10 Things That Are Saving My Life Right Now
I heard this topic from a Nancy Ray podcast recently and it got me thinking about my own life. It got me thinking about all the things that are saving my life right now. I included links to some resources that have been helping me. I am not sponsored by any of these organizations. I just want to share things that have been game changers for me this season. I hope they will be the same for you!
#1 - My Quiet Time
I was never consistent with my time with God. I’d go through times when I would be consistent for a week or so and then start missing days. It was a vicious cycle. Up until a couple weeks ago when I received something in the mail that has made me get excited about my quiet time. My Val Marie Prayer Journal! This journal has different sections you can pray for in a day. Ones like “my community,” “my loves,” “sweet friends,” and so many more. In the journal, you’re challenged to pray for at least one of these sections a day. I love it because there is no pressure to go through every one of them, but you will end up hitting every section during the month. Then you start again the following month and fill it up with new prayers.
Another thing that has been helping me alot is focusing on one book of the Bible. I’m currently reading through Luke and read just a chapter a day. I have a journaling Bible because I love marking it up with comments and questions. If you struggle with your prayer life and/or enjoy journaling, I encourage you to check out the Val Marie Prayer Journal. If you’re struggling with reading the Bible, start with a book you’ve wanted to read and challenge yourself to read a chapter a day.
I will say this: do not beat yourself up if you miss a day or two! Have grace for yourself. It’s a journey not a sprint.
#2 - My Kindle
Y'all I’ll be honest. I am very much a believer in having the hard copy of a book. I just love the feel of it. I love walking through a book store and scoping each one out. It’s almost therapeutic to me. But then my husband introduced me to audible. Something I never ever would have bothered trying. And then I listened to my first book, in my car, while washing dishes, and it changed everything. That was until I got my Kindle and I started being able to read again at my own pace and still be able to read in bed in the dark. A game changer for sure! Although I still love buying books and browsing through bookstores, I’m thankful for a kindle that has helped me fall back in love with reading (and help me fall asleep too).
#3 - Walmart Grocery Pickup
Call me lazy or call me resourceful, but when I found out about being able to pickup my groceries during the pandemic, I got excited about two things: 1) never having to go back into a grocery store and 2) more realistically, only going in when absolutely necessary. It’s been the best thing, especially with a little one. And best part of all, it’s free! For someone who really doesn’t like shopping (not even in a retail store), I’ve enjoyed being able to do this, at least once in a while. If you’re a parent and really need to go on a grocery run but dread the idea of going inside, definitely look into this at your local grocery store! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
#4 - Barre
Although I don’t get to go every week, I love when I get to go to barre class at my gym! One of the perks of it is that they also have childcare, so my daughter will go there while I take the class. I love everything about it. How I feel while I’m there, the instructor (she’s super sweet and motivating) and even better, how I feel after! If you like Pilates and/or resistance training, you’d like this class. If they don’t have it at your local gym, there are so many YouTube videos to try them at home. If you do end up trying it, let me know what you think in the comments below!
#5 - My Meds
For about two months now I’ve been taking both an anti-anxiety med as well as a sleeping med. I got to the point where panic attacks became a normal occurrence and therapy on its own just didn’t feel like enough. I went from not sleeping very much to sleeping through the night. Y'all this is huge for me because I haven’t been able to sleep like that since long before my daughter was born and she's 1.5 years old now. By taking these, I feel now I can be a better version of myself for my husband, daughter and those around me. Thank you Jesus for modern medicine!
#6 - Therapy
This one goes hand in hand with my meds. I’ve been in therapy for about 6 months now and don’t know what I’d do without it. I love knowing that I have someone to go to to process things when life gets hard. I also love that it’s consistently on my calendar every week and I know I can rely on my therapist to be there. If you’re on the fence about seeing a therapist, I encourage you to try it out. You can always change your therapist if you feel she/he is not a good fit. I met my therapist through Better Help Counseling and am now meeting her at her own private practice. Better Help is a great place to start if you would like to meet with someone but not have to meet in person, just from the comfort of your own home.
#7 - Caffeine
The funny thing about putting this on this list is that I used to hate coffee. I mean it smelled good and all, but I hated the taste. Up until about 7 years ago (after graduating from college) and even more when I became a mother, I started loving it because to be honest, it helped me survive my days. Especially since I already wasn’t sleeping well! Now that I am sleeping, I make coffee often just because I enjoy the taste and like pairing it with my quiet time. A good cup of coffee and some Jesus time? Sign me up!
#8 - Writing
Along with therapy, writing is also a form of therapy for me. I love having this blog because I hold myself accountable to write a post every week or at least every other week. I love meeting y'all here and hearing your feedback. It encourages me to keep writing, to keep showing up and pursuing my writing dreams. Have you ever thought about starting a blog, writing a book or even just journaling more? It’s never too late to start.
#9 - Monday’s
I love Mondays. I never thought those three words would come out of my mouth because it was never my favorite day of the week. But then I found reasons to look forward to it. Three reasons actually: 1) Hannah Brencher’s Monday morning emails 2) the Walk in Love Podcast and 3) Monday Night Bible Studies. If you’re looking for a pep talk to start your week, please check out Hannah B’s Monday morning emails. They get me excited for the week ahead and are usually the exact words I need to hear. Then there’s the Walk in Love Podcast. If you’re looking for a podcast that is both hilarious but also shares spiritual truths, check this one out. I love hanging out with Brooke & T.J. (the hosts) every Monday. Then lastly is our Bible studies. Every week a group of my friends meet up in one of our homes to discuss a book of the Bible over some good food and fellowship. We’re currently starting the book of Acts. It started when one of my husband's best friends shared with him the desire to start a Bible Study but he didn't know where to host it. My husband and I decided to open up our home to host it there. Then two others opened theirs. If you are interested in learning about the Bible or teaching, don’t be afraid to start one of your own or join one that already exists.
#10 - Stroller Walks
My daughter has been really into going for walks lately and it’s been a good push for me to get out of the house and move my body. Not only that, it gives me the space to clear my head, be out in nature and sometimes pray. Lately I have loved walking by my neighbors houses and praying for them. Sometimes when I don’t know what to pray, I simply ask the Lord to bless them or heal them if they're sick. I may never see the fruit from doing this, but I know God will. I may not know them, but God sees them and loves them more than I ever could.
I want to hear from you! What are some things that are saving your life right now?