Image created by Deanna Bartalini in Canva. All rights reserved.[/caption]
The words or concepts of “minimalism” and “self-care” seem to be everywhere these days. And while I agree, in theory, with both, whenever I read the article or pick up the book it seems so difficult to embrace. It seems as if my whole life needs a makeover, from the paint on the front door to decluttering every nook and cranny including the garage and attic. And while I’m embracing minimalism, I need to take long baths, get massages, eat organic food, and have beautiful flowers scatted throughout my home that has the calming scent of lavender diffused throughout!
I’m exhausted from writing those two sentences, let alone trying to do them.
It is partly my personality; I don’t do gradual or little-by-little well. I’m much better at let’s do it all now, right away, until we are just perfect. But that’s not really much better at all. In fact, it’s usually (I am speaking from experience here) a much worse idea.
These last few months have been very difficult around my house. We have had great joys and great sorrows, making for many bittersweet moments and memories. And I have felt physically and emotionally drained. I knew I needed some “self-care” but kept letting it go since I couldn’t do it all. Each night I asked God to show me what to do. I kept hearing “exercise.” And I’d argue, but our meals are so odd and there is so much to do and I’m tired. And I’d ask again and pretty much it was always the same. So I finally said, “yes” to just one thing, going to the gym. I lift some weights, use a weight machine that makes my neck and shoulders feel great and go on the elliptical. I sweat some, I clear my mind a bit, I pray; I do just one thing that helps me feel better and is good for me. This step encourages me to think about a next step.
I don’t need to do it all at once. Gradual is good. You don’t need to do it all at once. Do one thing that will help you be a better you. You can do it.
If you’d like, tell us in the comments what you are doing and we can lift each up in prayer and cheer you on.
Copyright 2018 Deanna Bartalini
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