Posted in Life

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

I used to turn to food when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. It wasn’t the healthiest way to cope, and I realized it was only a temporary comfort. I’m not perfect and sometimes I still slip into old habits, but I’m working on changing them one step at a time.

Sometimes life brings moments when negative feelings try to take over. Loneliness, chronic pain, grief,estranged family, and missing people we love can weigh heavily on the heart. These emotions can play tricks on the mind. One feeling can lead to another, and before you know it, months—even years can pass and you feel stuck in an emotional sinkhole that feels like it’s filling with quicksand. The harder you try to get out, the more it seems to pull you in.

To me, this can also be a spiritual battle.

There have been times in my life when I have felt stuck, or when these feelings come in waves. I noticed this all started when I was abused in my 1st marriage, it was a way to cope to control over something.

On those days, now I remind myself to slow down, breathe, and take care of myself—especially my mind and heart. A broken heart, a lonely heart, a grieving heart, or a life that seems to have more downs than ups can be exhausting.

One strategy that has always helped me is spending time in nature. When I was able to, I would take quiet walks by the beach. The sound of the waves, the fresh ocean breeze, and the peaceful view of the water helped clear my thoughts and calm my spirit. Nature has a way of reminding me that storms pass and peace eventually returns.

For the past seven months, however, I was unable to do that. Because I was in a walking boot, limited weight bearing; I couldn’t go for walks—no beach, no outings, nothing. During that time I had to stay indoors, so I turned to other things that helped. And yes sometimes I resorted from boredom to food. I also gained 15 lbs.

It was time to steer clear of the ship in a different direction.

Music became very important. Good music relaxes my mind, lifts my mood, and helps me process my emotions in a healthy way. I also listen to Christian talk radio, which is very uplifting.

Writing is great. It helps to get your negative emotions out, and work through things.

Back home in Ohio, another thing that helped was surrounding myself with the right people. Choosing positive company matters. I tried to surround myself with people who bring encouragement, understanding, and kindness—those who uplift rather than add more burdens.

Here in Florida, it has been very lonely at times. So lonely that sometimes you wonder why you even moved here. It certainly hasn’t been the close family experience we were told it would be. Some parts are fun, but if I’m honest, my husband and I sometimes feel more lonely now than before.

After seven months in a walking boot, I am still limited in what I can do, but thankfully I am now allowed short walks in the neighborhood.

Even these small walks help. The fresh air calms my mind and gives me space to think clearly. It reminds me that difficult seasons are part of life, but they do not last forever.

Another strategy I always turn to is prayer and quiet reflection. Talking to God helps me release the heavy emotions I’m carrying. It gives me peace and renewed hope that tomorrow will be better.

Finally, I try to focus on doing something positive—helping someone else or completing a small task I enjoy. Shifting my attention from the problem to something meaningful helps restore my strength.

Coping with negative feelings is not about ignoring them. It’s about facing them with patience, faith, and positive action. Through quiet reflection, music, nature, prayer, and supportive people, I eventually find balance again.

Negative feelings may come, but with the right mindset and environment, they don’t have to stay.

Posted in Uncategorized

Consumed by the World or Filled with the Word?

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Consumed by the World or Filled with the Word?

By Deb Andio

Today, many people claim to be Christians, yet their lives appear to be consumed more by the world than by the Word of God.

Scripture makes it very clear: you cannot serve two masters.

You cannot say you serve God while spending all your time chasing the things of the world.

I am not saying becoming a success is bad or wrong it’s not.

The world encourages greed, selfishness, pride, and showboating. People brag about what they own, what they donated, or how successful they are. Not sure if they intentionally want to make others feel less than or if they’re just that stuck in their own little bubble. But none of those things will get you into heaven.

God does not measure your heart by your possessions or your public displays of generosity. He measures your heart by your faith, obedience, humility, and love for Him.

One of the most dangerous things a person can do is proclaim to be a Christian yet never open their Bible.

If you call yourself a believer but never read the Word, rarely pray, and never attend church—either in person or even online—you are leaving yourself spiritually unprotected. When the Word of God is absent from your life, it becomes much easier for the enemy to creep in.

You will either allow the Word to fill your mind, or you will allow the world to fill it.

The world fills your mind with fear, anxiety, shame, anger, and temptation. It normalizes things that pull us away from God—drunkenness, gossip, greed, hate, pride, and selfish desires.

But the Word of God does the opposite.

The Word fills your mind with truth, peace, hope, wisdom, and strength.

When you are spiritually led, you are spiritually fed.

But you cannot ask God for a revelation while refusing to make time for His Word. Have you even read the Chapter of Genesis? The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible contains a total of 66 books.

You cannot expect deep understanding of God’s purpose if you have never even taken the time to read the beginning of the Bible.

Being a Christian is not just about what you say. It is about how you live.

Ask yourself some honest questions.

Do you help others—family, friends, even strangers?

When you help someone, do you expect something in return, or do you give freely from the heart?

Are you willing to help a stranger, but not your own family when they are in need?

Do you show kindness to some people but not to others?

True Christian character is shown in the way we treat people when there is nothing to gain.

God sees how we treat everyone, not just the people we choose to be kind to.

And we must also be careful not to let the emotions of this world control us. Anger, fear, bitterness, and hurt can easily take root in our hearts if we allow them. But those things do not come from God.

Do not allow anger, fear, or pain jealousy to control your life. Those things are tools the enemy uses to pull people away from God’s truth.

Instead, turn back to the Word.

If you truly want God to guide your life, then you must first make time for Him.

Start simple.

Before you check your phone.

Before you turn on the television.

Before the noise of the world begins.

Give God ten minutes in the morning.

Open your Bible.

Read a passage.

Pray.

Let His Word settle in your heart before the world has a chance to fill your mind.

Because the truth is simple:

If you fill your life with the world, you will think like the world.

But if you fill your life with the Word, you will begin to live like Christ.

So today, make the choice.

Get your head and your eyes back on God.

Open your Bible.

And let the Word lead your life.

Posted in Uncategorized

International Women’s Day: Strength, Purpose, and Lifting Each Other Up

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

International Women’s Day: Strength, Purpose, and Lifting Each Other Up

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day—a day to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of women everywhere.

But this day is about more than celebration. It is about respect, dignity, courage, and reminding every woman that she matters.

Women throughout history have shaped families, communities, and nations through their strength, compassion, leadership, and determination. International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize not only the progress that has been made, but also the importance of continuing to support one another.

The History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day began in 1908, when thousands of women marched through the streets of New York City demanding better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to vote.

The following year, the United States observed the first National Women’s Day. In 1910, women’s rights advocate Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women. By 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated across several European countries.

Over time, the day grew into a worldwide movement recognizing women’s contributions to society while continuing to advocate for equality, opportunity, safety, and respect.

Today, women across the globe celebrate the achievements of women while encouraging future generations to continue building a world where every woman’s voice and value are recognized.

Every Woman’s Work Has Value

Whether a woman works inside the home or outside the home, her work matters and holds value.

Raising children, caring for family members, managing a household, building a career, running a business, volunteering in the community, or supporting others in quiet ways—all of these roles contribute to the strength of families and society.

A woman’s worth is not measured by a paycheck, title, or recognition. The work women do every day helps build homes, communities, and futures.

Honor the Women Who Came Before You

Every woman stands on the shoulders of those who came before her.

Your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the generations of women in your family before you all lived lives filled with purpose and strength. They did the best they could with the times and circumstances they were given.

Some worked inside the home caring for families.

Some worked outside the home helping provide for their loved ones.

Many did both while carrying responsibilities and challenges few people ever saw.

Because of their strength, you are here today.

Take pride not only in who you are, but where you came from. The courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the women before you helped shape the path you walk today.

Always honor the women in your family.

Without them, none of us would be here.

Standing Strong as Women Today

International Women’s Day is also a reminder of how women should support and encourage one another today.

Stand Up for Each Other

Women are strongest when they support one another. Encouraging another woman’s success does not diminish your own—it strengthens the path for everyone.

Celebrate each other’s victories. Offer support during difficult times. Stand beside one another.

Be an Example of a Lady

Strength and kindness can exist together. Being a lady is not about perfection—it is about character, respect, integrity, and grace.

How we carry ourselves leaves an example for younger generations to follow.

Never Accept Abuse

No woman should ever feel that she must accept abuse—whether emotional, verbal, or physical.

Every woman deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect.

Know That You Matter

Women often carry many responsibilities—family, work, caregiving, and supporting others. It can be easy to forget your own worth when you are always giving to everyone else.

But remember this:

You matter.

Your voice matters.

Stand firm in your faith.

Your life has purpose.

You are enough exactly as you are.

Rest Is Not Weakness

Strong women are not meant to carry everything alone.

Some days we lead.

Some days we fight.

And some days we simply rest.

Taking time to rest and care for yourself is not weakness—it is necessary.

Strong Women Lift Each Other Up

One of the most powerful things a woman can do is encourage another woman.

Offer kindness.

Celebrate success.

Stand beside each other during difficult times.

When women lift each other up, families grow stronger, communities grow stronger, and the future grows stronger.

A Final Thought

International Women’s Day is not just about one day of recognition.

It is about remembering—every day—that women are leaders, caregivers, advocates, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

It is about courage.

It is about dignity.

And it is about standing together.

Never forget:

Strong women do not compete with one another.

Strong women lift each other up.

Posted in Uncategorized

My take on

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Punch the Monkey’s Message

I carry my little monkey everywhere I go,
because every heart needs something to hold onto.

We all need love.
No one—human or creature—was ever meant to feel unloved, bullied, shunned or abandoned.

Every living being on this earth was placed here
to love and to be loved. All part of Gods plan.

So if you’re feeling alone today, remember this:
You matter.
You are worthy of love.
And somewhere, someone is glad you’re here.

I created this AI video of my version of
Punch — the young macaque – I made this using Sora

If you haven’t heard about it, here is the original story and the update where she lives in Japan for real I based my AI created image above on this cute little creature of God

Punch’s story began with hardship when he was abandoned by his mother shortly after he was born. To help him, zookeepers gave him a stuffed toy that he began dragging around everywhere he went.

Original story in February 2026 https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389491721112

Update March 2026 https://www.foxnews.com/health/punch-monkey-viral-star-experiences-dramatic-breakthrough-among-zoo-mates

Posted in Anxiety, Empathy, Faith

When Your Burdens Feel Too Heavy

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

When Your Burdens Feel Too Heavy

There are seasons in life when our burdens feel unbearable. Our bodies grow weary, our emotions run dry, and our hope begins to fade. Responsibilities, health struggles, financial worries, family issues, and past regrets can pile up until we wonder how much more we can carry. In those moments, we often look for relief in people, distractions, or temporary escapes—but Jesus offers something far greater.

In Matthew 11:28-30, He lovingly invites us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This promise was first given to people living under oppression, poverty, and heavy religious expectations, yet it still speaks powerfully to us today. Life in a fallen world will always include trials, but Christ never intended for us to carry them alone.

Some burdens come from our calling—like the urge to pray for someone, encourage others, or share God’s truth. Other burdens are simply part of everyday life: illness, loss, stress, anxiety, or strained relationships. No matter the source, Jesus invites us to bring every weight to Him in prayer, humbly admitting our weakness and trusting in His strength (1 Peter 5:7).

When we come to Christ, He doesn’t always remove the burden, but He promises to help us bear it. He asks us to take His yoke and learn from Him—a life of grace, surrender, and faith instead of striving and fear. His yoke is easy and His burden is light because He walks beside us, guiding and strengthening us each step of the way.

Our Savior is gentle and humble in heart. He will never turn us away or condemn us when we come to Him weary. Instead, He offers rest for our souls—peace that replaces anxiety, confidence that quiets fear, and assurance that we are never alone.

God also comforts us through other believers. We are called to bear one another’s burdens in love (Galatians 6:2), reminding each other that Christ is sufficient for every trial. Even Jesus asked His closest friends to pray with Him in His time of deep sorrow.

When life feels heavy, our first response should be to run to Jesus, not away from Him. Surrender your burdens daily, fix your mind on His promises, and trust that the One who carried the cross is more than able to carry you.

Posted in Blogging, Calm

Confidence Is Quiet. Insecurity Is Loud.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In a world full of noise, confidence often whispers while insecurity shouts. True, Christ-centered confidence doesn’t need to prove itself, defend itself, or compare itself. It rests peacefully in who God says we are.

Insecurity, on the other hand, is loud. It seeks validation from people, approval from crowds, and reassurance from circumstances. It reacts quickly, speaks harshly, and fears being overlooked. But confidence that comes from the Lord is steady, calm, and unshaken—even when life feels uncertain.

Jesus never competed for attention. He moved with quiet authority, humble strength, and unwavering purpose. His confidence came from knowing the Father, not from impressing people. When we root our identity in Christ, we no longer have to raise our voice to be seen or scramble to be valued. We are already chosen, loved, and secure.

The world says, “Be louder so you can be noticed.”

God says, “Be still and know that I am with you.”

When we walk closely with Christ, our confidence becomes gentle, not arrogant; peaceful, not defensive; humble, not insecure. We don’t need to compare our journey, explain our worth, or chase approval. Our security is anchored in God’s promises, not people’s opinions.

Remember:

Quiet confidence trusts God’s timing.

Quiet confidence rests in God’s love.

Quiet confidence knows that what God has for you cannot be taken by anyone else.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Let your confidence be quiet today—not because you doubt your worth, but because you fully trust the One who gave it to you.

Posted in Uncategorized

Favorite people to be around

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

Today’s prompt asks: Who are your favorite people to be around?

I’m grateful to say I have more than one answer. First and foremost, my family. They are the people who fill my heart the most. I could never spend enough time with my granddaughter. From the time she was little to now as she’s grown, she has always been one of my favorite people. Not just because she’s my granddaughter, but because she is smart, kind, gentle, and naturally funny. She has a beautiful spirit and a good sense about people, so those she brings into her life usually end up being lovely to be around as well.

My husband is also one of my absolute favorite people. We’ve been together for 31 years, married for 30, and have truly shared life side by side. Aside from short stretches when he traveled for work, we’ve spent nearly every day together, and we still genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s going out to lunch, taking a walk, or simply talking about our day, those simple moments mean the most to me.

I also really value being around people who truly want to be around me. Through my volunteer work and advocacy, I’ve met some of the kindest, funniest, and most compassionate individuals. We share the common bond of living with arthritis, and that understanding creates a special connection. We support each other on the hard days, celebrate the good ones, and remind one another that we’re not alone in this journey. That kind of friendship is a gift.

I honestly can’t choose just one favorite person, because my heart is fullest when I’m with my granddaughter, my husband, and my family as a whole. They are my foundation and my greatest joys. At the same time, it does sadden me that there are family members I love deeply and have always enjoyed being around who, for reasons I may never fully understand, seem to have drifted away or no longer feel the same closeness. I will always love them and would happily spend time together again if they ever wanted to reconnect. But I’ve learned that love also means respecting boundaries. I don’t want to be where I’m not truly wanted, no matter how much I love and miss them, so I honor their wishes even when it hurts.

One comforting truth is that in life we can have different kinds of family. We have our biological family, and we also have our arthritis family—the people who understand our daily challenges, encourage us, and walk beside us with empathy and care. Both kinds of family are meaningful, and both hold a special place in my heart.

Posted in Uncategorized

From Fat Tuesday to Lent: Preparing Our Hearts for Renewal

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

From Fat Tuesday to Lent: Preparing Our Hearts for Renewal

Fat Tuesday, often filled with celebration, food, and joy, is more than a cultural tradition—it is the final pause before we enter the sacred season of Lent. As Christians, this day gently reminds us that life is a balance of feasting and fasting, rejoicing and reflecting. Tomorrow begins a 40-day journey that leads us to the cross and ultimately to the hope of resurrection.

Lent is not meant to be a burden, but an invitation. It calls us to slow down, examine our hearts, and draw closer to Christ through prayer, repentance, sacrifice, and acts of love. We may give up something we enjoy, but in doing so we make room for something greater—God’s voice, God’s presence, and God’s purpose in our lives.

Fat Tuesday is a reminder that earthly joys are temporary, but God’s grace is eternal. We celebrate today with gratitude, knowing that tomorrow we begin a season of spiritual renewal. Whether our sacrifices are big or small, seen or unseen, God honors every step we take toward Him.

For those carrying heavy burdens, chronic pain, grief, loneliness, or uncertainty, Lent can become a deeply personal offering. Each difficult moment can be placed at the foot of the cross, trusting that Jesus understands suffering and walks with us through it.

Let this Fat Tuesday not just be about indulgence, but about intention. Let it be the day we prepare our hearts, clear the distractions, and step into Lent ready to grow, heal, and be renewed in Christ.

Prayer for Fat Tuesday

Lord, on this Fat Tuesday, we thank You for the blessings of joy, provision, and the simple gifts that bring delight to our lives. As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, soften our hearts and draw us closer to You. Help us to release anything that distracts us from Your love and to embrace the spiritual renewal You desire for us.

Bless everyone reading this today—those who are celebrating, those who are struggling, and those who are quietly carrying heavy burdens. Strengthen the weary, comfort the grieving, heal the hurting, and remind each person that they are never alone.

Guide us into Lent with humble hearts, willing spirits, and a deep desire to grow in faith. May this season transform us, refine us, and renew us in Your everlasting grace.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Rev. Jessie Jackson

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The world may not have always agreed with everything he said or did, but we must admit we have lost a great man—a godly man who stood up for people and their rights. He used his voice to fight for justice, dignity, and unity, and that kind of courage leaves a lasting legacy.

Let us honor him not just with words, but with action. Take something good that he stood for—kindness, fairness, compassion—and put it to work in our daily lives.

So many of us may carry certain prejudices for different reasons. Maybe something painful happened to you. Maybe it was bred into you by those who raised you. Whatever the reason, we can still choose to grow. We can still choose to take something good from what he stood for and let it shape how we treat others.

We are all the same in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We all bleed red. We are brothers and sisters, no matter our color, religion, or faith. There is good and evil in this world, and it is up to each of us to bring out the good and stand firmly against the evil.

May we choose love, choose unity, and choose to treat one another with the respect and dignity every child of God deserves.

I grew up in Youngstown Ohio and got the privilege to meet Jessie Jackson in 1984 thanks to a family friend The Rev Lonnie Simon. He was funny , kind and loved all people.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Strength of Kindness

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

The Strength of Kindness

Kindness is one of the most powerful things we can give to another human being, and it costs us nothing.

Yet we don’t always feel like being kind. People can frustrate us, hurt us, misunderstand us, or even take advantage of our goodness. In those moments, kindness can feel like weakness. But it is not weakness at all. Kindness is strength.

It takes strength to stay gentle when you are angry. It takes strength to respond with grace when someone is speaking harshly to you. Sometimes the most powerful response in an argument is to answer with kindness and simply see what happens.

Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God has forgiven us. Kindness is not just a personality trait; it is a spiritual quality that reflects God’s heart.

There is something deeply attractive about a kind person. It does not matter their age, appearance, or status. Kindness gives a quiet beauty that people can feel. It makes others feel safe, valued, and seen. Everyone loves someone who is kind.

Kindness is more than a word. It is action. It shows up in patience, forgiveness, gentleness, generosity, and thoughtful responses. It is choosing words that build up instead of tear down. It is being tender-hearted in a world that often feels harsh.

Kindness outlives everything else. Beauty fades, strength changes, and circumstances shift, but kindness leaves a lasting legacy. It is what makes grandparents cherished, friendships deep, and families feel like home. It is what children remember and what strangers never forget.

We do not have to be perfect to be kind. We just have to be willing. Some days we will be tired. Some days we will be hurting. Some days people will test every ounce of patience we have. Those are the days kindness matters most.

Kindness does not mean ignoring truth or allowing mistreatment. It means responding with grace, wisdom, and love even when it would be easier to respond with anger. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts instead of hardening them.

Ask yourself: Am I known as a kind person? Do my words give grace to those who hear them? Am I tender-hearted and forgiving the way God forgave me?

The world does not just need more opinions. It needs more kindness. One kind response can calm anger. One kind word can change someone’s entire day. One kind heart can reflect the love of Christ more than a thousand arguments ever could.

So even when it is hard, choose kindness. Even when you are tired, choose kindness. Even when people do not deserve it, choose kindness. Not because they earned it, but because God shows kindness to us every single day.