This post is an excerpt from my new book, Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward.

“For years, at least five times a week, I sat at the beach with my journal and cried until my head ached and my eyes were swollen. My mind swirled with questions: Will I ever be strong and stand up for myself? When will I feel free and peaceful? When will I laugh and enjoy life again?”

Can you relate to those questions I asked?

You may wonder how you can change.

First, I realized “change requires hard work.” My work included daily journaling, prayer, Bible study, praise and worship music, individual counseling, and a divorce recovery group. What will your work include?

Second, I accepted the fact that change takes time. We can’t rush the healing of a broken heart anymore than we can rush the healing of a broken arm or a broken leg.

Third, I celebrated “each step of progress.” That celebration included breakfast with a friend on one occasion and on another, lunch at a restaurant with friends, a bag of confetti, and balloons. How can you celebrate?

James 5:7—8: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

 Dear God, as I change for the better, help me be patient with myself. Amen.

Application: What small step of progress will you celebrate this week?

Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega April 27, 2015