How Do a Soul Self Care Check

I've heard several in my circles express that life feels mundane, dull or simply unfulfilling.  The daily grind can pulverize us into a rut that steals the joy from our daily tasks.  If you find yourself losing the joie de vivre of your days, or struggling to experience pleasure in activities that you normally enjoy, then it is time for a deep self care check up.

Questions to ask:

1. Am I often angry, verging on bitter?
2. Does my emotional intensity match the situation? (am I making everything a big deal?)
3. How am I sleeping?  How is my appetite?  How is my health?
4. Am I numbing myself with mindless scrolling?  Am I using excuses for alcohol, caffeine or drugs?
5. When did I last have the energy to do something fun or unproductive, just for the sake of enjoyment?

If you're not thrilled with your answers, it's okay.  You can choose to shift the momentum right now by intentionally choosing to improve.  What can you do right now, in your current circumstances to support yourself emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally?  I'll answer, too.  

Ruts are no fun. Even though we all experience them, there is no reason to remain in the trance-like state any longer.  

Here is my plan:

    Emotionally - I am working on not taking other people's rudeness or criticality into my heart.

    Physically - Enjoying the meals I love and yet choosing smaller portions so that I feel lighter. Also, walking outdoors as much as possible and prioritizing sleep.

    Spiritually - Choosing to be kind and intentional.  Living in the faith that has been made stronger through years of God's provision and care (reminding myself of this when I feel insignificant).

    Mentally - Allowing more margin in my schedule so that I am not as stressed or feeling bounced from one activity to another.  Enjoying fiction through audio books.

I would really love to hear if you make a plan!  If you can't work on all, choose one area and take a step forward.  This isn't for those of us who need deep life changes. Most of us know how to live (to pay bills, do the laundry, feed the kids), but it's also important to have a life (joy! wonder! thrills! connection).

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

 

Getting older has many drawbacks, but there are so many joys to share, also!  One of my favorite are the friends gathered along the way.  Lifelong friends are such a treasure and I'm so grateful for the girls who know me well.  They loved my self-centered and idealistic 20-year-old self and supported me through all the upheavals that shifted me into a more realistic and family-centered person of today. Investing in friendships, getting deep and making the effort is one of the best decisions I've made!

Over Labor Day weekend, we gathered in Texas to celebrate our friendship.  We support each other daily through texts, calls, birthday cards and individual visits.  Once a year, we try to gather in person as a group.  I love them all so much!

These are the most supportive, encouraging, wise and kind people that I know - and they know me well, weakness and strengths, failures, foibles and successes. God gave them to me as teachers and partners in the path of motherhood and marriage.

"Carry each others burdens, and in this way

You will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2