Self-Care Saturdays ~ Get Still

 

    This morning I thought about how my mom would always tell us to get still when we were little. We were busy little people. I can only imagine that my mom wanted us still so that she could have a moment of peace. 

    Often we want people to get still. What happens when we get still ourselves?

    Here lately my mind has been racing with all of the things going on in my life, in our country and ideas that I need to get out on paper. One evening I went for a walk and I came back and sat on my porch. As I sat there I thought maybe I should get my laptop or maybe I should finish the book that I'm reading and God said, "Just sit still. Do nothing." I looked out from my porch and I saw the trees swaying in the wind, the beauty of the sun going down and children riding their bikes up and down the street. 

    I sat still and realized that more often I need to say to myself, "Get still. Do nothing." Even if for a moment.

    As you go about your day, take moments to be still, to calm your mind.  Listen to what God wants to tell you, listen to the wind blowing, listen to the laughter of those that you love and in that moment, just be. 

    Be well. Be blessed. Be encouraged. All things are working together for your good. 

Self-Care Saturdays ~ Get Still

This morning I thought about how my mom would always tell us to get still when we were little. We were busy little people. I can only imagine that my mom wanted us still so that she could have a moment of peace. 

Often we want people to get still. What happens when we get still ourselves?

Here lately my mind has been racing with all of the things going on in my life, in our country and ideas that I need to get out on paper. One evening I went for a walk and I came back and sat on my porch. As I sat there I thought maybe I should get my laptop or maybe I should finish the book that I'm reading and God said, "Just sit still. Do nothing." I looked out from my porch and I saw the trees swaying in the wind, the beauty of the sun going down and children riding their bikes up and down the street. 

I sat still and realized that more often I need to say to myself, "Get still. Do nothing." Even if for a moment.

As you go about your day, take moments to be still, to calm your mind.  Listen to what God wants to tell you, listen to the wind blowing, listen to the laughter of those that you love and in that moment, just be. 

Be well. Be blessed. Be encouraged. All things are working together for your good. 

Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

In Ohio we are going into week 3 of our state's "Stay At Home" initiative. It hits me today that my regular routine of beginning my days have been so off. Early this morning I saw a video by Eric Thomas that talked about getting up and going about your day in the manner that you normally would.

As I sat and watched the video, I realized that I have not even touched my makeup bag in almost three weeks. Like many moms I'm juggling several things all at one time. After watching the video I awoke with a renewed mindset to do those tasks that I'd become accustomed to every morning. I reached for my bag and applied a simple nude eye and some Fenty Gloss Bomb. Can I mention this on a site that discusses ministry? Yep! Nearly all of my saved girlfriends wear makeup, so it's ok.

Though this isn't simply about makeup. This is about continuing to be ourselves and doing those things that we routinely do, even when we don't feel like it. Over the course of the day we are teaching, cooking, praying, watching the news and checking in on love ones. 

Sis, don't forget about yourself. Think about your daily routine. Are you sticking with it? Have you let some things go, while you hold the fort together? Take those moments to take care of you too.

Hope You Had A Fab Friday!!!!!

Self-Care Saturdays

How are you? How was your day? 

Today, self-care for me was reclining in a chair and reading a book. It was a peaceful moment in which I was kind to myself. Yes, you can be kind to yourself and you should be kind to yourself. This is a difficult time for us and it is also a gift to simply sit with yourself, to rest and to reset.

Whether it's a good book or a fashion magazine, grab a blanket, turn on the fireplace, if you have one, grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate and curl up and just be good to you. 

Self-care takes work & you are worth working for.  

Take Charge Tuesdays

As a mom I've been both on the move and worn out. While school in our district was set to close on Tuesday, my son's school has been out since last Thursday. The preparation for him to be home with everything he needed for school, groceries for our home and the increasing breaking news is a lot to manage. As a single mom you are both the protector and the provider. You're competing with updates that constantly hit wireless phones. 

"Mom! The numbers are increasing." "Mom? We may be out til next school year." "Mom!!! Kevin Durant tested positive." 

Then there's the trips to Kroger, mainly in search of chicken and ground beef to freeze for large meals, and the concern for my parents having what they need. I'm so grateful for my oldest son for stepping up and going out in search of the things I couldn't find.

Mind you, I really have to care for myself and make sure that my blood pressure doesn't drop extremely low or escalate rapidly. What I've learned is that either I'm going to have a really bad headache or want a really long nap and what truly didn't help was my loop recorder monitor going off with sounds and lights at 2:35 a.m. I woke up and immediately talked to Jesus. My life is a constant conversation with Jesus. 

Today, I did something different. I took some moments for myself. I worked out with Denise Bryers on FB Live and afterwards, I, Arlinda Christine, desired to go for a walk as the sunset.  I grabbed a cute Chic Life jersey and pressed play and listened to Snoh Aalegra as I walked my cul de sac a couple and a half times. That walk was a cute little concert. lol 

As I walked and pretended I was at karoke, I notice the trees and how the homes in the neighborhood are reminsent of an older era. I felt the wind blowing on my face and watched as the sun faded for the evening. I needed that moment for me and I'm going to make it a point to create those moments daily for several reasons, wellness and my sanity.

We're living in moments of not knowing what's going to happen next. Make sure that you're taking some moments for you so that you can continually feel good about yourself as you manage in a constantly changing world. 

Originally posted at Arlinda Christine Ministries.

Mindful Mondays

I can definitely see why practicing mindfulness was introduced in my life years ago because I honestly really need it right now. Just sitting being present and still has helped me to focus on those things that are truly important. 

It's so important to stay in touch with those people who support and root for you. People are  going through life with so many hurts and decisions to make and add the pandemic to it and it could all be too much to carry and to sift through. 

What has helped me the most is to pray and meditate. There is so much value to sitting in silence, with just you and God.  Take a moment for yourself to just breathe and to have a little talk with Jesus. Also be mindful of the things that matter to you. Don't overwhelm yourself with things and people that don't overwhelm themselves with you.  Protect your peace. 

Today I was mindful of the things and people that matter the most in my life. 

1. Myself

2. My family and friends.

3. And yes, I minded my own business.