So, let's start with a definition.
Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.
I don’t know about you but I have been prone to run myself ragged during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. How about this year, we do something different? I often hear people say they have no downtime or self-time during November and December. They forgo exercising and eating healthy thinking they will pick up in January with the “new year, new you” campaign. Why does the urgent continually crowd out the important? I guess my real question is…why do we allow it in our lives? What if this year we make a difference in our day-to-day activities. Perhaps, living more intentionally and relationally, not so rigid and structured. Routines will be challenged, allow yourself to have some liberties in your strict schedule. Today, I was listening to the song “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson and it really resonated with me. Here’s a snippet:
“It's a momma singing songs about the Lord It's a daddy spending family time That the world said he cannot afford These simple moments change the world It's a pastor at a tiny little Church Forty years of loving on the broken and the hurt These simple moments change the world
Dream small Don't bother like you've got to do it all Just let Jesus use you where you are One day at a time
Live well Loving God and others as yourself Find little ways where only you can help With His great love A tiny rock can make a giant fall Dream small…”
I’m not advocating that we need to abandon our long term goals, we just sometimes need to think more simple when our lives are feeling chaotic.
What if the rhythm of the season of self-care looked something like this?
Quiet. Give the Lord your first fruits. Spending some time bathing in His word helps us remember that we are here to serve Him. Sometimes this means we must forgo our agenda if a Kingdom task arises. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!
Pause. Take a moment to disconnect from the urgency of the world and simply be. For me, it looks like enjoying solitude versus the constant hum of technology. What would it look like to remove your email from your phone on the weekends? This could be an amazing act of self-care!
Breathe. Taking a couple of cleansing breaths when you sense your day has shifted from the important to the urgent. This will allow you time to regroup and reprioritize.
Express Gratitude. Hard to let the busyness consume you when you remember at least one thing that you are grateful for at the moment.
Let’s face it, if we are not nourished, we will be fragile, restless, and unproductive. Don’t lose your joy this holiday season. If you feel yourself getting depleted, we are here for you! If you are craving more harmony in your life, we have the perfect gift! Our Holiday Harmony Package consists of 3 (30-minute) Coaching sessions for $99 (regular price is $150)! Email office@uniquepaths.coach for more info! OR if you are curious about what we do, schedule a FREE Discovery Call!
Happy Holidays!
Kelli