EMBRACING TRUST: LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD TAKE THE LEAD

Letting go of control—it’s been a rollercoaster of a journey for me, and I’m here to share the twists and turns. So, let’s dive into the pages of my personal journal as I unravel the transformative power of trusting in God’s plan.

1. Confronting the Urge for Control:
• Honest Confession: Okay, let’s start with a truth bomb—I hate feeling out of control. Seriously, it’s like a thorn in my side. I crave knowing what’s up and how to make things go my way. But last year, life threw me a curveball, and I found myself teetering on the edge of chaos. That’s when God whispered those two powerful words: “Trust me.”
• Conditional Trust: At first, I was all, “Of course, I trust You, God!” But then He hit me with the real talk—was my trust truly unconditional? Turns out, I was only handing over the reins for the stuff I couldn’t handle. Real trust? That’s a whole different ball game.
2. Navigating ADHD and Control:
• Unique Challenges: Now, throw ADHD into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a party. Controlling every little detail feels like a lifeline amidst the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. But through the chaos, I’ve learned that God’s got this—even when my brain feels like it’s running a marathon.
• Learning to Trust: It hasn’t been easy, but trusting in God’s plan has been my saving grace. His presence in the midst of ADHD-induced mayhem brings a peace that surpasses understanding. It’s like He’s saying, “Hey, I’ve got you, even when your thoughts are doing the cha-cha.”
3. Embracing God’s Plan:
• Personal Growth: Letting go of control? It’s been one heck of a growth spurt. Surrendering to God’s will has stretched me in ways I never imagined. But you know what? It’s also brought me closer to Him. Trusting Him completely has been my lifeline in the storm, guiding me through the ups and downs with unwavering love.
• Challenge to Readers: So, here’s my challenge to you, dear reader—ditch the control freak tendencies and let God take the wheel. Trust me, I know it’s scary, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Embrace the “ME” God made you to be, flaws and all, and watch as He turns your mess into something beautiful.

As I close this chapter of my journal, I’m reminded that letting go and letting God isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a way of life. So, here’s to embracing the wild ride, trusting in His plan, and discovering the beauty in surrender. After all, the best stories often begin when we relinquish control and let God write the next chapter.

Let’s Chat!

1. What experiences have challenged your ability to let go and trust in God?
2. How do you differentiate between conditional and unconditional trust in your relationship with God?
3. Can you share a moment when surrendering control led to unexpected blessings or growth in your life?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Coach Kenya Joy❤️

 

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The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

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DON'T HIDE WHO YOU ARE...JESUS DIDN'T

For years, I have worked to stay in the background. I have hidden myself from the people around me and the world. There are many reasons for this, some of which I will explain and some I don’t know how to explain. The lack of self-esteem and a poor self-image often kept me from putting myself out in the open. I didn’t value the person I was, and the image of myself that I saw was not pleasing to me.

For as long as I can remember, my self-esteem was always up and down. I had my good days and my bad days. There were days when I felt beautiful and days when I compared myself to others and felt less than beautiful. I always felt like I was smart, but certain situations and circumstances made me feel less than capable.

Fear has also been a factor in me hiding myself. I was afraid of how others would perceive me, which led to me not being myself completely when others were around. At the time, I did not know I had ADHD. Looking back, ADHD played a big part in how I conducted my life early on. Had I known I was neurodivergent, it may have made a difference in how I conducted my life. Come to think about it, it may have made things worse.

Growing up in the Christian faith, mental health or any illness dealing with the mind was frowned upon. This leads me to my next reason for hiding myself: fear of rejection. Being rejected is the worst feeling. The feeling of not being accepted or looked at as strange is a lonely feeling. Who wants to be rejected? Why is the church so hush-hush about mental illness? Why do they look their noses down on people who deal with things such as ADHD and Autism?

This brings me to my next and maybe final reason: shame. Because the church has made having a mental illness or being neurodivergent as something to be ashamed of, it has caused neurodivergent individuals to feel ashamed for who they are and cause them to hide their unique qualities because they are not often embraced. All of these things have caused me to hide who I am from the world around me. I have hidden my talents and downplayed what I could do and what I know because oftentimes, I’m not taken seriously.

This year (2024) is all about me…my health, business, and family. I refuse to stay in the background, no matter how fearful I am about stepping out of my comfort zone. I know what I have holds value and should be displayed and not hidden. Last year, I graduated with my degree in psychology. I was excited, but I didn’t want to tell anyone because I felt it was insignificant and no one would care either way. Truth be told, I have a hard time celebrating myself.

Let’s think for a moment… Jesus was rejected, talked about, and pushed aside. This didn’t keep Him quiet or cause Him to hide the fact that He was the son of God. In Hebrews 12:2, it says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

In this scripture, we find a profound lesson: Jesus didn’t hide who He was despite facing immense challenges and ridicule. He remained steadfast in His identity, knowing His purpose and worth. As a Christian woman, wife/mother, author, life coach, and entrepreneur, I draw strength from His example.

So, why would someone hide who they are? The reasons are multifaceted – from low self-esteem to fear of rejection and societal stigma surrounding mental health. But why shouldn’t we hide who we are? Because each of us is uniquely crafted by God, with inherent value and purpose. We shouldn’t hide our talents, quirks, or struggles, for they are part of what makes us beautifully human.

What are some common reasons people might hide who they are? It could be societal pressure, fear of judgment, or simply not recognizing their own worth. And for individuals with ADHD like me, the struggle to fit into societal norms while battling a neurodevelopmental disorder can amplify these challenges.

But here’s the thing – hiding who we are robs the world of our authentic selves. It deprives us of the opportunity to connect genuinely with others and to live out our God-given purpose. As I embark on my journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, I refuse to hide any longer.

Let us embrace the words of Hebrews 12:2 and fix our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example of unwavering authenticity. Just as He endured the cross without shame, may we boldly step into who we are meant to be, shining our light for all to see.

This is the year to celebrate ourselves, to embrace our uniqueness, and to step out of the shadows. Don’t hide who you are… Jesus didn’t. And neither should we. Embrace the “ME” God Made.

Let’s Chat!

1. How have you navigated the tension between societal expectations and your authentic self?
2. What role has faith played in your journey towards self-acceptance?
3. Have you ever felt pressured to hide parts of yourself due to fear of judgment? How did you overcome it?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

 

Coach Kenya Joy❤️

 

 

Additional Links and Resources:

The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover Store

 

 

EMBRACING MY UNIQUENESS

In a recent entry, I delved into the challenges of living with ADHD and the initial struggle to accept what felt like a departure from the norm. The pursuit of what society deemed "normal" became an exhausting journey, filled with tears and sleepless nights as I grappled with my perceived shortcomings.

Desperation led me to take a radical step—a month-long hiatus from social media, outings, and distractions. This period, which I called my "spiritual focus month," was dedicated to seeking solace and clarity. I yearned to find peace amidst the chaos within my mind and carve a path to what I believed was a more normal existence.

Each day during this month began with prayer and devotion, an intentional effort to connect with the Heavenly Father. Engaging in scripture, asking questions, and earnestly seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit became my daily routine. Despite the discipline, the desired normalcy remained elusive even after the spiritual focus month concluded.

Rather than abandoning my quest, I transformed this dedicated period into a daily lifestyle. In the ongoing journey, the Holy Spirit nudged me to step beyond my comfort zone—an unexpected directive in my pursuit of normalcy. Reluctantly, I embraced the challenge, taking leaps of faith and engaging in activities I would have avoided without external validation.

Surprisingly, these leaps of faith brought about a transformative shift. My focus aligned with God’s plan, and I began to perceive myself in a new light—stronger and more alive. Through this process, God revealed the uniqueness of my personality, demonstrating how my distinctive way of thinking and specific triggers could propel my life forward.

Over time, I learned to embrace my individuality. Instead of striving for illusory normalcy, I discovered the beauty in being authentically me—the "ME" that God intentionally crafted. This ongoing journey of spiritual focus and self-discovery has led me to a profound acceptance of my uniqueness, showcasing the power of embracing one's true self. I am – The “ME” God Made!

Let’s Chat!

1. Have you ever struggled with feeling like you don't fit society's definition of "normal"? Share your experience.
2. How do you find solace and clarity in moments of chaos or uncertainty?
3. What role does faith or spirituality play in your journey of self-discovery?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Coach Kenya Joy ❤️

 

Additional Links and Resources:

The "ME" God Made Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover Store

True to Who I Am

In my pursuit of self-love, I've come to realize the intricate layers that define me. Unraveling these layers feels like a lifetime endeavor, as I wear numerous hats and hold diverse positions. The restlessness within me continually seeks growth, maturity, and progress, pushing me to explore new horizons. Yet, surprisingly, I find moments of complacency.

My mind, a realm where thoughts and ideas dance freely, dictates the rhythm of my day. Thoughts can either energize me or drain me of vitality. Lost in my daydreams, I can lose track of time, a trait I developed from my love of fiction novels during my formative years. Imagination became my refuge, allowing me to construct entire worlds within my mind.

As I navigated through adulthood, this imaginative side persisted, affecting my focus in various aspects of life. It wasn't until our eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD that puzzle pieces started falling into place. A subsequent self-assessment confirmed what professionals later diagnosed – I too had ADHD, with a notable emphasis on ADD.

Accepting this revelation initially left me feeling mentally challenged and inadequate for success. However, delving into the intricacies of an ADHD mind through research brought illumination. Understanding the why behind my racing thoughts at night and my intense focus during the day became a transformative journey.

The diagnosis did not diminish my worth; instead, it unveiled a tapestry of talents bestowed upon me by my creator. Creativity, a driving force behind the whirlwind in my mind, became a gift to be cherished. Trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I learned to embrace and stay true to my authentic self – The "ME" God Made!

Let’s Chat!

• Have you ever struggled with understanding your own identity? What did you do to overcome it?
• How do you keep yourself motivated to continue growing and moving forward in life?
• Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with ADHD? How has it affected your/their life?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 💕

Coach Kenya Joy ❤️

 

Additional Links and Resources:

Join The "ME" God Made Facebook Community

The Total Makeover

Coach Kenya Joy - Coaching Blog

The Total Makeover - Store

 

🌟 Welcome to "The "ME" God Made"! 🌟

Hey Love! I'm Coach Kenya Joy, and I am beyond excited to welcome you to my little corner of the internet – "The "ME" God Made." This blog is more than just words on a screen; it's a glimpse into my world as a Christian woman navigating life with ADHD, juggling the roles of a wife, mother, author, and entrepreneur.

Here, you won't find formality or stiffness – instead, expect warmth, friendliness, and authenticity. I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery, faith, and the beautiful chaos that is life. As a Certified Life Coach, I'll be sharing my thoughts and feelings, weaving together the threads of my experiences.

This space is a testament to the uniqueness that God has instilled in each one of us. It's a celebration of the "ME" He intricately crafted – flaws, quirks, and all. Together, let's embrace the joy and challenges that come with being fearfully and wonderfully made.

Whether you're here for inspiration, a friendly chat, or just to share a virtual cup of coffee, you're not alone. Let's create a community where authenticity reigns, grace abounds, and where we can all learn and grow together.

Thank you for stepping into my world. I can't wait to connect, learn, and laugh with you. Here's to the journey ahead – to discovering the "ME" God made in each of us!

With love and warmth,

Coach Kenya Joy 💖✨