I know it sounds like a broken record, but when did anything worth having ever come quickly? We’ve always had to study long and hard for the SATs (well, not me, because I didn’t take them…), and we’ve always had to prepare diligently for those big decisions in life, like marriage, kids, retirement, etc.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that we tend to [almost] always prioritize what’s urgent over what’s important. I can say from personal experience that I tend to rush into decisions and the immediate effects are usually very subtle. However, as time passes and those decisions start adding up, you look back and realize that they held more significance than you would have imagined.

A key piece of Scripture for me this year has been Philippians 4:6, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything [easier said that done], but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” You know what we can do to live with less anxiety and stress? Prayer, yes, but also community. I’ve said it a hundred times before, and I’ll keep saying it: relationships start from one conversation after another and you don’t have to already have a solid connection with a person. Think of all the people that we cross paths with each day that God could use to bring out His will in our lives? It just takes one simple step to start a conversation that doesn’t even have to be serious. Plant the seed and watch it grow!

What’s great about this is that you can start here. I’m here to be a sounding board for anyone that wants to chat. You have the freedom to share in this judgement-free zone and get to talk through some things that you may have been keeping buried inside. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in life as it relates to struggles and worry and anxiety is that you must talk to people about it. People are our biggest earthly resource and we must take advantage of the opportunity to have conversations. We’re all fighting a battle and we don’t have to do it alone.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Slow and steady is how we tackle life’s problems, and with the help of friends and family, as well as God.

If you have something on your mind, you can post a comment anonymously here or send a DM on Instagram @_michaelwms and let’s chat there!

Until next time, keep the conversations coming!