A Purposeful Reset

Summer of 2023 was my last post. November of 2023 was my last podcast episode. Not my final of either but the beginning of a necessary break. The beauty of these online spaces is that there is always content for listeners and readers to consume. The online space is full of good, great, and not so great content. I would not dare to say which category my content is in because truly it doesn’t matter. This space has been a place to explore what works and what doesn’t work. A space to build confidence and be challenged to grow.

As the challenges came, so did the stress, and at times, doubt.

A break was needed.

I began to feel overwhelmed with identifying guests and considering what would be beneficial to my small but loving audience. I struggled with this. My audience tends to be quiet listeners, family supporters, and a few friends. I began to wonder what my audience would like rather than why I started this page and podcast. My opening declaration of “A podcast to Encourage and Inspire” “Being God led and God inspired” felt distant as I wrestled with what would be well received by viewers. Is pleasing the audience important yes, is it my purpose, no.

I encourage breaks. They are an opportunity to rest and reset. In a hustle culture that seems to be racing towards early destruction and death, the importance of slowing down has been suppressed and exchanged for the rest when you die mindset. I just can’t get with this thought process. It is devastating the minds and physical wellbeing of humanity. You need a break. You need to rest. You need to reset and so do I.

So I took a break…. and the break has lingered nearly a year. I will say that the break was productive, as I completed seminary with a degree in Christian Education. I attended conferences, shows, and studied topics that I found interesting. I traveled and read books. I became a lover of audible and have been eating up my credits as soon as I get them. I’ve gained some clarity and have prioritized listening to God over speaking. It has been time well spent and I proud of myself for saying that…So now what?

I am building with God. I feel less pressure to put together content and/or find someone to interview. I desire to share what God has placed on my heart, when it’s appropriate, and nurture the people that he has called me to. I decided that my content must reflect God’s love and his assignment for me. In my life I feel compelled to center God, my own health, and meaningful relationships. This can be difficult at times but I refused to be consumed by the pressure, fear, or the negative opinions of others.

In closing, I pray all future content is a reflection of the words and instructions God has given me:

1. Build
2. Teach
3. Nurture
4. Speak
5. Healing and Deliverance

With Gratitude ~Jamie Johnson, LCSW

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