Change and transformation is a huge part of life. I have changed in negative and positive ways over the years. I’ve spent days, months, weeks and years dealing with depression and anxiety. I would think, “Why am I so sad when I have so much joy surrounding me?” That’s one of the most frustrating things about depression and anxiety disorders. You feel numb, and sick and broken when you “should” feel joy, blessings and happiness. I spent years being unhealthy mentally and physically; both of those things played off of each other. Over the past year I have been able to drastically transform my life. I exercise almost daily, I eat food that nourishes my body, I meditate and try to get myself back to positive thinking when I am in a negative place. I rest and relax with out feeling guilty about it. I find joy in my family and in my life. I don’t have it all figured out, but I am in such a better place than before. I’m so grateful for modern medicine and all of the resources to help us through these situations. I’m so grateful for my patient, charitable husband. I am not ashamed to admit that I have done mental health counseling and I take antidepressants. Talking about such a raw subject does make me nervous and afraid. My appearance has changed a lot physically, but I don’t feel more beautiful than I used to be. I know I’ve always been beautiful and I’ve always been loved even though I complain about my physical features. I can now live a happier, healthier, more joyous life because of the changes I’ve made to improve my physical and mental health. One thing I know is that I didn’t have my experiences because I wasn’t good enough, or because I was being punished or because I wasn’t trying hard enough at life even though that wasn’t always clear to me. I’ve learned so much from my trials. I can relate to others who are going through similar things. I have a greater love and sympathy for people who are struggling. I know my mental health journey isn’t over. I’m grateful for the hard things I had to endure because that’s how I get closer to being who God wants me to be. I wanted to write this when I started seeing people post pictures of how aging has affected . All of the posts I have seen are full of beauty 10 years ago and today. We are all beautiful children of God on a Divine journey. Below I have shared pictures of me from 10 years ago, 1 year ago, and today! I was thinking how I’ve changed so much in a year and if I would have done this a year ago I would have negative aging results... but that isn’t true! I was beautiful even when I wasn’t as healthy as I am today. I hope you know you’re beautiful as well no matter what condition your physical appearance is in.
13 Comments
Crystal Donaldson
1/14/2019 05:52:14 pm
You are beautiful! Your soul is beautiful! Your heart is beautiful! I am so grateful you are in my life. Thank you for being brave and sharing these amazing things. ❤️
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Nicole Erickson
1/15/2019 11:09:34 pm
Aww Thank you Crystal! I am grateful to know you too!
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Gail Barthlome
1/14/2019 06:37:04 pm
Nicole I am so proud of you! You are darling. Thank you for sharing. I hope to see you soon at water aerobics!
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Darrah Driggs
1/14/2019 06:52:40 pm
Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing your journey. It brings hope to others. You need to come to Texas and do our family pictures! We miss your talent.
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Nicole Erickson
1/15/2019 11:08:38 pm
You moved to Texas?? Thanks so much Darrah! I hope you are all doing well!
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Amanda Hallsted
1/14/2019 07:17:19 pm
Girl you are SO beautiful! I’ve always looked up to you for your kindness and love towards everyone. But sometimes it’s hard to show ourselves that same kindness and love. You’re amazing! I love you!
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Amanda Hallsted
1/15/2019 11:07:56 pm
Amanda You are so nice! Thank you! love and miss you
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Emma Sears
1/14/2019 08:39:37 pm
You are such a strong woman! I know that dealing with constant migraines daily is also such a hard thing to work through! You keep going and it’s amazing to see how much you’ve grown over the years! You’re an amazing friend, mom, wife, photographer and I’m blessed to know you! I love what you have shared... You are beautiful!
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Nicole Erickson
1/15/2019 11:07:29 pm
Emma I love you so much! Thank you so much!
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Sherri Bradford
1/14/2019 08:47:40 pm
Always beautiful, always amazing, always a friend! Today you took a big step and stepped out of your comfort zone! Amazing, beautiful and brave! So proud of you!
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Nicole Erickson
1/15/2019 11:06:49 pm
Sherri Thank you so much! I look up to you so much
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Emily Harrison
1/14/2019 09:20:25 pm
You are SO incredible!!! I love this post. I love your vulnerability. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm grateful I know you and I can partake of your amazingness every time I'm around you. You are such a beautiful person inside and out.
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Nicole Erickson
1/15/2019 11:06:08 pm
Emily, You are so kind! Thank you so much!!
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AuthorHi there. I'm Nicole. I'm a small town girl from Idaho who loves photography, my Savior and my family. You'll find me in the mountains with my camera around my neck begging my husband, "lets just take one more picture of your S'more." I love to blog about my photography sessions, family life and much more! Come read along. Archives
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