Shifting subjects, today I wanted to share some easy soul care things that are helping me lately. These are just simple and small things, not meant to replace daily time with God, but to enhance it. (Thanks to John Eldredge for the first four items on this list... he was a counselor for years before becoming an author, so he's full of practical insights and ideas for keeping your inner life healthy!)
- One-Minute Pause -❤- Set a phone reminder or whatever helps you, and take one quick minute out of your morning and one minute out of your afternoon (Eldredge recommends 10:00 and 2:00) to completely pause whatever you're doing, take a few deep breaths, and acknowledge God -- that can be a short prayer or thanking Him for something or just being still and knowing He is there and He is in control.
- Morning Worship -❤- This one has been challenging but really good! Break the habit of looking at email or social media first thing in the morning -- I wait till I get to work now to check any of that, but the idea is to let your soul have a full hour to just wake up, eat breakfast, get ready, and listen to worship music. Turn on Christian radio or Pandora or whatever, but let the first thing you're hearing be something positive that directs your thoughts toward Christ rather than the noise and chaos of seeing the latest news on Facebook.
- Release Everyone and Everything -❤- I love this one. Right before you go to bed, take a moment to pray, "Jesus, I love You and I trust You. I give everyone and everything in my life to You." Our souls are not meant to carry the weight we put on them, so if your tendency is to lay in bed feeling anxious or worried over someone you love, it helps a lot to practice giving them to God and letting your soul rest easy.
- Contact with Nature -❤- This doesn't have to be elaborate - it just has to be real - getting out of the virtual world we tend to get stuck in and getting outside for a few minutes every day. Take a short walk. Sit down somewhere with a pretty view. Feel the wind or rain or sunshine (or wintery mix). lol Just take a tiny minute to enjoy the beauty of creation. =)
- Identity Power Pose -❤- When you're feeling insecure or needing a confidence boost, take 1-2 minutes and do the Wonder-Woman pose (standing with feet spread apart, hands on hips, head held high) while purposely reminding yourself of what God says is true about you (I use Beth's Identity Declaration - HERE). Sounds terribly cheesy, I know. But it helps!
- Try New Things -❤- I was unaware until this year that psychologists actually recommend this as a way to fight depression. Makes sense, though. In big and small ways, say yes to change and stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things!
- Write The Word -❤- You definitely remember more when you write things out by hand, so I journal my favorite single verse from my daily Bible reading. It's quick and simple, and it's been good! (Also highly recommend Lara Casey's Write the Word journals.)
That's all I've got for now, but all of those things are helpful and easily accessible, so get excited! ❤
Side note: Facetime with cute kids who love you is also a winning idea for keeping your soul happy and healthy! ;-)
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