• Home
  • Shop
  • Cindi’s Speaking
    • Cindi’s Event Schedule
    • Book Cindi for Your Event
    • Cindi’s Speaking Topics
    • What Cindi Believes
    • Endorsements
  • Coaching Services
    • Coaching Credentials / Endorsements
    • Fees For Coaching/Consulting Service
    • Do We Fit?
    • Cindi’s Coaching/Consulting Options
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Encouragement
    • Articles of Encouragement
    • Encouragement for Couples
  • About Cindi
  • Contact
Type and hit ENTER
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Cindi’s Speaking
    • Cindi’s Event Schedule
    • Book Cindi for Your Event
    • Cindi’s Speaking Topics
    • What Cindi Believes
    • Endorsements
  • Coaching Services
    • Coaching Credentials / Endorsements
    • Fees For Coaching/Consulting Service
    • Do We Fit?
    • Cindi’s Coaching/Consulting Options
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Encouragement
    • Articles of Encouragement
    • Encouragement for Couples
  • About Cindi
  • Contact
GET CONNECTED
retina-image
cart
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Cindi’s Speaking
    • Cindi’s Event Schedule
    • Book Cindi for Your Event
    • Cindi’s Speaking Topics
    • What Cindi Believes
    • Endorsements
  • Coaching Services
    • Coaching Credentials / Endorsements
    • Fees For Coaching/Consulting Service
    • Do We Fit?
    • Cindi’s Coaching/Consulting Options
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Encouragement
    • Articles of Encouragement
    • Encouragement for Couples
  • About Cindi
  • Contact
  • 0 Items : $0.00cart
Stay Strong—Not Stressed—in 2023
Share
Sing in Struggles
Surviving Stress

Stay Strong—Not Stressed—in 2023

January 2, 2023
-
Posted by Cindi

Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us.

But you can stay healthier this year if you know how to handle it—or prevent it from rearing its ugly head.

I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my grown child to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times.

“If you can just give me support and understanding I can get through this,” I would say aloud, in an exasperated tone.

But I’ve learned, through the years, that having certain emotional expectations on others–and voicing them in the wrong way–can backfire.

You and I can push our marriages over the edge and our children out the door if we let them know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations or stress of their own.

There have been many times in the past 30 years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision to not lay my expectations on those closest to me when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well.

When stress starts creeping into your life, practice these “Three T’s” that I learned years ago to stay strong during difficult times:

  1. Tell God First. Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about how we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for those who love us to try to find the problem and fix it, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what you’re going through and going to say. (Psalm 139:4 says “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”)  But by telling God first all that is on your heart and mind, you are allowing Him to be the “buffer.”
  2. Trust God’s Promises. The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So when we become troubled about finances, or other issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word.
  3. Thank God Constantly. No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But some income was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenage son’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to “apply himself”, yet he was still very interested in his church’s youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.”  I love to paraphrase that verse as: “In all things, sing.” A thankful person –whether you’re a spouse, parent, or friend—is pleasant to be around.

When you and I practice these three Ts, our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we  can become encouragers, rather than accusers, and we can alleviate the stress in others’ lives, as well as in our own.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, stressless year!

Which of these three Ts do you most need to apply this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. (And for a refresher course in stress-free living, see my book, When You’re Running on Empty, on sale now in my website store.)

January 2, 2023
12 Comments
Cindi
Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning author and national speaker who helps women find strength for the soul. She has nearly 35 years experience ministering to women and inspiring them to let God meet their emotional needs, grow stronger through their alone times, and pursue their dreams with boldness.
← PREVIOUS POST
Try This for a Form of Self-Therapy
NEXT POST →
Feeling Tired? Get Your God-Motivation Today

12 Comments

on Stay Strong—Not Stressed—in 2023.
  1. Marlene
    January 3, 2023 @ 8:07 am
    -
    Reply

    In answer to your question – trust God’s promises, though the others come close.
    Thanks for your words Cindi.

    • Cindi
      January 3, 2023 @ 9:34 am
      -
      Reply

      You’re welcome, Marlene. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. Happy New Year as you trust His promises daily.

  2. Connie
    January 3, 2023 @ 8:11 am
    -
    Reply

    All 3 are key!! I feel the word Hallelujah constantly repeating to me…word of the year?! And so I’d say the Lord may be reminding me to praise/thank Him constantly…in every situation. Praise Him with a broken hallelujah. Worship and praise on the waiting. Happy New Year 🎇. May we praise Him in everything 💜

    • Cindi
      January 3, 2023 @ 9:33 am
      -
      Reply

      I agree, Connie. Thank you for your thoughts. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family!

  3. Mary E Polahar
    January 3, 2023 @ 11:15 am
    -
    Reply

    Cindi,
    Thank you so much for sharing the Three “T’s”. It makes so much sense and great food for thought.

    • Cindi
      January 3, 2023 @ 2:24 pm
      -
      Reply

      You’re welcome, Mary. Thanks for taking the time to drop a note. 🙂

  4. Sandra Sefularo
    January 3, 2023 @ 12:16 pm
    -
    Reply

    Hi Cindi – reply
    I guess it is human nature to complain before men rather than casting our problems to the Lord. All 3T’s for me tick

    • Cindi
      January 3, 2023 @ 2:23 pm
      -
      Reply

      I agree, Sandra. Thanks for your comment. May 2023 be a super, stress-free, and grace-filled year for you. 🙂

  5. BERNICE
    January 4, 2023 @ 3:52 pm
    -
    Reply

    Telling God First is the best thing to do, and I know it, but yet I think the first thing I do is worry or panic over the situation. Then I realize nothing is too big for God to handle and I remind myself to surrender “that thing, that situation, circumstance, decision that needs to be made” over to God and ask for help. I need to be reminded that nothing is going to happen today that God and I together can’t handle. Its trying to handle it myself that gets me in trouble. I will do much better in 2023. Surrendering everything to God means that I trust Him, believe Him and have faith to know He will not let me down.
    Happy New Year Cindi!

    • Cindi
      January 5, 2023 @ 8:30 am
      -
      Reply

      Happy New Year to you too, Bernice. It’s always good to hear from you. Thank you for your comment and keep trusting and telling Him first in 2023!

  6. Ramona klassen
    January 5, 2023 @ 8:14 pm
    -
    Reply

    Hey lady! I’m doing all three and walking in the peace of God daily. I watch how God uses me without me trying. I just let Him show me what He wants and I do it. And what do I do next? Go on my way thanking God for working through me and letting it go. In 2022, I practiced walking in Peace and praying for it again in this new year. Happy New Year to you and your family!

    • Cindi
      January 6, 2023 @ 8:50 pm
      -
      Reply

      Thanks for your comment, Ramona. So glad to hear you’re doing well and walking in peace. Happy New Year to you too!

Leave a Comment

Your feedback is valuable for us. Your email will not be published.
Cancel Reply

Please wait...
Submit Comment

Categories
Also Find Cindi on:

Cindi’s Books Also Available On:
kindlenook
Feeling Tired? Get Your God-Motivation Today! If Feeling Tired? Get Your God-Motivation Today!  If you're struggling with motivation this time of year, this hint from God's Word will help...
https://strengthforthesoul.com/feeling-tired-get-your-god-motivation-today/
I'm so thankful for you, my reader, and want you t I'm so thankful for you, my reader, and want you to  be the first to know -- 4 of my titles are at their lowest cost ever! https://strengthforthesoul.com/shop/
4 More Ways to Not Embarrass Your Adult Child: I 4 More Ways to Not Embarrass Your Adult Child: 
 If they'll be around your Thanksgiving table, here's how to not be annoying over the holidays. :) 
https://strengthforthesoul.com/4-more-ways-to-not-embarrass-your-adult-child/
How to Keep from Embarrassing Your Grown Child - I How to Keep from Embarrassing Your Grown Child - It happens but it doesn't have to. Be an inspiration, not an irritation, to your grown child by keeping these 4 things in mind....
https://strengthforthesoul.com/4-ways-to-keep-from-embarrassing-your-grown-child/
How to Keep it Together While the World Falls Apar How to Keep it Together While the World Falls Apart: 
When gas prices soar sky high and this country's morality and values sink to an all-time low, here's how to keep your focus and let your light shine: 
https://strengthforthesoul.com/how-to-keep-it-together-while-this-world-falls-apart/
4 Ways to Keep Jesus on the Throne of Your Life - 4 Ways to Keep Jesus on the Throne of Your Life - Has impatience, an addiction, or another person or their opinion become more important to you than Jesus? Here's how to reverse that: 
https://strengthforthesoul.com/4-ways-to-keep-jesus-on-the-throne-of-your-life/
3 Ways to Eliminate the 'Golden Calf' in Your Life 3 Ways to Eliminate the 'Golden Calf' in Your Life - Here's how to identify--and get rid of -- what you might tend to worship instead of the Living God: 
https://strengthforthesoul.com/3-ways-to-eliminate-the-golden-calf-in-your-life/
4 Ways to Biblically Empower Another Woman -- You 4 Ways to Biblically Empower Another Woman -- You can help your mom, sister, daughter, or friend with the power you have within yourself through Jesus. https://strengthforthesoul.com/4-ways-to-biblically-empower-other-women/
Find Your True Power and Identity as a Woman -- It Find Your True Power and Identity as a Woman -- It’s popular today to talk of harnessing your inner strength, but who are you really? And how much power do you actually have? Read more here: https://strengthforthesoul.com/finding-your-true-power-as-a-woman/
A Prayer to Start the Summer Well: Make this your A Prayer to Start the Summer Well: Make this your season of growing closer to Jesus. https://strengthforthesoul.com/a-prayer-to-start-the-summer-well/
4 Things to Do When You're Feeling on Edge: Frustr 4 Things to Do When You're Feeling on Edge: Frustrated at the world? Wanting a change? Here are four healthy things to do during this season of life: https://strengthforthesoul.com/4-things-to-do-when-youre-feeling-on-the-edge/
7 Ways to De-stress this Spring -- May can be a mo 7 Ways to De-stress this Spring -- May can be a more restful month with these practical tips. Read more at: 
https://strengthforthesoul.com/seven-ways-to-de-stress-this-spring/
Follow me on Instagram

SIGN UP FOR CINDI'S BLOG

  • ABOUT CINDI
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright Strength for the Soul, 2018

Stay Strong—Not Stressed—in 2023 | Strength for the Soul