Two Steps Forward and Three Steps Back

I think today was one of those days where I let my mind wander from the goal at hand.  It was so close, yet, so far.  I had been on the path to recovery for almost a week, when all of a sudden, I found myself giving in to it.  As I put a bandaid on my face, I remind myself that it's an up hill journey.  God didn't intend for life to be easy, he gave us faults, and imperfections for a reason.   If life were always a walk in the park, what would we have to refine us?  Diamonds are only made through the hottest of fires, and they become the hardest, most precious stone.  I'm only praying that's what my ups and downs will do to me.  I want to be a diamond in a world of coal.  Don't you? 

DAY THREE

How often do you look in a mirror?  If you're a girl, it's probably a lot.  If you're a guy, maybe you don't as much, but you probably still do every once in a while.  Today, we are going to try a different challenge.  I want you to forget.  Forget about all those little things on your body you pick at.  Don't look at them, or focus on them in the mirror.  If you have to look in the mirror, don't lean in and study yourself.   Look at yourself from a distance, and notice the good qualities about yourself.  Notice the color of your eyes, the pink in your cheeks, your smile, your freckles, or dimples, or whatever it is that makes you, you. Take a moment, and look at your wounds, are they healing yet?  How do you feel about that?  If you find yourself criticizing yourself, or thinking negative things, walk away from the mirror.  Just take yourself out of the room, away from the mirror.  Go do something else.  Do this whenever you're washing your hands, brushing your teeth, shaving, or checking your make-up.  I think you'll find that it gets easier, and easier every time you do it.  And each time, you'll probably see something you didn't see before.  Each time you look in the mirror, you'll find something else beautiful about you.  


"Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Psalm 34:5

On The Mend

Good morning, gang! So after only two days I'm finding myself on the mend.  It's amazing what you can do when you excercise a little self discipline.  It's almost like quitting smoking.  You have to really want to.  You have to pass the point of apathy and focus on the healing.  It's more than just a physical healing, I've noticed.  I almost feel more whole.  I have found that I can look in the mirror without cringing.  I can go to bed without covering myself in bandaids.  I hope I can encourage you to desire what is best for you.  You have to know that what you are doing isn't good for you.  There are so many negatives with this disorder, so many bad things can happen.  Infections can set in, serious scars can form....you are drastically altering your body.  Think of all the better things you can do to yourself, for yourself, and by yourself.  And hey, please stop, and think about this, for me.  Do you like you?

http://www.skinpick.com/counseling

DAY TWO

So today, we are going to try something a little difficult.  Today, try to find something better to do with your time than picking.  Drink water, write in a notebook, play with a rubber band, do something, anything productive, to keep your hands busy, and to keep your mind off of picking at something.  This might be especially hard, if you're like me, and find yourself picking during every idle moment.  Driving in the car, watching TV, laying down in bed.  When my mind and hands have a free second, I want to pick at something.  Today, we aren't going to give our hands that free second.  Good luck!

Late night whispers from the one who is always listening

Okay, so I'm laying here trying to sleep, and I'm hit with something I haven't thought about in a long time....God knows everything about us.  Every hair on our head, every freckle, every scar.  He not only knows us, but he loves us.  Despite everything, he loves is for us, and he knows everything, even the deepest darkest secrets are known to him.  How blessed and treasured we are.  Good night, friends!

Strong Enough

You fought but you were just too weak 
So you lost all the things you try to keep 
Now you're on your knees
You're on your knees

But wait everything can change 
In a moments' time 
You don't have to be afraid, 
'Cause fear is just a lie 
Open up your eyes 

And He'll break open the skies to save 
Those who cry out his name 
The ones the wind and waves obey 
Is strong enough to save you 

Look now is not too late 
Lift up your head 
Let the rain fall on your face 
You're not far from grace
You're not too far from grace 

I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity
I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea
But hold on
Hold on 

Well.....how did it go?

They say the average thought only lasts for about three seconds.  Think of just how short that is.  Those three seconds are so short, but the thought that appears in those three seconds can drastically change you.   I know with me, I have a split second thought, an instant urge to pick at something.  Today, what I tried to do was catch that thought, and count to ten.  The majority of the time, by the time I finished counting, the urge to pick, the thought of "I really want to pick at this and make it go away", was completely gone.  Granted, I did do a lot of counting throughout the day, but hey, my face looks better.


Today I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  (Whatchristwantsyoutoknow.com)


So keep on going, my friends. He will never leave you, nor forsake you.


All in Love,

The truth is...



You can be so much more than this.  You can look in the mirror without wincing.
You can go to bed without being covered in bandaids.
You don't have to talk to new people with your hands in front of your face.
You don't have to wear gloves when you're watching TV.
You don't need to be embarassed.
You don't need to be bloody.
You can just be you.



DAY ONE

OK, I know as of now it's only me reading this, but I'm going to do it anyway.  So for today, I'm trying to focus on a way to change my thought patterns.  Today, whenever I think I need to pick at something, I am going to stop and count to ten.  Who's with me?  

Well Hello!

Hi everyone.  I'm Liz.  This blog is for anyone who has a bad habit that they just can't seem to kick.  Me, I've been picking at my skin for as long as I can remember.  I hope through this blog, we can all help each other.  A little encouragement goes a long way, and I know that's something I've needed lots of for a long time now.  I don't know why I do it, and I guess that's kind of the point of this blog.  Together, lets figure this thing out.  We can be stronger than this, its just a matter of wanting to be.  So please, follow my blog, we will share our ups, and our downs, our progress, and our disappointments.  Won't you join me?  It's going to be a wild ride.