Happy day after Valentine’s Day! We all love the cards and flowers and chocolates that we get to give and receive on this day each year, but I thought I would remind myself, and all of YOU, that we have to practice some self-love if we’re going to be our best for others. Try some of these out today and maybe make some new healthy habits!
- Start your day right. For me, that means vinegar water, more water (I try to drink at least 16 ounces of water including the vinegar water each morning), eggs, and Bible reading. Before I really talk to anyone or do anything else, I take care of these things. Once I’ve taken care of me, I can take care of and listen to others much better.
These verses jumped out at me during my Bible reading the other day… praying I speak with Holy Spirit wisdom like Stephen instead of stirring up people like the others. - Organize your tasks. If I jump into a day and I just handle every squeaky wheel that comes my way and allow myself to be distracted and move from task to task, I finish the day feeling defeated and like I have NOTHING to show for it. Take a minute in the morning and plan out your tasks for the day. Don’t be overwhelmed by the length of it… write every single task you need to complete and feel the joy of a job well done when you get to cross it off! Then if something comes up that requires your attention, you can figure out how to work it in or shift your other, less-pressing tasks to another time or day.
I like lists. I love checking things of my lists even more. And multi-colored pens. - Eat for fuel not for fun. I know… I love food as much as anyone, but listen. Everything you eat has the power to do one of two things: Extend your life, or shorten it. When I finally accepted that truth, my life changed. I no longer see eating as a hobby… rather, it’s a way to fuel my body so it can perform at maximum capacity!
Most meals, I try to eat as many vegetables as I can! On this night, I had chicken with brussel sprouts, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, red onions, and cauliflower rice. - Do/Wear the things that make you feel confident. I like a good sloth day from time-to-time… where you stay in PJs and sleep in and do nothing. BUT, I always feel horrible at the end of the day and any anxiety or depression I may have had lurking rears it’s ugly head and I end up super bummed. SO, my goal is always to be up and ready for the day, even if the day is hanging out at home and cleaning. On work days, I take the time to do my makeup and dress professionally and that makes me feel confident and ready to take on the day. If makeup is not your thing or you wear scrubs or a uniform, take the time to look your best. Wash your face. Fix your hair. Don’t look like you just rolled out of bed. You’ll feel better and the people you interact with will have faith that you can be depended on!
Why yes, I have been known to keep my with me in public places. Sometimes my hair needs help, y’all! - Rest. Y’all know I have a hard time with this one. I want to get stuff done. But, every now and then my body reminds me that it needs to be recharged and I make myself go to bed early or lay down and be quiet for a few minutes. This can make all the difference in my day!
My favorite resting spot. Everyone meet Rosie–the most adorable pound puppy we ever met :). The vet is pretty sure she is a doxiepoo and we’re crazy about her. - Pray. I think we all fall into temptation that when we are stressed out or anxiety filled we try to cover up those feelings with food or shopping. Don’t fall for it. When you feel overwhelmed, take that opportunity to give it over to God… Don’t carry that burden alone or try to stuff those feelings down. Lay it at the cross. God wants the best things for us… sometimes that means walking us THROUGH the hard roads instead of giving us a detour. TRUST HIM. OBEY HIM. FOLLOW HIM. My verse that I’m working on memorizing and REMEMBERING right now is You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. ~Psalm 16.5
Not Today, MS 