#61 Carla Arges [Living Victoriously with Mental Illness]

Carla Arges is on the show today sharing her story and her encouragement for those living with mental illness. She also explains what it's like to live with mental illness on a daily basis for those of us who don't know. Carla has so much insight and wisdom straight from God's Word on this subject. She clears up misconceptions about mental illness as Christians and gives practical guidance for those wanting to love someone well who is struggling in this way. Carla tells us that early on she wanted to handle her struggles on her own, but once she became a mother she knew she didn't want to repeat the cycle of her childhood with her son, which is what led her to seek help. Carla says "making that shift from being a victim of my circumstances to having ownership over my life was a huge turning point." Carla shares some low points in her journey and how God showed her that He created her for MORE. He gently walked her through healing and restoration slowly, one area at a time. Carla tells us that while she still struggles with identity, a way she has combated those feelings is by creating affirmations directly from scripture to remind her of the truth of who she is in Christ.   Carla explains what it's like to live her mental illness and how she has learned to utilize the tools available to her. She says that by controlling the things you can control — like how much sleep you get, the foods you eat and how much you move your body — you can "live a victorious life within your illness." Carla is an entrepreneur, author, mom, wife and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Affirming Truths, a platform to help women affirm their identity in Christ. Her mission is to help women gain confidence in who they are so that they can walk more boldly in the purpose God has over their life.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Affirming Truths   CARLA'S FAVORITE 5 Kairos Journal Who You Say I Am Affirmation Cards Happy Light Morning Coffee Made by her Husband Scopa Italian Card Game   CONNECT WITH CARLA Instagram | Facebook | Website   GIRLS TALKING LIFE COMMUNITY Did you know that there's a Girls Talking Life community group on FB? It's an extension of the podcast where we can connect and continue to grow even when we can't be with our girlfriends. If you are looking for community, if you want join in the conversation after the show and encourage others as we all grow in our faith, jump in to this group! I'd love to see you there! Join the Community!