The Flame Within

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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I love God, my husband was my high school sweet heart, and still is today. I’m a proud mother of the four most wonderful, sweetest, and cutest kids in the world! In addition, I am a mental health counselor. I love to write! I write from the most honest places within my heart and pray my experiences are able to help and encourage others on their journey through life.

When Life Piles On: The Sleeping Volcano Effect

There are seasons when it feels like everything hits at once.

Multiple stressors.
Big decisions.
Emotional weight.
Unexpected challenges.

When we walk through several significant life stressors at the same time, our bodies quietly shift into an underlying fight-or-flight mode.

Even if we are still functioning.
Even if we look calm.
Even if we are “handling it.”

Internally, the nervous system is working overtime.

Living in prolonged stress takes enormous energy. When the body remains in that heightened state, it can create what I call a “seeping volcano” effect.

It may not explode outward.
But it simmers beneath the surface.

This can look like:

  • Irritability
  • Feeling easily overwhelmed
  • Anxiety that feels constant
  • Low mood or depression
  • Being on edge
  • Sleep disruption (trouble falling asleep or waking in the night unable to return to rest)

This is not weakness.

It is an overwhelmed nervous system.

When our bodies remain on alert, we can start to feel like a ticking time bomb — not because we are unstable — but because we are exhausted from carrying too much for too long.

The key to handling this season:

  1. Awareness
    Notice what you are thinking. Notice what you are feeling. Bring those thoughts captive to the Lord.
    “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
  2. Acknowledge reality
    Do not minimize what is hard. Name the stressors. Admit what feels heavy. Suppressing pain does not eliminate it. It buries it.
  3. Give grace
    Extend grace to yourself. Extend grace to others. You are walking through a difficult season. Your body is responding accordingly.
  4. Guard your mind
    During high stress, what you consume matters. Binge watching negative news or emotionally charged content can keep your nervous system activated.
    “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
  5. Stay grounded in truth
    “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
    “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Remaining neutral in your thoughts does not mean ignoring your problems. It means processing them, praying through them, addressing what you can, and releasing what you cannot control.

The goal is not suppression.
The goal is surrender.

REFLECTION

  • What stressors are currently overlapping in my life?
  • Where do I notice irritability or exhaustion showing up?
  • What thoughts have been looping in my mind?
  • Am I feeding my nervous system with peace — or more stimulation?
  • What do I need to bring before the Lord today?

You are not losing it.
You are carrying a lot.
And God meets us in overwhelmed places.

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon, LPC

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