Rediscovering Faith: Nurturing Spiritual Growth and Self-Care amid Life’s Transitions
Spirituality and religion aren’t as cut and dry for me as they once were. There was a time when Sunday church, daily prayers, and turning to God in difficult moments were the foundation of my faith. These rituals kept me centered, provided clarity and gave me a sense of peace. But lately, things have felt more complicated.
Maybe it’s because I’ve struggled to find a church home since moving cross-country. Perhaps it’s the rapid changes in my life, the weight of personal transitions, or the chaotic state of the world. Maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever the reason, the things that once filled my spiritual cup aren’t enough anymore.
Even my understanding of what it means to be a Christian has evolved. The guiding principles I’ve always held close—like "Do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12), "Turn the other cheek" (Luke 6:29), and the wisdom I learned from Eric Douglas about recognizing the divine qualities of love, compassion, and goodness in every person (Ephesians 4:32)—no longer seem mainstream. The world feels harsher, more transactional, less forgiving.
So, I'm refocusing instead of lamenting what feels lost on this churchless Sunday. Maybe spirituality isn’t just about following the same routines—it’s about engaging in self-improvement and self-care and how I show up in the world despite its chaos. It’s about making my faith an active force in my personal growth and how I interact with others.
I’m starting by asking myself these questions:
1- How does my faith shape my daily life and decisions?
Am I integrating my values into my relationships, work, and personal challenges?
Do I let my spirituality guide my choices or compartmentalize it?
2- What aspects of my faith do I struggle with, and why?
Are there beliefs I need to re-examine or deepen my understanding of?
How can I seek wisdom—through study, reflection, or meaningful conversations?
3- How does my faith contribute to my personal growth and well-being?
Is my spirituality making me emotionally and mentally stronger?
Does it help me become more patient, compassionate, and resilient in the face of change?
4 - Am I genuinely deepening my spiritual connection or just going through the motions?
Do I pray, reflect, or worship with sincerity and intention?
How can I cultivate a more meaningful relationship with my spiritual beliefs beyond routine?
This isn’t about finding all the answers today but about taking steps to reawaken my faith in a way that aligns with who I am now. Because spirituality, at its core, isn’t about keeping up with rituals—it’s about transformation, becoming a better version of myself, and staying rooted in love and grace no matter how much the world changes around me.
I welcome your wisdom and insights in helping me reflect on these questions.
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