Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Vein of Gold, Scripture, and Real-Life Soul-Resets
đź©ş Welcome Home, Friend
Here at The Old Cozy, we talk about truth like it’s tea—hot, comforting, and sometimes strong enough to wake you up better than caffeine. Today we’re brewing up a conversation on discouragement (don’t roll your eyes yet). Because if you’ve ever stared at your to-do list like it personally betrayed you, or felt like your calling got stuck in a traffic jam—this one’s for you.
Julia Cameron calls discouragement a sacred signal. I call it the moment when your soul throws a toddler tantrum and asks, “Why am I even doing this?!”
Let’s talk about that moment. And more importantly, how to get out of it without burning down your calendar or your confidence.
INNER VOICE: What Are You Telling Yourself in the Dip?
Julia Cameron says discouragement is the soul’s cry for expansion. But our inner voices? They usually translate it into something like:
- “You’re falling behind.”
- “You must not be good enough.”
- “Someone else is already doing it better.”
And just like that, we start building a mental prison out of lies.
Cue the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.”
If your inner voice sounds like a middle-school bully in your head, it’s time to hand that mic back to the Holy Spirit.
Jordan Peterson (love him or side-eye him, he’s got nuggets) says:
“People don’t rise to the level of their dreams—they fall to the level of their habits.”
So if discouragement has become a habit? We change the pattern, not the purpose.
Try this:
Voice Reset: “I am in a refining season—not a rejected one.”
Jenean’s Quote:
“Your inner critic may be loud, but it’s not licensed to run your life.”
đź” INNER VISION: Redraw the Map When the Fog Sets In
Ever driven in fog with your high beams on? It only makes it worse. That’s what overthinking does to discouragement.
Julia Cameron reminds us that discouragement is part of the creative cycle. It’s the dip before the rise, the inhale before the big song note.
When vision feels blurry, Jordan Peterson recommends taking micro-aim. That means doing the next right small thing. Wash the dishes. Make your bed. Organize your desk. Create a clearing in your day for clarity to walk in.
2 Timothy 2:15 says:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Not hustle. Not perform. Just show up and handle the truth with care.
Try this:
Vision Reset Prompt: “Where do I feel discouraged, and what might God be shifting in me through it?”
Jenean’s Quote: “When the vision feels fuzzy, don’t squint harder—get still. Clarity often whispers.”
INSTILLED VALUE: You Are Not the Drought—You’re the Deep Well
If discouragement tells you you’re empty, here’s your rebuttal: You’re not the drought. You’re the well being tapped deeper.
Julia Cameron says, “The gold is found in the dark.” And Jordan Peterson adds:
“In the darkest places, you find the brightest light.”
Discouragement doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means something sacred is stirring. You’re being invited into deeper belief, not disqualification.
Ephesians 2:10:
“You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
You are not behind. You are being built.
Try this:
Soul Boost: Whisper, even if your voice shakes: “I am not done. I am becoming.”
Jenean’s Quote:
“You are not buried—you’re being planted. Growth is still messy before it’s beautiful.”
IV ENCOURAGEMENT KIT
A cozy little practice for when your soul feels soggy:
- Inner Voice Detox
- Lie: “I’m stuck.”
- Truth: “Even a seed looks buried before it grows.”
- Vision Prompt
- Draw or write one thing you still want to believe is possible.
- Value Boost
- Do one small thing that honors your purpose. Take a walk. Text a friend. Light a candle and pray.
Jenean’s Quote:
“Discouragement is not disqualification. It’s just your soul asking for a refill.”
Legacy Takeaway
Let’s remember: even in the dry, cracked places of discouragement, there are gold veins waiting to be discovered.
God isn’t afraid of your doubt. And He never wastes your waiting.
So today, don’t bury the dream. Bury the lie. Water the root. Watch for the gold.
Drop a comment below or journal this: “When I feel discouraged, the truth I need most is…”
Let that truth be your IV drip this week.
Until next time, friend…
Keep sipping slow, breathing deep, and living true.
Jenean
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