I’m determined to take better care of myself this year.
I feel like I spent the majority of 2018 in survival mode.
There were the hellish months of being on edge every single day Jackson went to school. Would I get a phone call? Would he make it through the day? We spent some of the worst weeks of our lives dealing with the most challenging behaviors caused by his ADHD medicine. Then there was the big adjustment of becoming a full-time homeschooling family.
During all these crazy seasons and changes, self-care was pretty much non-existent.
I stopped having a quiet time. I stopped writing. I stopped exercising (not that I’m very good at that to begin with). I stopped reading for pleasure. I drank way too many Dr Peppers and found myself at Classic 50’s numerous times a day.
About the only thing I did for me that brought me joy and life was taking photos and running my photography business.
I just did what needed to be done to make it through each day.
I felt guilty doing things I love because I thought I should be using that time to focus on Jackson and his education.
But the truth is, he has my undivided attention and I can give myself permission to do things that bring me joy.
This year I’m committed to taking better care of myself – spiritually, physically and emotionally.
This year I’m saying yes to these four things. I will do on a regular basis because they’ll make me a better me.
I Will Spend Time With Jesus Daily
I gave God the silent treatment for a while in 2018. I was angry and struggling and I tend to stop talking to Him when that happens. But instead of remaining silent, I’m staring 2019 talking to Him about all. the.things.
My fears. My doubts. My hopes. My dreams.
I’m using Paul David Tripp’s book, New Morning Mercies for my quiet time each day. I had heard so many good things about this book and so far it has been exactly what I’ve needed. I love the short devotions followed by a section of scripture for a deeper study.
I Will Take Better Care of My Physical Health
I was going to say exercise daily, but I think it goes beyond that.
Yes, I plan to exercise daily, but I also need to stop drinking Dr Pepper 24/7. It’s my vice, ya’ll. When I get bored, when I need to escape the mundane routines at home, I head to Classic 50’s.
I need to take care of my physical health not just to shed pounds, but to be a stronger and better version of me. And if I drop a few pounds and my jeans fit better, I won’t complain.
I Will Read for Pleasure
Somewhere along the way in 2018 I stopped reading books for fun.
By the end of the day I was exhausted. I would check out with my favorite show or by scrolling through Facebook.
I love books. I want to make time for them again.
I Will Write Again
I will write for me, because it’s my offering to God.
He has given me a gift for words and I want to use it for His glory.
I don’t want writing to become a burden, but a way to process.
I will write for personal reasons, not platform building.
So there you have it – a few ways I’m going to focus on my overall health this year. If you’re a special needs mom or homeschool mom, how do you fit in self-care?