Roots & Hope

Soulful Reflections on Faith, Healing, and Young Adulting

Category: encouragement

  • Day 6: i can laugh

    If you’ve spent any time around me, then you know that I can really laugh.  Some say that my style of laughter is unique, unforgettable, and legendary (okay, maybe I’m fabricating a bit lol). Plus, fun fact: I’m an occasional snorter. Even during my challenging days, finding amusement in at least one thing is the best feeling.…

  • Day 5: It’s Possible

    I can break unhealthy habits and cycles. I can say yes to new and exciting opportunities. I can say no when I want to, too. I can experience growth by stepping outside of my comfort zone. I can devote fewer thoughts to worrying about what others think. I can believe in myself just like I…

  • Day 4: Remembrance

    Remembrance. It sometimes takes me back to seasons of hardship, including loss, disappointment, hopelessness, and shame. Yet, I have persevered through every tough day in my life so far. Many trials involved distress and heartfelt anguish, but none ended my story. I find triumph in my journey, my faith, and my push to better practice…

  • Day 3: The Victory of a Baby Step

    I try to tell myself, “Celebrate the baby steps.” While pursuing my major goals, it can be tough to stay disciplined and motivated throughout the process. Acknowledging small wins along the way boosts my confidence and makes the journey feel worthwhile. I want to become more consistent with  journaling, putting a note inside my gratitude box,…

  • Day 2: I Don’t Have to Measure Up to Anyone Else

    I compare myself to others sometimes. It occurs when I worry that my life, my talents, or anything else doesn’t measure up to someone else’s. In these moments, it is helpful to remember that my journey is unique. God has more than enough love, creativity, and goodness to craft everyone’s path. Genuinely attempting to have…

  • Day 1: I Am Alive

    I am alive. When I place my hand over my heart, I feel its telling beat. Its tempo moves in accordance to the range of human emotion – excitement, anxiety, love, contentment, and more. Each morning, my heartbeat reminds me of one hopeful truth. I am still here. Every new day is my opportunity to…

  • 21 Days of Encouragement

    It is a common belief that 21 days of consistent, repeated actions are necessary to build a habit. To live my best life, one habit that I have to continually practice is encouraging myself. For the next 21 days, I invite you to join me on this journey. I will share uplifting reflections each day…

  • “That is Why We Never Give Up…”

    For five days, I lay on my couch alternating between tears, groans, and sleep. Last Friday, I underwent a relatively minor surgical procedure. Although I expected to later feel some discomfort, I instead faced what felt like tremendous pain. Due to the throbbing, aches, and my medication, I lost much of my appetite and took countless…

  • My Life with Anxiety Looks Like…

    Sometimes, I feel forgotten. I can stand in a room full of people, and worry that, compared to everyone else, I’m insignificant. I can smile and light up a space, but still feel sad inside. During college and high school, especially, I experienced moments when I felt mostly hopeless. During those times, my pain seemed like…