“What happened?” I asked my husband, really inquiring as to where my youngest son went.

He had just been in our family room, dancing with wild abandon, choreographing a song for his performing arts group he dances with, then rapidly disappeared when my husband and I walked back into the house after chatting on the patio.

“I think he became self-conscious when he thought we might be watching.”

My heart sunk as I wondered when that happened. When did he go from being a carefree little boy to being self-conscious…even around those who loved him most, and would accept him even when others might not?

That happens so very often to each of us. That little boy or girl in us slips away, back into ourselves, into hiding. Afraid to show our true, uncensored selves. Afraid of making mistakes. Afraid of being ridiculed, or mocked, or laughed at. Afraid of being told to “grow up.”

It’s sad, really. That at a certain time or age, we come to the place in our lives when we no longer give ourselves permission to be the self God created us to be. No longer free to experience life with joyful abundance, the way He created it for us to enjoy, because someone might not understand, might not want us to, might tell us not to.

What a shame it is that we come to the place when we begin to take life so seriously that we have trouble enjoying the simple things…the things that make our heart beat faster and our eyes glow when we think about it or talk about it.

Do that thing that makes your heart beat faster and your eyes glow when you do it or talk about it. Do that!

Remember the child who danced with wild abandon like no one was looking.
The child who wasn’t afraid to color outside the lines.
The child who made up his own songs on the piano.
And the child who sang off key, believing it was a beautiful melody.

Remember the child who believed there was nothing wrong with eating dessert first.
The child who didn’t think twice about asking questions.
The child who made up knock-knock jokes and then laughed at her own jokes.
The child who found joy catching fireflies and lightning bugs.

Remember the child who found freedom in running through the sprinkler on a summer day.
The child who thought all animals were gentle and people even kinder.
The child who gave compliments freely and honestly without expecting or needing reciprocation.
The child who didn’t know she was different than all the rest because the world hadn’t had a chance to tell her yet.

Joy Seeker. That child who danced in the rain on a summer day...she's still in there. The same person God created you to be. Full of awe and wonder. Let her out. Enjoy life to the full.

That little boy or girl is still in there. That’s the very same person God created you to be. With all the awe and wonder of a Heavenly Father who not only created you but created this world and everything in it for you to enjoy. There was a reason Jesus said, “Come as a child.”

Remember, you are a child of the Most High God! Will you let her out, and let her enjoy life to the full?

There is a prince or princess in each of us. Cindy Martin Krall

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b).

What will you do today that brings you joy? I’d love for you to share in the comments below!

Because of Him, #HopePrevails!

princess photo cred: Cindy Martin Krall

Bring back the child. That little boy or girl is still in there. That’s the very same person God created you to be. With all the awe and wonder of a Heavenly Father who not only created you but created this world and everything in it for you to enjoy. Remember, you are a child of the Most High God! Will you let her out, and let her enjoy life to the full?

(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)

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A short brief about Hope Prevails.

Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.

Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
-By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide

  • An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression
  • As with the bestselling My Stroke of Insight, the author experienced the same condition she treats
  • Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations

Hope Prevails Book cover vertical 536

In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.

For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help them, Hope Prevails offers real hope for the future.

Hope Prevails is available now wherever books are sold. To find out more, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/.

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