Chapter 7 of 16 · Companion page for your QR code
Purpose in the Pain
Other parents who have walked this path can become lighthouses. Michelle’s counsel to Krissy was simple and sacred: journal, be patient, and pray without forcing a specific outcome.
Video coming soon
Krissy will walk you through processing this chapter’s emotions here.
Tonight’s tool from her Healing Toolbox
Journaling
Journaling helped Krissy’s body understand it had a place to put the hard stuff—like doing the dishes every day instead of waiting until the pile was overwhelming. She felt seen and heard, even if only to herself.
Step by step
- Write out everything—hopes, dreams, frustrations, anger, all of it. Start wherever you want.
- You do not need polished sentences. Let the page hold what your body is carrying.
- Include inspirations and experiences as they come, not only the pain.
- Optional: begin a running “Lessons Learned” list to return to when your mind turns dark.
From Appendix: My Healing Toolbox — Journaling (and Lessons Learned)
If you’re struggling right now
You do not have to fix the whole night. Soften your body first. These breath practices are from Krissy’s toolbox (Breathwork).
Physiological Sigh
For instant stress relief: inhale deeply through your nose, sip a second sharp burst at the top, then long slow sigh out the mouth. Repeat 2 or 3 times.
Box Breathing
Inhale 4 · hold 4 · exhale 4 · hold 4. Repeat for 2 to 5 minutes. Open the guided exercise.
4-7-8
Exhale whoosh · inhale 4 · hold 7 · exhale 8. Repeat for 4 cycles.
If you are in crisis in the United States: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You deserve support right now.
This site shares faith, story, and personal tools. It is not medical or mental-health advice.