by: Jackie Davis
Throughout spring I had the privilege of talking with staff from across the state about their favorite self-care tools and ones they’ve seen used by our program participants. Many of these conversations have been weaved into #31DaysofWellness and one in particular stood out for me. In March 2021, Brayden Ransom and I met (virtually) with Amelia Saunders, Director of West Hartford Residential Services. Amelia works with individuals who are deaf in our Robinson House facility, as well as providing support to deaf adults with mental health conditions living independently in the community.
In our conversation, Amelia shared how proud she was to report a COVID free residential program in West Hartford. They have not had a single case in a year and attribute this to the care and diligence of her staff as well as the self-care of the participants who have followed the CDC guidelines for their health and safety. With the pandemic, staying (mostly) at home has come with its challenges but many have found art, crafts, puzzles, games, and decorating to be excellent self-care tools to keep busy and to keep their minds occupied. With the onset of nice weather, residents are challenged to get outside daily for fresh air and exercise. Some people struggle to get out the door but always feel better after spending time with nature, which can be deeply therapeutic.
There was one self-care tool Amelia mentioned in our conversation that stood out for me, mainly because it is one Amelia identified as most important to her – faith. Amelia shared that strong faith has helped her, and some of their program participants, get through these extraordinarily difficult times. “Leaning on my faith as a tool for self-care brings me hope, peace, strength, and comfort, which I need now, during this pandemic, more than ever. Sharing that faith—an inner assurance and confident hope that we will get through this together—can inspire and encourage others in a meaningful way.”
Faith as a self-care tool can be interpreted in a variety of ways: faith in humanity, faith in a higher power, faith in yourself. Following our discussion, Amelia shared a special message to be posted for day 19 of #31DaysofWellness. Learn how she utilizes her faith as a self-care tool, and visit us on social media @MentalHealthCT to share your self-care tool stories.
Faith as a self-care tool
by Amelia Saunders
When I was asked what my favorite self-care tool is, there was no question about it—faith, which, to me, is the most valuable and necessary aspect of self-care. Why? Because we live in a broken world, and without my faith in God, I would be an absolute mess.
What is faith? The faith I speak of is complete trust in, reliance on, and hope in God. I view my faith as a gift from God that has grown stronger through reading His word, drawing on it, and storing it in my heart and mind, which is how I’ve come to know and love Him. Faith gives me hope for a certain future, strength to move forward in spite of difficult circumstances, and peace of mind because my confidence is in a personal God who loves me. Faith is like having a direct line to God! I have problems like everyone else, yet even if the world collapses around me, nothing can take away my confident belief that God is in control. That deep trust gives me the courage and strength to go on. I am not afraid of what may happen today or tomorrow.
Strong faith is like a shield — it protects us. Picture a knight holding a shield to block blows or arrows. Similarly, a shield of faith pushes back against the blows of loss, discouragement, tragedy, and deflects the arrows of fear, lies, doubts, etc. that life throws our way. How can I use my shield of faith effectively? By finding scripture that addresses whatever I’m facing, and using that word to lead and guide me. Faith in His word provides a greater sense of safety and control, even in what seems like a hopeless situation. God does not shield us from life’s hardships, but deep trust in Him gives me the courage and strength to get through it and go on. Fear, worry, anxiety, despair, lies, etc. all bounce off my shield of faith. If I drop my shield, I leave myself vulnerable. So I stand firmly on His promises, faithfulness, and love, no matter what happens. If I do not stand firm in my faith, I would not be able to stand at all. I will never doubt God’s word — if He said it, I believe it. How wonderfully empowering it is to know that “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
I did not always have this strong faith. For several years of my life, my mental and emotional health was fragile, and I came to a point where I did not know how to hang on any longer. I was too ashamed to tell anyone what I was going through, but I knew something had to change because my children needed a healthy mother. It was then, twenty-three years ago, that a family member urged me to attend a Christian church service that had a sign language interpreter (I am deaf.) I was hesitant but I went, and immediately felt the love of God and his people in that place. Shortly after, I made the decision to surrender my life to God. It was incredibly liberating to give Him all the emotional garbage that kept me in turmoil for so long, and to accept His forgiveness. Forgiving myself took a bit longer but it came about with the very personal realization that Jesus loves me, just as I am; His love changed everything. Over the next few years, I fervently studied the bible to learn about Him. My faith is not blind — I’ve investigated God and have plenty of evidence that He is good, merciful, loving, and so much more. As my faith grew stronger, so did my resilience and positive outlook on life. And I came to understand that God expects me to take care of myself—mind, body, and soul.
Allowing faith to drive my self-care starts with keeping God at the center of my life and taking the time to maintain our loving relationship. I read the Bible and devotionals with inspirational passages to jump start my day, spend time with Him in prayer, sing/sign worship songs, try to help others, and get outside where the beauty of nature surrounds me and fills my heart with gratitude for His beautiful creations. Practicing my faith also includes connecting with, helping, and encouraging others, especially through the dark times; that’s what His church is all about. Faith has given me the heart to search for purpose, and to understand that it’s all about God and His purpose for me, which I believe is sharing His love with others. Now more than ever, this world needs lovingkindness, peace, harmony, and faith in an all-powerful God who loves us.
