we are all a work in progress-but definitely in a much better place. I had my 1st book published in 2023. I started exercising again, for the first time in 3 years. I sold my half of our business(I still work with my insurance and investment clients). Life is better.

How about you? Has your light grown dim over the past few years? Do you feel as if you’re carrying a large load on your back? My hope for you is that you’ll seek Christ’s love and grace. Pray. Talk to him. Talk with a close friend. Practice self-care. Put Jesus first and yourself second. Then, when you begin to get that light back, do something for someone else. Lift up someone else who’s hurting. You’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel.

Lastly, I fully realize that there are many people out there who are going through very serious trials. Please know you are not alone. Please don’t try and “gut it out”. Ask for help. Let others pray for you. Let that light shine!

Be well,

Jeff