A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month
The Stress of Walking on Eggshells
Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa
It’s the day before Jill’s trip to Napa. Her husband, Derek, enters the bedroom.
Derek: “Jill, what in the world are you doing?” Derek’s tone exuded disbelief.
Jill: “I’m packing,” I said calmly.
Derek: “…Stop packing!… You’re not going anywhere. Who do you think you are?…”
Jill: … “You told me to go to Amelia’s…You and Dr. Kate agreed…”
Derek: “I didn’t mean that literally. Are you stupid, Jill?”
Jill: “No… Are you saying I shouldn’t believe anything you say?…”
Derek: “…. Go! Get out of here! Good riddance.”He stormed out of the bedroom in a huff.
Faith Reflection
Have you ever had the feeling of being one misstep away from a blow-up? Or a sense that your words are twisted despite your calm tone and kind intentions?
When we feel this psychological wear and tear, it is exhausting. Over time, the body stays on high alert. Trapped in a never-ending loop of fight-or-flight. Eventually, emotions become harder and harder to regulate.
You begin to second-guess yourself. Then, you start to wonder if you’re the crazy one.
But sometimes, this feeling of walking on eggshells is a signal. It tells us that something needs to change.
In Wine & Faith, Jill isn’t just packing a suitcase. She’s on a quest to unpack years of silent suffering, invalidation, and anxiety.
She is stepping into a place of self-preservation. A sanctuary where she can confront the reality of her life.
To reflect.
To unravel the complexities.
To seek clarity amid the chaos.
To reclaim her identity.
In this pivotal scene, Jill clings to the hope of transformation.
Jill stands up and draws a line in the sand. She wants the walking on eggshells to stop. But Derek sees this moment as a betrayal. A boundary crossed.
God sees Jill’s line. And He honors it.
Even when others twist your words or belittle your truth, God never will.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
God knows what was said, what was done, and how it made you feel. He is our safe place.
Haiku
Words dig deep within
Crackling eggs beneath my feet
Divine presence awaits
Reflective Questions
Have you ever felt like you had to watch every word or action to avoid someone’s anger? How did it affect your sense of peace, trust, or identity?
What boundary do you need to place (or reinforce) to reclaim peace in your inner sanctuary?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.
#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #WalkingOnEggshells #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney
I and Thou Reflections 