Whoa, what an intermission. This past year has been insane, with planning my wedding, starting full-time at my job, being part of a church plant that started in August, working social media side jobs, etc. Last year really beat me up, if I’m completely honest. I have finally confirmed that I am a “yes woman” because I find it hard to say no and make time for myself. This year will be different. No, I won’t stop hustling to try and make my dreams come true, God-willing, but I also need to make sure I find time for the small moments that come between the highs of life and GIVE GOD THE GLORY through it ALL.
More self-care time and me-time with God. Time to gather my thoughts and allow the Lord to fill me up. I wanted to share a few ways I have set aside time for myself to enjoy the quiet moments between the hustle and bustle of life.
Spending quiet time with Jesus.
There is something about being in a time of praise and worship where the music surrounds your every move and thought and encompasses you fully in its power, like when at a church service, concert, or conference. There is also something so beautiful in praising Jesus with your time and really leaning into what He has to say to you. I know I definitely don’t spend enough time doing this, but I am on my way there. You’ve probably heard the saying “there is power in prayer,” and it couldn’t be truer! You have access to the Creator of Heaven and Earth (not to mention YOU) so make time to be in His presence, it is so rewarding!
Setting aside time for my skincare routine.
I know this seems cliche, but setting aside time to focus on your skin is completely relaxing. Skincare not just including your face, but your whole body! I recently have been looking into dry-brushing which is a way to help drain your body’s lymphatic system and help blood circulation! I have only tried it once since I always manage to forget to do it before jumping in the shower. But that one time I did make time for it, I felt as if I was floating!
Reading.
I have not sat down to read through a book in a few years (besides textbooks), but I am looking to kickstart my year off by reading a book I’ve picked up and gotten halfway through about three times, Crash The Chatterbox by Steven Furtick. I originally was in a discipleship group that began reading the book together, but I was unable to attend most of the meetings because of work… I later tried reading it multiple times, but my time was constantly being bombarded with other things that I’ve never actually been able to finish it!
Sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee.
Now, hear me out on this one. I DEFINITELY enjoy coffee. But really taking time to ENJOY my coffee is what I mean. Usually, I’m drinking coffee when I am on the go: on my way to work or school, or chugging it because I need the caffeine to function as a human being, but I rarely get the time to just sit down and drink a relaxing cup of coffee. One where I get to watch a whole a hallmark movie (I’m obsessed by the way) with a mug in hand, or reading The Word with the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air. I want to associate coffee with time I’ve spent with loved ones, deep conversations, and time spent with the One who loves me most.
A long stroll through Target.
I am an avid Target shopper and to be honest, this is one of the most relaxing things for me. When I feel stressed out or just want to get out of the house, I’ll head on over to my local target and just browse! I love getting inspiration from their home section! I’ll usually just end up taking pictures of things that I like and keep an eye out for them to go on sale, or try to find similar items online that are cheaper, or even find a way to make the same thing, or something similar, myself! #bargainhunter
These are just a few ways I try to practice self-care when I feel I’m in a rut or stuck just going through the motions. If any of the ideas on this list were helpful to you, or if you have a certain way you like to practice self-care, I’d love to know! Let me know in the comments below or tag @cwlblog on Instagram!
