August 26, 2023 – Joyful-Echoes

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to this Happy Sensational Saturday. As we embark on another weekend filled with opportunities for rest, joy, and renewal, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of self-care.

In our bustling lives, whether we’re tending to our families, fulfilling work commitments, or overcoming personal challenges, we often forget the vital act of caring for ourselves. But just as we’re reminded during every flight safety demonstration, we must secure our own oxygen masks before assisting others. Similarly, self-care is the foundation on which our ability to care for others rests.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a deliberate act of nourishing our minds, bodies, and spirits. It’s a pathway to becoming more resilient, compassionate, and effective individuals. Each day, let’s dedicate time to these acts of rejuvenation. A few moments with our Bible can be spiritually enriching, guiding us through life’s journey. Moments of meditation can offer solace amidst the chaos, and practicing mindful breathing can help anchor us in the present.

I encourage you to embark on a self-care journey. Start by carving out time for scripture each morning and evening. Engage in moments of meditation that allow your mind to find peace. Try the 4-5-6 breathing technique to experience a calm sense of balance. Remember, these steps need not be arduous; a few minutes can make a world of difference.

To support you, I’ve included five self-care tips, five Bible verses, a Psalm, and a short meditation. These resources are at your disposal to weave into your routine, guiding you towards a lighter, more grounded existence.

As we embrace this weekend, let’s carry the torch of self-care, illuminating the path for ourselves and those we care for. May these moments of introspection and tranquility empower us to shine brightly in all aspects of our lives.

Of course! Here are five self-care tips, a Psalm, two Bible verses, and a positive quote to brighten your Saturday:

Self-Care Tips:

Mindful Moments: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness meditation. Focus on your breath and let go of stress.
Nature Connection: Spend time outdoors, soaking in the beauty of nature. A walk in the park or a moment by a stream can be incredibly refreshing.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on your day, set goals, and practice gratitude.
Digital Detox: Take a break from screens. Disconnect from technology for a while and engage in analog activities.
Nourishing Naps: Prioritize quality sleep. A short nap can recharge your energy and boost your mood.

Psalm:
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

Bible Verses:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Positive Quote:
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today matters most.” – Buddha

May these tips, verses, Psalm, and quote infuse your Saturday with positivity, inspiration, and moments of self-care.

Wishing you all a blessed and rejuvenating day ahead. Take care of yourselves, and I look forward to our continued journey together.

Here’s a list of a dozen easy-to-do self-care ideas that you can write on strips of paper to start your self-care jar:

Take a 10-minute walk outside to boost your mood.
Prepare a nourishing meal and savor each bite mindfully.
Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water.
Set aside time for a 5-minute deep breathing exercise.
Write down three things you’re grateful for today.
Listen to your favorite calming music for a quick mental escape.
Spend 15 minutes reading a book or a magazine you enjoy.
Connect with a friend or family member via a short phone call or message.
Write a positive affirmation and repeat it to yourself.
Treat yourself to a soothing cup of herbal tea.
Watch a funny or heartwarming short video online for a quick laugh.
Do a quick decluttering session in a small area of your living space.

Decorate your self-care jar to make it visually appealing, and each time you need a moment of self-care, simply draw a strip from the jar and embrace the activity it suggests. These simple acts can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Starting Your Day Right: A Better Alternative to Morning Phone Scrolling

Hey there,

I wanted to talk to you about something that’s become all too common in our modern lives, especially in the mornings. You wake up, reach for your phone, and are faced with a decision: do you start scrolling through social media or dive into the day ahead? It’s a choice many of us face, and I’d like to share some insights that might just change how you begin your mornings.

To shed some light on this dilemma, I conducted a survey back in 2021. I asked around a thousand people about their smartphone and social media habits, and the results were both fascinating and eye-opening. Here’s what I found: half of the respondents admitted to scrolling through their phones within the first few minutes of waking up. This number went up to over 60 percent among those aged 19-33. And a whopping 80 percent confessed that they usually checked texts, emails, and social media before spending time with God in the morning. Really?!

But let’s be realistic– starting the day by scrolling through your phone is like having chocolate cereal for breakfast or a oozing sweet cinnamon roll. It might be a tempting indulgence, but it’s not exactly healthy for your mind and soul.

So, given these stats, let’s talk about a better approach to those precious moments just after waking up.

First, let’s dive into the reasons why we’re so prone to reaching for our phones. I’ve come up with six possible explanations, and I call the first three “candy motives.”

FOMO fear of missing out: We crave the novelty of what’s new in the world or among our friends. We want to be in the know and not feel left out.
Ego Boost : Checking for likes, comments, and mentions strokes our ego. We enjoy being noticed and acknowledged.
Entertainment : We seek entertainment to make those first few moments more interesting. We’re drawn to the endless stream of captivating content online.

Then, there are the “avoidance motives,” which are about escaping or delaying facing the realities of the day:

Boredom : We avoid facing the day’s perceived boredom by getting lost in our phones.
Avoiding Responsibility : We delay confronting our responsibilities by immersing ourselves in our phones.
Struggle and Frustration Avoidance: When we’re dealing with challenges, we turn to our phones to avoid confronting them immediately.

Now, imagine a better way to begin your day – a way that centers you, aligns you with God’s will, and prepares you to face whatever comes your way. Picture yourself waking up with the intention of being filled with the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s guidance, and finding satisfaction in His presence.

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” – Psalm 5:3

So, how do we transition to this better way? It requires intentionality and planning. Start by seeking God’s steadfast love in the morning. Cry out to Him, acknowledging your need and your desire to align your heart with His. Open your Bible and meditate on His promises. Ask Him to satisfy you with His love and to guide your steps throughout the day.

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.

Remember, this change won’t happen overnight. It takes conscious decisions and a commitment to start your day in a way that sets the tone for your interactions, decisions, and attitudes.

So, before you go to bed tonight, set a plan. Break free from the grip of phone addiction and the habits of avoidance. Instead, wake up, turn to God’s Word, spend time in prayer, and allow His presence to shape your day. Make the choice to feed your soul with God’s truth and love, and experience the transformative power of beginning your day with Him.

May your mornings be filled with purpose, peace, and a deeper connection to God.

Have a blessed day

Deb

Day: August 26, 2023

Self care and sensational Saturday

Starting Your Day Right