Finding Your Joy...and the Importance of Self Care

 Romans 12:2 tells us...."And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (NJKV).

I know that I have been off line for an extended period of time..and for those who have followed my journey I do apologize..life has been crazy busy and I have to be completely honest gotten caught up in the world with career commitments, life's issues, higher education, Military obligations, family, the list can go on and on..and I have lost a part of myself and my relationship with Christ along the way due to stressors that have knocked me off of my feet and caused me to be less than joyful..thankfully we serve a God that forgives and loves us regardless of how far we may stray or how angry we may become..He is always there waiting for us with open arms..

 As insane as it may seem..I am on 2 weeks of Military training as we speak and this time away in the middle of Montana is allowing me to do some much needed self care and to take the time needed to re-evaluate my life and where I want to be...in my relationship with Christ, in my marriage, my next career move, where to align my priorities and energy, and coming to the realization that what my adult children choose to do really is their own decision and I cannot live their lives for them..even when they make decisions that are less than wise. I learned along the way and stumbled only to pick myself up and meet goals..just as many of you did..now it is time to let the next generation do so..hopefully while learning along the way. As hard as it is to turn things over to God..this is a lesson and habit that I really need to work on on a daily basis...what we want to happen and our  timing is most certainly not how He has things planned..and many times the lesson and blessings are found in the waiting.

So..I took a long hike in the hills this morning and turned on some praise and worship music and thought about self-care..and here is the list that I came up with..perhaps you can all find a few ideas and put them into practice..I think we all forget to care for ourselves..maybe more often than not..leaving our own tanks empty..making it harder to give of ourselves to others with a truly joyful heart..

1) write down three things daily that you are thankful for..mix it up..not the same things everyday
2) play..on a swing set, hop scotch, with your pet, child..whatever..revert back to childhood..even for just 5 minutes (I took the time to play on a swing set during one of my walks recently..it was amazing!!)
3) get outdoors into the fresh air..even a brisk 20 minute walk daily can make a world of difference in your physical and mental health
4) spend time with God...EVERY SINGLE DAY..confession here..I had gotten away from this and became more irritable, more stressed out, and more negative..THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!! He wants to hear from us daily..and we need to connect with him..especially when we are losing our joy to daily life
5) eat well..healthy, fresh foods..but leave a little room for comfort foods also 

6) read..for self growth and pleasure
7) practice mindfulness
8)journal..get the thoughts out of the busy-ness of your head and onto paper
8)hydrate..it makes your entire body function better
9)laugh out loud..everyday
10)give back through volunteer work-it releases all those feel good endorphins
11) listen to uplifting music..no angry music allowed!
12) begin forming or nurture your positive "tribe"..for me this is my wonderful friends who are real with me and love God!
13) travel when possible..if not possible become a tourist where you live..seek to find the beauty of where you find yourself
14) create
15) get your hands dirty..plant something living to brighten your own space or for someone who cannot do it themselves
16) tell yourself something positive about YOU everyday 

 Part of my own self care will be to resume the things that I enjoy doing..attending church on a very regular basis, blogging, reading, swimming and exploring..things that I had let go of due to work requirements and getting sidetracked..There is a song by Zach Williams called Old Church Choir..it talks about not letting anyone steal your joy..I think this will become a theme song for me..I will post it on FSF so whoever wants to hear it can listen..

I wish you all an amazing, blessed day..and as always..don't forget to share your smile..everyone has issues..your smile may make a difference you could never imagine!!

Hugs, 
FSF..aka..Tiffany