Are you tired? Are you feeling worn down and out of sorts? Is the new way of life weighing on you? Are you asking questions like, “When will this be over? How much longer?” Are your feelings beginning to become your identity? If so, it is time for some self care!
You are special. You are loved. You are needed. You are unique. You are important. You have purpose.
The hardest part about adversity and troubling times is that as they drag on it is easy to mix up the uncertain feelings we experience with who we actually are. If we are not careful we can begin to allow our feelings to define us.
Let’s take a minute to breathe and practice self care. The most important thing we can do is love ourselves and know we are loved by God. If you have become consumed with negativity these few little things might do the trick.
First set the atmosphere by drawing a warm bath, lighting some candles, or grab a cup of warm drink cuddle up in your favorite nook, but don’t for get to take a journal and a pencil with you!
- Take a minute to write down all the things that you like. This is a list of random things… boots, reading, cup of hot coffee…
- Next make a list of things you are passionate about… encouraging people, making memories, art, books, reading…
- Take a moment to think about what makes you special…I am funny, I am good for a long conversation with a stranger I just met in the grocery store…
- Make a list of things you like to do…I like long fall walks, I like meal planning, and knitting, and puzzling…
- Now write out a few compliments to yourself…I am a good mom, I am a good dad, I am a thoughtful caring person…
- If any negative thoughts come into play counter act them with a compliment. If you get stuck, text a friend and ask them to tell you one thing they admire about you. Text a few friends if you need too!
- Make a list of a few stressors you are experiencing right now and acknowledge to yourself they are hard. Ask yourself if you need to ask for help or if there is another way to address them. If not how can you add in a few self care techniques to your day to make up for the burden at hand.
- How are your eating and sleeping habits? Do you get to bed on time? Are you taking time to eat healthy meals? Are you taking care to exercise (even if it is a daily walk)?
- Make time to pray and sit with Jesus. If you don’t have a regular time to meet and just be still, add this to your day or week. Ask God to help you focus on Him instead of your feelings. Ask Him to teach you to abide during this time.
- Now…it’s time to make a plan!
This should be a positive experience. WE are not going to beat ourselves up for getting all caught up in feelings. WE are not going to think of all the things we put off while we got distracted. WE are not going to dwell on the negative things!
We are going to make it work. It is time to look at who you are. Remember how to live on purpose, how to live out gratitude, how to be kind, how to take care of your family, how to take care of yourself.
You are right, things are uncertain, they are different, and we can’t do all the things we used to do as easily, BUT…we can be creative, we can make a plan on how to make the best of each day, we can live in the moment and look for the good in people and in our situation.
WE have the power to be deliberate and intentional with our time.
We are called to serve, and love others, BUT we can not do it if we do not first take care of ourselves!!!
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
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