Do Something for YOU Today

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I quickly turned from the teenagers at the table and shuffled to my room.

No one was to blame, but me. 

Shutting the door behind me, I fell onto the bed and let the tears fall.

A harmless, off-handed remark released the floodgates in my heart. The weight of early morning appointments, shuttling people to work, and shouldering the stories of those in my home finally flooded my mind. In the process of caring for others, I had justified neglecting my feelings under the guise that I was being a “good mom.” With little time to process my thoughts or tend to my needs, I sacrificed sleep and sanity for the sake of the greater good. 

The tears revealed what my heart had been saying for a while. 

I needed to tend to my body, mind, and spirit before I could joyfully take care of the others in our home. 

While self-sacrifice is necessary sometimes, continually giving without taking time to refuel can lead to self-sabotage. This leads us to Tip #5 in our series of how to navigate seasons of challenge by living intentionally and focusing eternally. 

Tip #5:

Prioritize Self-Care

Instead of waiting for the break down, catch the warning signs and make sure you tend to your needs. Like the flight attendant on every airplane says, “you’ve got to put on your own air mask before helping someone else with theirs.” Sticking to simple self-care rhythms can prepare our souls to serve and love others regardless of what season of life we find ourselves in. 

Aware that I needed a change, I started the next morning with a few simple things that help steady my soul—coffee and a few quiet moments with my journal and Jesus, a walk outside, and some movement before the day took off. I used to always exercise with music, but lately, silence is what my soul seems to crave. 

Your self-care rhythm might look different, and that’s okay. What matters is making space for what you need.

What is your soul craving?