Right about now marks the mid-point of winter.
At this time every year, one of my favorite bloggers, Modern Mrs. Darcy asks this question: "What's Saving Your Life Right Now?" It's a great question. Not only does it require you to examine the status of your life, but it also demands you to find some goodness. Try it - it's an excellent mid-winter boost.
If you need some inspiration, check out some of the responses to Modern Mrs. Darcy's post here. I promise you will be entertained.
So here goes, "What's Saving Your Life Right Now?" 2023 Edition
Making Fun Plans
Somehow I was tasked with planning my husband's family celebration in Savannah this spring and another family gathering to explore my father's roots in Puerto Rico this summer. I'm not going to lie, diving deep into finding meaningful places to stay, cute restaurants to eat in, and discovering the very best about a place I will soon visit has been a joy. Maybe I should have been an event planner or maybe I secretly always wanted to be Julie McCoy from The Love Boat (sorry for the 1980s reference). But getting lost in vacation planning has been a wonderful escape.
Stretching Myself, Literally
Last summer I signed up for one month of unlimited yoga at a local studio. At first, I thought it would be fun to try something new and be done with it. But after trying aerial yoga, hot yoga, warm flow yoga, and gentle relaxation yoga, I feel like yoga has somehow made me a better person. Every time I leave class, I feel like I have been to a day spa. I never knew how many fun and interesting ways there were to stretch yourself. Yoga just makes my body feel good. It slows me down and reminds me that taking good care of yourself can be truly life-giving. It stretches me both literally and figuratively. It's been a gift this winter.
Going to Bed Earlier.
Having a bedtime that sounds like I'm a toddler is sort of ridiculous. But I love being in bed by 9 p.m., sometimes even 8 p.m. To be fair, I don't always go to sleep at 8 or 9 p.m., I usually spend some time reading too. There's nothing better than taking a hot bath, putting on my jammies, and sliding under the covers with a good book. I know this probably sounds like I'm a five-year-old, but I love it. Going to bed early allows me to wake up on my own by 5:30 a.m. Having the morning quiet to drink my coffee, write, pray, think, and read my Bible is an amazing way to start the day.
Being Intentional About Friends.
There were many seasons in life that I was so busy I couldn't see straight. Being a mom, stepmom, wife, tutor, and caregiver for elderly parents took all of me and left little time for deeper friendships. But in this season, I've been intentional about investing in relationships. Sometimes this looks like simply remembering what's going on in other's lives, making time for meaningful conversations, or praying over friends on a regular basis. Proverbs 11:25 says "those who refresh others will be refreshed." (NIV) I want that for the relationships in my life. God has placed some amazing people on my path this season and it's a privilege to encourage them.
What about you? What's saving your life right now?
Feel free to share your ideas here, or write them out in your own journal.
Asking "What's Saving Your Life Right Now?" is the chance to see the goodness that exists in your life and to celebrate the many ways God is good to you.