More than Unbroken

  I am my own worst critic. My need for validation far outweighs logic in stressful times, so my mind wanders into the old patterns of insecurity, defensiveness, and loneliness. Surely, I am not alone in this struggle. Today, friend, I'm here to share the thoughts that I struggle with and the truth that debunks these myths. No one cares how I feel. This is at the heart of my vulnerability. When I am tired and stressed, life seems to move ahead, and the people I care about seem oblivious to my struggles. This couldn't be further from the truth. As good as I may be at hiding this illogical notion, my husband and mom are usually the first to detect a change. Thankfully, they refuse to leave me alone until I understand just how much they care. Even better, my Father in Heaven sees me in every feeling. Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭says, "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious r...

  This week, I'll join my younger son and colleagues for a school trip. I love to travel, and even crazy, overnight trips with middle-schoolers can be a great adventure! That being said, here are some ideas for when you have a quick trip with little space. Limit your wardrobe. I cannot stress this one enough! There are some great minimal travel tips for what to include when packing for a trip. This includes jewelry! By selecting a few pieces that you can mix and match, you will save space in your suitcase for the "non-negotiable" items such as cosmetics and any hair tools you may require. In addition, be sure to check the weather, but consider the difference in climate as well. For example, when I visited NYC in October, the temperature was unseasonably warm, but there was significantly less humidity, so I still needed long sleeves at night. Wardrobe considerations should be made well in advance so you aren't scrambling last minute to do laundry. Pack the necessitie...

It's no secret that I have struggled with stress and anxiety on the regular. It's a first-world problem, and typically my shame and guilt drive me further into the rabbit hole. It's true that I am blessed beyond measure. But when I'm stressed beyond reason, these are my go-to moves for dealing with panic attacks. Read a book. Read the Bible. Just read something that will take your mind away from whatever has your heart racing and your eye twitching. Don't enjoy reading? Indulge in a favorite movie or TV show. Nothing serious. Break out the classics or the one movie that always puts you in a better mood. Now, I can't speak on the science behind this, but I personally find comfort in stepping away from my own thoughts and getting lost in a book, audiobook, or favorite TV show. Jam to your favorite tunes. Dance it out. For real! My playlist when I'm blue ranges from positive worship music to favorite songs from my teen years. There are plenty of studies out the...

Here we are! A new, fresh blog to emerge from what began as a journey of healing from a deep place of grief. Over the last six months, I have felt the shift from grief into a desire to present everyday, light-hearted anecdotes, along with some encouragement and inspiration. After some thought and prayer, the transition is happening! Unbroken and Undone will now work alongside this broader view of my crazy, chaotic, beautiful life. The journey is far from over. In fact, this is the logical next step for me. So welcome to More than Unbroken , a blend of everyday life and encouragement. Thanks for joining the journey! © 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.