When it comes to learning how to relax, there are a few things one must do to achieve a peaceful, relaxed state. If there is one thing that can mess with our minds when we’re trying to relax, it’s guilt. To feel guilty because we are taking a break can ruin our efforts to relax. Why? Because “busy” is the norm in this day and age. “Busy” is acceptable, and at times, “busy” is how we measure our days. Let’s permit our mind and body to let go and loosen the tension.
What does busy mean anyway?
Why would we need a definition of busy? Because it helps us understand if we really are busy. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says ‘busy’ is: engaged in action, occupied. My definition of ‘busy’ is this: ‘Busy’ is yearning to do things you want to do without having the time to do them. The difference between the two definitions is this: when I’m ‘engaged in action’ with an activity I want to do, I’m not ‘busy’, but when I want to do something I can’t because of running errands, etc, then I am ‘busy’. You might need to read that again to let it sink in. Where do you lie right now with ‘busy’?
How to relax?
How do we relax so we have the freedom to work on the things that bring purpose into our lives? Or on the flip side, how do we not think about anything and just be?
Men are pretty good at being able to turn their minds off. My husband and I will be having coffee, talking right along, then five minutes of silence go by. I ask my husband what he’s thinking, and he says, “Nothing”. Seriously? Mark Gungor, author and motivational speaker, has an excellent and hilarious way of describing the differences between men’s and women’s minds. For instance, men have this thing called the ‘Nothing Box’. I mean, what the heck is that? You can watch it here; so funny yet true.
5 essential tips for us ladies to learn how to relax
But how do we ladies go about finding relaxation when so much pressure is put on us daily and even socially?
1. Change environments
Escape from the environment that is causing you to constantly think of your to-do list or the problem you’re facing. For instance, I need to step away from the house. Because I’m a stay-at-home mom, I live in my work. So when I’m at my house, it’s natural for me to always have a project. For short-term results, I’ll go to my favorite store and wonder. I didn’t say buy stuff, just window shop. For long-term effects, we get out of town, and for my family, that means camping.
If you’re stuck inside, there are a few things you can do to escape. You can find a space that is only yours; a closet works, the laundry room, even a corner space that says you. Make this space a place for your soul to regenerate. Get some amazing wall art and lose yourself in the picture, find inspirational quotes or scripture (in Freebies) and post them on the wall, decorate with string lights, put splashes of your favorite colors throughout, and be sure to have something cozy. Make this a space you can’t wait to escape to.
2. Write things out. This is how.
Writing all the crud or to-do list down on paper can lessen the power it has in your mind. When it’s on paper, it makes something that was a big deal in our minds easier to digest. We, humans, tend to let our minds get away from us. I enjoy taking a clean sheet of copy paper, grabbing a pencil, and drawing a circle. From the circle, I create branches of all the things I’m thinking about, then I break those branches into smaller doable bites. A journal works too.
Speaking of journaling. Writing freely helps too. Ask yourself thought-provoking questions that can get to the meat of the busyness.
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3. Converse with God
Talking with God helps to release the chains and give them to Him. Did you catch what I said? “Talking with God, not at Him or to Him, but with, like a friend talks with a friend. He wants a relationship with you, he wants to hear your side of the story, and he wants to help you. All you need to do is talk with Him.
For instance, I escape to my favorite walking place and pray while I’m walking. For me, hearing my voice speak rather than trying to sort it all out in my mind helps me focus on the conversation. Then I stop talking and just listen; this gives me a breather and a chance for God to breathe into me. I enjoy Jesus Calling as a nice devotional to help hear His voice.
4. Watch a good show, read a book, or listen to instrumental music
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When we are entertained, it gives us time to relax and just be. It’s a chance we get to wander out of our reality and into a story. Whether it’s a good movie or book, get the comfy clothes on and kindly alert the family not to interrupt your time.
Here’s a tip: Be picky about what you put in your brain. If you’re looking to just feel good and float on a cloud, don’t choose The Silence of the Lambs; maybe try La La Land, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, or Steel Magnolias. Ask yourself what you want to get out of a show before you start channel-flipping. And yes, it’s true, what you put in your mind affects how you think, and how you think affects how you act. Be careful of what you put in your mind; you could be inviting darkness in.
Instrumental music is an extremely effective way to relax. Find a track you enjoy. When I get stressed, I turn to Soaking in His Presence by William Augusto. He does a great job of putting me in the right frame of mind. This music is also amazing to pray with. Love it!
5. Create
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Creativity gets your mind off the stress and into a relaxed state of being. Entrepreneur.com has a great article on the benefits of putting our creativity to use. There are scientific studies on how it can reduce stress. Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, says that when you “lose yourself” in the composition of a song (creating)…, you are essentially entering a healthy flow state. No wonder I feel so great after I create something. Try experimenting in the kitchen, rearranging your furniture, sewing a baby quilt, and creating a playlist…we all have creative abilities. Tap into your creativity and make it a hobby.
In conclusion
There are other obvious tips to relax, like taking a hot bath, getting a massage, taking your time in sipping a fancy coffee, or watching the birds. My last bonus tip is to set boundaries for yourself and those around you. Don’t let others steal your relaxation time; protect it with all your might. If you’re at the coffee shop and there is an annoying person by you, get up and move.
I challenge you to tap into at least two of the above suggestions this week to relax. Ask yourself, what do I need to let go of to give myself the time I need? Know how to slow down and be less busy so you can be your best!
Off-track? Want to know how to set goals and achieve them? When our goals and declarations stutter to a stop, our proactive self immediately turns into a reactive being. We get into a vicious cycle of reacting to our circumstances instead of making things happen. I’m here to help you prevent that from happening. Learn my 4 repair tricks to know how to achieve goals!
What ain’t gonna work
Forward is the right direction, no? As with anything moving forward, it’s a lot easier to use a flashlight than to stumble in the dark. A key to knowing how to achieve goals is to understand what throws us off. What are your triggers, and how do you defeat them?
Picture this: we start the year off strong. The first week, we’re super motivated. The second week, it gets a little harder. The third week, something happens; we’re not sure what…but we veer off course; so much so, we decide to set up camp. I’ve personally been there many times. Frankly, my old patterns are comfortable, they’re easy. But friend, there is something else I’ve learned; “comfortable” and “easy” ain’t gonna getcha where ya want ta go. So let’s learn more about what trips us up in the first place.
Here are the top stumbling blocks:
L = LIES we believe.
It’s too hard. Let’s face it, when things are hard, ‘quitting’ comes to mind. This year, quitting is not an option. Your goals need to be challenging, but they don’t need to be hard. There’s a difference. It’s called pace and workload. It’s too hard is a lie. Are you looking for an excuse to stop? When things get hard, it is SO easy for us to quit. Here’s the thing: when you quit, you’re on the verge of a breakthrough, and you just missed it because you gave up. Keep moving forward. When hard things are taken step by step, it’s heck-of-a-lot easier to make things happen.
THE FIX: Break down your resolution and put a plan in place. Write down what you want to do every week, then every day, then every morning and evening. Get into a routine that helps you win. I don’t care how small the step is, you’re still moving forward. Make the day count. I created a mind map that will help you take things one step at a time. This is actually a great family activity to do; you’ll hold each other accountable!
A = ACTIONS WE DON’T TAKE.
There’s a lack of motivation. When I’m unmotivated, I procrastinate. I wait until I FEEL like it. Well, if I waited until I FELT like it all the time, nothing would move forward, and I would have regrets. There are a couple of things I’m talking about. In order to know how to achieve goals, the first step is to understand the purpose. Why must this get done? What space does it fill? What piece of my goal does this satisfy? The second is the FEEL part. This is a time when you pull up your bootstraps and put the emotions aside.
THE FIX: Ask yourself, “How am I going to feel when I get this done?” If your answer is ‘relief, amazing, good, a load off’, then that means it needs to happen…make it so. This is so incredibly good for your mental health and confidence.
Z = ZOMBIE GOALS.Sabotage #3
How to achieve goals is to have specific goals. The sabotage is that our goal is not specific. It’s like we’re walking around like zombies. Let’s say my resolution is to manage my finances better; I declare, “I’m going to save money this year.” Then what? Ask yourself these questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? Who is going to help me? What changes am I going to do? When am I going to review these things? Where am I going to go if I need help? How am I going to succeed? When you have the answers to these questions, you have a better view of how it’s going to happen.
THE FIX: Be specific when writing your goals, something like this: “I’m going to review my cash flow and budget every Thursday after work.” To help you out in the goal department, I created a printable that you can get for free. Head to my Freebies.
Y-YELLERS get our attention.
We get distracted. Distraction is a HUGE sabotage! When our focus isn’t on our end goal, we flounder around in circles. Some people get stuck in this pattern and find it harder and harder to break free. To break through this twister, we must intentionally turn away from the distracting force and focus on what lies ahead.
I read an article a few years ago about the power behind just seeing the word “FOCUS”; it said that it can mysteriously snap us back on track. It sounds crazy, but I tried it, and it worked for me.
THE FIX: When you find yourself getting distracted, recognize what is happening and remove yourself from the distracting environment. Write the word “focus” and place it in areas where distractions linger. Take it a step further and declare your time and space to be free of distractions in Jesus’ Name. Darkness wants to throw you off course. Stand firm next to Christ, and command the negative ju-ju to leave.
And…there it is…how to achieve goals
If you haven’t quite figured it out yet, the acronym I used for goal sabotage was LAZY. Our goals fall short because we get lazy. Been there, done that! Another way to look at it is that you might say we get a “lazy eye”, not physically, but mentally. We lose sight of our WHY, why am I doing this anyway? We might ask.
The word “lazy” means: unwilling to work or use energy. Talk about a knife in the wound. Lazy isn’t a bad word, especially on your day off. But it can be used against you in all other states of affairs.
My perspective on personal goals and resolutions is this: no one is going to do it for you. If you want it, YOU have to go get it. Staying reactive to things in life isn’t life; that’s existence…you just exist. But when you use your knowledge, resources, talents, strength, and creativity to go after your own goals…that’s not only productive, that’s doing more than existing.
Take things step-by-step, check your motivation, use specifics when setting goals, and FOCUS. May you be filled with dreams, plans, and amazing goals for your soul.
How to live your dream life starts with looking at one word in a completely different way. This one thing can be a huge game-changer in how you move forward. To help paint this picture, let’s look at a movie.
In 2018, the movie I Can Only Imagine debuted and has made over $85 million. The song I Can Only Imagine hit radio stations 19 years ago. The story behind the song is based on the life of the songwriter, Bart Millard. When the movie came out, I personally thought it would be a boring movie. Two years later, I finally watched it, and my emotional response shocked me.
Why did the movie grab me so much?
In the summer of 2020, I was in a funk with the rest of the COVID world. We had just come off a 3-week vacation camping at a nearby campground…needless to say, I needed a vacation after the vacation.
As I was flipping through movie options, my finger stopped at “I Can Only Imagine”; it’s Sunday, so why not watch a Christian movie?
The crazy thing about this specific movie was how emotional I found myself. My heart was jumping from one character to another. One minute, I was sad for Bart, and the next, I was upset about his mom. I was sad his dad was so confused. Then my heart ached for his dad when he was trying to figure out the Bible on his own. And then back to Bart of how he heard from God and pursued to live his dream life. But what was I really crying about?
The lie holding you down from your dream life
Deep emotions surfaced from my own past, and as I peered closer to the anchor that had kept me down, I saw a four-letter word written on it. Through my blurred, teary eyes, the word “can’t” became clear.
“You Can’t”
Throughout my life, I have heard “you can’t” from people I love and respect, from people I have trusted, and mostly from myself. With ideas and dreams I’ve shared, I was hopeful for encouragement and instead got, “That’s silly”, “You know how hard you’d have to work?” “You don’t want to do that.” “Do you even qualify to do that?”… “You can’t”… these words were not only verbally spoken, but the Enemy whispered them in my ear as well. These people responded saying, “Don’t even try”.
Not only did I hear it from my family and friends, but I heard it in the media. “You can’t do that without this.” “You can’t lose weight without this system and support team.” And the list goes on.
To add more shine to the word “can’t”, my body was telling me I can’t! My digestive system got so messed up that I was unable to eat a “normal” diet. I have to think about what to order at a restaurant and make sure it’s safe for me to eat. Other ailments loitered and set up camp for months and then years, crippling my ability to sit for long periods and walk without pain.
I was starting to believe I couldn’t do the things I had ideas about. It felt like no one took me seriously or believed in me…even me. Do you know what that’s like?
Keep moving forward
As I reflected on the movie and looked closer at the word “can’t,” I realized something. As you know, some people get motivated when other people tell them they can’t do something. The next thing you know, they’ve achieved that very dream someone told them they couldn’t do! Not all people are like that, but maybe that can change right now. I want you to take a close look at the configuration of the word “can’t”. What do you see?
This movie showed me something I’ve missed for so many years. If you want to l live your dream life, the next time someone says you can’t, look at the letters of the word and be reminded of Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Gift for you!
Here’s a little gift for you to help you believe in yourself. Download my 30 favorite affirmations right now. And for more freebies, head over to my freebies page and unlock numerous resources to get you moving forward.
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I encourage you to watch it or watch it again; you may experience a breakthrough!
The benefits of a garden are more than growing pretty flowers and organic vegetables. A garden serves many purposes, but on this particular day, it served a HUGE purpose I didn’t see coming. Walk with me into my garden, this just may be the best-kept secret to peace, gratification, and an anxiety antidote.
The garden draws
There is something about flowers and vegetables growing in your very own garden. The benefits of a garden beam from our yards with vivid colors and luscious greens. The garden is so soothing to the eye; it draws me to be a part of that picture.If my garden looks peaceful, maybe if I go to it, then I will become peaceful?
Let me ask you this: where do you go when your heart is a mess? I hope that place is a haven for you and not somewhere toxic. Our hearts need tenderness and embrace. Whether that be a cozy corner in your home, a decorative closet, or the bathtub for a long soak. Depending on the season, my safe place is my garden.
In 2018, I found myself walking to my garden, but I didn’t go there to do my normal tending of it. I went there to sit in the dirt. I had a troubled heart and felt like dirt, so why not sit in it too? That was my attitude. If you don’t have a garden, don’t think this post is for you. Every one of us has and needs a ‘garden’ for gardening, maybe for the sole purpose of what I needed it on this particular day.
Dirt meets dirt
I was completely dumbfounded by how I got myself in this state. Do you remember as a kid when you got in trouble with your parents…the flush of prickly heat bursting from your heart like a firework going off? Yeah. It’s that feeling when you know you really messed up.
Believe me, this wasn’t an easy post to write; in fact, I wasn’t going to write it. But it dawned on me that when my human self learns something hard and valuable, I should probably tell someone…maybe it will help them in some way.
So here it goes. I unintentionally hurt a dear friend of mine. I screwed up a valuable friendship. I messed up. Part of me wanted to crawl into a cave, but the other half wanted to go to a place that knew me. So I went to my garden. As I looked over the rows of flowers and herbs, I wrestled with scenarios. I tried to foresee the future. I played back my actions. Why did this happen? How did this happen? This came out of nowhere! My identity jolted.
In my garden that day, my gut was a trembling mess. My heart was anxious. I paced the paths and hid my face from my neighbors. As I dug for a tissue, I knelt down and stared at the dirt. “Dear God, forgive me. Help me see the root of this action.” I blew my nose, took a deep breath, and got my hands busy. As I plucked little weeds and churned up the soil, layers of thoughts peeled off and exposed the truth. Wow, I didn’t see that coming. How juvenile. We all have our adolescent times; this was one of mine.
What blooms from dirt is beautiful
His presence in the garden that day was strong; there is no doubt Jesus met me where I was. I felt His comfort and discipline. “What must I do to mend this mishap?” I asked Him. As I walked to the other side of the garden, facing a dripping mess, Jesus’ words “The truth will set you free” squeezed my heart. But I don’t want to tell the truth, I’m embarrassed, I said.
“If it is freedom you seek, the truth will set you free”. After I wrestled with it for about 20 minutes, I dusted myself off and wound up the courage to do just that…tell the truth. What do I have to lose that I already have lost? As soon as I expressed the truth of the matter to my dear friend, my stomach stopped tossing, my mind stopped spinning, and I felt the imprisoned shackles unlock. I exhaled and knew I made the right choice. Thank you.
The benefits of a garden
Gardening is a task where we get our hands busy. Our garden is a place where we can be alone. It is a moment in time when our soul is unguarded, where we can let it free and know it’s safe. A place where we cradled the unique ability our Creator gave us. So what’s your ‘garden’? What place knows you? A woodshop, craft table, mixing bowl, knitting basket, sketch pad, kitchen, garage, where is it?
The benefits of a ‘garden’, no matter what place that is, will take you to peace and resolution. It’s there where we can be raw, where we can lament, and feel safe. It’s the garden that serves as a therapy session, to think through our struggles, to problem solve, and let go of what’s holding us back.
When we’re feeling troubled, where do you want to go?
me in my garden
Our ‘garden’ opens its arms. She knows that when we get on our knees, we need her touch. She knows we need to get busy, so little projects present themselves. It’s quiet. We’re focused. As we work, the surface looks brighter. It feels good. But as we move through the ‘garden’ and dig a little deeper, we find a few deep-rooted invasives. These weeds have been there a while. Seeds from their fruit are ready to plant themselves. Is that what we want?
The thistles on the stalk pierce our touch. We may step back for a bit, but find that if we gently grab the very thing that hurt us, we’ll then have the power to wrench and wrestle it free.
Our garden understands the pain that comes with breaking free. So she prays. And because our soul is defenseless to her love, we feel the hope she prayed for. It’s within our gardening where tears nourish her beauty. Where truth is told. And where strength might persist. It’s a place to rejoice when we pull the weeds out and plant new life in their place.
Benefits of a garden: conclusion
Gardening does more than entertain and strengthen our talents. Our gardens listen, they heal, they comfort. I’ve got some questions for you: What is keeping you captive? When are you going to do something about it? Who do you need to talk to?
I encourage you to visit your special place this week. When you’re there, whisper loud enough for you to hear, and talk about what imprisons your heart. All you’re doing that day is getting the frustrations out. Then revisit your place later in the week. Get your hands busy. And ask God for help. You may not hear anything right away, but as you live your life over the next couple of weeks, be aware of your surroundings and open your senses. He’ll talk to you and give you the answer.
The power of prayer is mysterious. Prayer makes things happen. It is a gift from God for ALL to use at any time. I guarantee you will feel better after you pray. There is something extremely special about being able to give our worries to God for Him to figure out, rather than carrying them ourselves. That’s what the power of prayer does: it sets us free. Let’s learn a little bit more about prayer and God’s truths. Here’s a quick snapshot of the power of prayer.
If you want to start a new healthy habit, start working on your prayer life. This is a process, a very exciting journey! I can’t believe the difference it has made in my life. My anxiety has decreased, my stress level is healthier, and I feel clearer-headed. Answered prayer is around the corner, ask for it, believe it’s going to happen, and receive it with open arms.
Praying to God through His son Jesus with help from the Holy Spirit is truly a gift, John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. Christ died on the cross and was resurrected to set us free, to give us eternal life, and to give us this gift of prayer to God, the Only living God!
Prayer gives you hope. God is incredibly mysterious, Jesus is the coolest person this planet has EVER experienced, and the Holy Spirit is amazingly powerful; you just never know when or how your prayer will be answered, but it will be answered. The answer could be No, Slow, Grow, or Go.
Prayer immediately gives you faith, for wherever you were before your prayer, you’re in a better position after your prayer. He will lift you up and answer your prayer in due time (1 Peter 5:6). This promise is incredibly healing.
When I give it all to Him to figure out, I can walk in confidence throughout my day that He has my back, He walks with me, and before me (Deuteronomy 3:18). Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) Open your eyes, awaken your ears, and plant in your heart the Truth. In John 8:32, Jesus says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Pray and ask Him to show you the way, to fill your mind and heart with truth, and to lead you in life. Prayer is so good, extraordinarily loving, and completely full of truth.
How to pray
Let me reiterate: Prayer is the MOST important part of your life! Remember this: the more you know God personally, the better your prayer life will be. The Bible isn’t just for instruction; it’s also for getting to know your Creator, His son Jesus, on a personal level, for Him to speak to you. It is a communication line to and from God himself.
I read this next statement that totally made sense to me and has stayed with me: Pray before a crisis happens. Meaning, pray in the morning before your day starts, and pray at night before your body, heart, and mind rest. Stand firm in Christ.
If you have a choice of where to pray, find a place that is your secret place to pray, where there are NO distractions. A place where you can be your total and true self. Your prayer place is a place where you can cry, sob, yell, and sing without the world looking at you and judging you.
Invite the Holy Spirit to come and guide your prayer. Playing soft instrumental music in the background helps me welcome the Holy Spirit.
To close your eyes or keep them open? It doesn’t matter. I do both. The Bible doesn’t say you have to close your eyes.
To go deeper in prayer, memorize scripture and recite it back to God in your prayer.
When I pray, I like to go in this kind of order:
Praising God and telling Him how great He is.
Thanking Him for everything big and small that comes to mind.
Confessing my sin and asking for forgiveness, getting right with God.
Asking for the Holy Spirit to come into my heart and help me pray.
Asking for protection over the Enemy and using God’s armor to stand firm next to Christ.
Other prayer requests, praying for people, situations, and myself according to His will.
Asking all in Jesus’ name. Sealing the prayer in and through Jesus. For instance, I end the prayer something like this… “Thank you, Jesus, I ask all this in your name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Sometimes, on challenging days, my order goes out the window, and I simply talk to Him, lament, cry, and get it all out. He is full of truth, love, mercy, and hope. He is the only One. Pour into Him, trust Him. Ask Him. Love Him.
Let’s practice this power of prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for YOU! Thank you for your son Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. I’m so grateful for your truth and the power of prayer. Thank you so much for the gift of prayer through your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me of my sins, for things I’ve done or said to others that are offensive to you. Please forgive me of my selfishness, pride, and greed that come from the pressures of the world. (any other sins you can think of ).
Thank you, Jesus, for what you did for me. Lord, Father God, please fill my heart today with your Holy Spirit so that my words and actions would reflect your Son, Jesus. Guide my steps that lead me to do your will today. (Pray for others) I pray for healing over my physical body, and for healing in my heart and mind in Jesus’ name. (pray for other things only God can do) May you fill me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. You are my God. I love you. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for choosing me. I‘m so grateful for the time you’ve given me. In Jesus’ all-powerful and mighty name, I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
How to heal your body is time well spent. There are a lot of things in life that are priceless in navigating our length of time on this planet. One of them is taking care of your only vessel…your body. We all go through a lot of ailments, my goal is just that…to go THROUGH and not to settle and stay. Learn 8 things you can do to get your body on the road to healing. Let’s get you back on your feet to do more than exist!
Getting started with how to heal your body
There are times when taking care of our bodies can be pretty complicated. Not only do we seek professional help and get tests to make sense of it all, but what’s frustrating is that sometimes I want more information and understanding than I get at the doctor’s office.
Keep moving forward
Your incredible body is mysteriously amazing! No two bodies are the same, even though they are treated the same in a doctor’s office… God made our bodies to work a certain way, your body knows this and will try its hardest to stay aligned. The problem is, is that sometimes, your body needs a little extra help…consistent help…before it remembers what to do. And that’s where we come into play in knowing how to heal your body.
To know how to heal your body, we need to do a few things; whether it’s a general sickness, muscle imbalance, disease, inflammation, or whatever…we need to take a stand against this distraction and do our part so God can do His. Keep moving forward every day so He can do His healing.
How to heal your body with these 8 extremely powerful actions:
1. Hydration.
Hydration is ridiculously important in the healing process. Drinking fluids flushes our system out, keeps things slippery and moving, and powers our cells to function correctly. Technically, we should drink half our weight in ounces. To make the math easy, let’s say you weigh 100 pounds, you should then drink 50 ounces of water a day.
100 lbs. / 2 = 50 oz. per day
160 lbs. / 2 = 80 oz. per day
2.Diet low in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats.
All these things are inflammatory to our system. With inflammation comes illness and disease. I know these ingredients taste good, but please be conscious and aware of how much you are consuming these treats.
3. Movement.
Movement is magic. Keep moving. Go for a walk, bike ride, do yard work, and just get your bones and muscles working every day. Think about a river versus a pond and compare the water quality over time. The river keeps moving and flowing, and a pond is stagnant and rots. This rings true for our bodies as well.
4. Sleep.
Sleep is so good to help your body restore and refresh. It’s in the slumber where we get better. It’s recommended to get 8 hours of sleep a night, well, some of us need a little more and others a little less. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t reach those 8 hours. Permit yourself to rest as much as you need.
There are times when our illness or condition may seem all physical, but we often forget the spiritual component in healing. This is a huge part, if not the most important part, of our healing process. The One who created you can heal you if you want to be healed. There are numerous stories in the Bible about healing and faith. Healing was and is a big part of Jesus’s ministry. Faith alone can heal. And to have faith is to get to know Jesus. To know and meet Jesus is to read about Him in the Gospels and to ask Him to come into your life. When you have that one-on-one experience with Him, things will change for the better.
What is so awesome about His healing is that it is mysterious and true. Mysterious as in you don’t know when He will, and true because He is the way, the truth, and life (John 14:6). His promises are true, and his promises are promises. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” This is filled with incredible promises. Jesus is the source of healing; He will heal in more ways than one. Please open your eyes to His amazing love. Here are some Bible verses for healing to reflect on and memorize. I have found these extremely helpful!
6. Mental goodness.
Filling your mind with positive vibes affects your thoughts, which affects your choices, and your heart. This is SUPER important in knowing how to heal your body, especially now. Our world is broken. And the only way to make it better is if we make a change by putting good, healthy things into our minds. Add affirmations to your morning routine, listen to good music to and from work, read positive books, eliminate the daily news, remove horror movies even though you know they’re fake, and be aware of who you’re hanging around and what those conversations are filled with.
It’s incredibly good to get outside and go for a walk, especially if you have access to a park or trail with trees. There are numerous studies about the power of nature and how it helps ground us, relieve stress, and simply be a vitamin for our souls. To motivate younger generations to get outdoors, some people call it Forest Bathing (a Japanese term). It is a pretty cool term, kind of like “earthing” a.k.a. walking barefoot on the ground.
7. Perseverance.
This will see you through in knowing how to heal your body. Think of perseverance as a daily vitamin. Perseverance is doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Whether you’re in physical therapy, fighting an illness, or dealing with an addiction, every day you must do your part to keep moving forward. Keep doing the exercises, continue to eat healthy and drink fluids, and fight and resist the temptation to get off track…this is perseverance. How bad do you want to get better? If you want it, it will happen.
The Bible talks about perseverance. I especially like Galatians 6:9, where it says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The other truth I surrender to is Romans 5:3b-4 “…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” There is nothing more powerful than hope. Hope keeps you moving forward.
8. Grit.
You gotta want it. Healing isn’t for people who think they are entitled or that someone else is going to do it for them. For you to heal, you must do your part so He can do His. Grit takes courage, grit takes strength. It’s asking for a second opinion, researching on your own, trying different approaches, being persistent, having perseverance, trusting in Jesus, and doing what it takes to make things happen! Grit is “STRONG” and refusing the Enemy to take a foothold in you or in your mind. Stand firm. In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, the Bible says this, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
Wrapping up how to heal your body
For you to know how to heal your body, you need to do your part, so He can do His. If you want to frolic like well-fed calves, get your ass off the couch and make it happen! God put you on this planet for good works that He has prepared in advance for you to do! Use what He gave you, take care of it as much as you possibly can, show Him you want it, and ask Him to help you get moving. Healing happens. Healing gives you clarity, hope, perseverance, confidence in Christ, freedom, compassion, wisdom, and love.
Keep moving forward, friends, even if the doctors say differently. Do your own homework, get second opinions, look at the holistic route, use trial and error, and keep moving forward. Simply said, do more than exist.
Planting a tree is a simple act that has a big impact. However, before you get dirty, there are some tree-planting tips you’re going to want to know! Whether it be Earth Day, Arbor Day, National Tree Day, or an ordinary day there is always a reason to plant a tree. Let’s learn some must-do tree planting tips along with some tree terminology you must know!
What do trees do?
With global warming on the rise, there IS something we can do about it. Plant more trees! Trees gobble up all those bad emissions; they actually filter the air. They also help clean our water and provide so much for us to survive and thrive like food, shade, natural medicines, furniture, lumber for homes, maple syrup, and even clothing. Seriously, the human race would not be able to survive without trees.
Did you also know that trees can help reduce stress and bring happiness? Whaaat? Yes! This post is going to be a game-changer for you and your family. Learn some amazing tree facts, get wiser with tree terminology, and understand these 4 tips on planting trees that everyone else forgets!
More than just a tree
Trees surrounded my childhood. That’s probably why I love them so much. They were my friends when I didn’t have anyone to play with, they were my listeners when no one else would listen, and they were my entertainment when I didn’t want to watch TV.
No, I’m not a major tree-hugger. But I do my part. In fact, on my vision board, I have a ‘tree farm’. About five years ago, I started my little tree farm in our backyard. I bought pots, dirt, and saplings of Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, White Pine, Sugar Maple, and Burr Oak. There has been so much joy in watching and caring for my tree babies. And I’m happy to say they are all now in their forever homes. Note: I did this on less than an acre, so if you have any kind of space, you can do this too!
A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.
Trees have many benefits as mentioned earlier, but here is a little more perks; they reduce air pollution, enrich habitats, bring beauty to the eye, shelter us, provide food, provide material, and comfort us in many ways. The book, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, is a must-have! Did you know trees communicate with other trees through their root system? That they ‘scream’ when they need water? Even if you don’t have an interest in trees, you will after you read this book!
There are about 3 to 6 billion trees cut down globally per year. That’s a lot of trees! No wonder our atmosphere is so polluted. Mahatma Gandhi has a valid point: “What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.” Again, if you asked me what would reverse global warming, let alone our well-being, I’d say to plant trees! This is such a simple task with huge rewards. And it’s incredibly EASY!
Nature heals us in many ways, not just by providing medicines, but by other means that are unexplainable. What is it about walking through a forest or a path lined with trees? Trees reduce stress and lift our spirits. It’s amazing how something so simple has so much power. Prepare yourself for the outdoors with these amazing nature quotes.
Tree terminology: Get to know the lingo
When talking about trees, there are a few words you might want to familiarize yourself with. Here are the most common terms you’ll run into: ‘thank you, to the State of Maine’ for this reference.
Conifer: Cone-bearing trees; the “evergreens”. I get this messed up with Deciduous all the time!
Crown [of the tree]: Branches, twigs, buds, leaves, flowers, and fruit. This is the big part on top.
Deciduous [leaves]: All leaves drop in the autumn; not evergreen. Think of ‘dead’, as in dead leaves, to remember this one.
Fruit: The seed-bearing part of a tree
Habitat: The place where a plant usually grows, for example, dry, wet, rocky.
Hardwood: Term used to describe all broadleaved trees. These tree species are deciduous, retaining their leaves only one growing season.
Inner bark: Conducts usable food from the leaves to the cambium (tree cells) to nourish it or to storage areas in the wood.
Leaf: Stalk and blade of hardwoods, needles, and scales of conifers.
Leaflets: Smaller leaf units or leaflets that together form a compound leaf.
Outer bark: The area of the tree trunk composed of dead cells. It insulates and protects inner tissues from disease infections, and drying.
Photosynthesis: This is the process that occurs in the leaves. From energy produced by sunlight, the leaves combine carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to produce carbohydrates. Oxygen is released in the process. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the plant foods necessary for the growth and respiration of the tree.
Roots: Root hairs absorb water and mineral salts from the soil. Larger roots anchor the tree and store nitrogen and carbohydrates.
Softwood: Term used to describe all needle-leaved trees. These species are typically evergreen, retaining their leaves through two or more growing seasons.
Plant a tree to represent an important time in your life. You’ll take better care of it knowing there is symbolism behind it. I’ve been known to give my trees a fun name, like Bruce the Spruce; my son named our freshly planted Sugar Maple, Kevin. When I had my tree farm, I named every tree…silly sounding, but people loved it!
When planting a tree in the ground, make sure to dig a wide hole and only as deep as the pot. Carefully remove the tree from the pot and spread out the roots. We want to try and save the dirt it is used to and gradually introduce the new dirt. Carefully fill in the hole with dirt and then put a 2-inch layer of mulch surrounding the tree. Water the tree every day for two weeks. And wrap the trunk in the cold winter months to protect it from sunscald and rodents. Do this until it’s big enough to thrive on its own, probably when the trunk is at a 4-5 inch diameter.
Don’t know where to get a tree? Try a local nursery and opt for native trees, trees that thrive in their environment. For instance, White Spruce is a native tree to Michigan, but Blue Spruce is native to Colorado. Your local conservation office should have trees to buy. You can also get a tree on Amazon! Seriously, you can get a Sugar Maple and many other types of trees.
4. Check out Arbor Day Foundation
Go to the Arbor Day Foundation for more facts and information about trees. If you need to purchase some trees, they can handle that too. You can donate, and they’ll send you free trees as a thank you. They have loads of information on caring for your tree, along with more planting tree tips.
Don’t have a place to plant? No problem. The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to accept donations, which will then plant trees where they are desperately needed. Please note that I do not work for Arbor Day Foundation nor get monetary benefits from mentioning them; I simply am a supporter helping to spread the word. They are the experts.
Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery, and they are blessings to children yet unborn.
Lord Orrery, 1749
Wrapping up planting tree tips
Don’t be afraid to plant a tree. With too many forest fires to count, plant as many trees as you can, either by donation or by getting your hands dirty. Let’s make the world a better place for ourselves and future generations. Make Earth Day every day in some way or form. Don’t forget to get your tree printable for your kids! It’s super fun and educational. Thank you!
God created us uniquely. This quote says it all: “We are born as an original, but die as a copy.”Let’s face it, it’s easy to copy. Navigating away from the world’s pressures and into His kingdom is a journey full of ‘ah-ha’ moments and challenges. I like to think of learning about yourself as a treasure hunt. For some people, the treasure lies in plain sight on a beach. For others, it’s deeper waiting to be dug out. I don’t know why that is, but never stop searching and learning because your identity is absolutely priceless and original. God made you the way you are for a reason. He doesn’t want you to be a carbon-copy of someone else.
This past year, I have done a lot of study on true identity, the identity that God says you are. The 9 easy ways to learn more about yourself are a good start to tapping into that inner self. These tips help you feel the water before jumping into it.
Discovering Who We Are
Discovering oneself is a journey similar to Lewis & Clark’s expedition across the Western territory. Was it easy? No. Was it valuable? Yes. We desperately want freedom in our identity and to understand what we are to do with it!
I remember way too many rabbit trails, feeling disappointment, but realizing that I at least tried instead of wondering. The question I’d ask myself is “WHO AM I?” I would yell in my mind, ignoring the hints from God. Tears streamed down my face out of frustration. I so badly wanted to know what God made me to do on this planet, but I wasn’t paying attention to the One who made me! Overthinking became a regular occurrence; I’d look to the world for affirmation, and then I would get paralyzed (not physically). Stuck? Fear? Not sure. But just recently, I realized I was asking the right question, but to the wrong person.
What next?
In my worldly worry, I missed something very valuable. I was so focused on a map that I forgot to look between the paths. Following or trying to follow everyone else made me feel like a failure, a nobody. I didn’t fit in and thought something was wrong with me! It took me a LONG while to learn that what worked for someone else didn’t work for my individuality. Let me save you some tissues. It’s time to wake up, sleeper. The trap of comparison will throw your compass off, and you’ll just keep going around in circles if you don’t do something about it.
With that said, your path in life might not be one path; rarely does that happen. If we want a fulfilled life, we’re going to have to adapt to the seasons we’re given in life. When we have children, be a mom. A student? Study. When we have to bring the bacon home, provide and do it. It’s okay if we don’t feel purposeful at the moment. But I do ask you this: always learn who you are in the role you play, and you will then have a clearer picture of the path that leads to life.
9 Easy Ways to Live Beyond Our Existence
Taking the time to explore our hearts to understand what we like and dislike is extremely important for our overall happiness. As I said, the suggestions below are to get your feet wet, to prepare you for what is to come. Our hearts shape our lives, and our values affect our choices. When our values align with our decisions, something magical happens…a smile on our face. If you want to learn more about personal values, you can check out my freebie here.
Learn more about yourself
One way to love God back is to learn more about who He created you to be.
1) Help others.
If you see someone in need, help them! Hold the door, pick up something they dropped, and simply do unto others as you would do unto you. It’s crazy how simple yet complicated life can be. A happy life isn’t rocket science; get to know your heart and do something.
2) Spend some time alone.
I like to go for walks outdoors on a trail. Spending time alone at home with a fun project or a hobby is also a great way to have fun by yourself. I have even gone to the movies solo. There is something about taking a time-out for yourself without having to worry about a kid or dog, or spouse, for that matter. It’s just you. Enjoy the silence and have fun spending time with yourself.
3) Journal.
Writing down your thoughts, prayers, and frustrations helps you understand what’s going on in your heart. Over the years, I found that the tone in my journaling started pretty rough. I was swearing, mad, and confused about what was going on in my life and relationships. Rarely did I find a positive entry. But that is what journaling is for, an outlet, a venting passage. It’s to permit our thoughts to leave our minds so we don’t have to think about it anymore…it’s documented on paper, so I can now let it go.
On the flip side, journaling is also there to be creative, to document life, and to tell yourself good things. As I grew older, I found my journal entries to be much more positive and creative. My journal entries turned into prayers and things I learned. As I flip through the pages, it’s gratifying to see how far you’ve come. And to see what seemed like a big deal then is not so now.
What else?
4) Engage in an activity you normally wouldn’t do.
Push your homebody aside and step out of your comfort zone for just a little bit. Challenge your limits, physically and mentally. Build your confidence! This may sound silly, but I recently went to an estate sale. I did raise my card at one point. Scary! Going to an estate sale might not sound like a big deal to you, but it was something completely out of my normal routine. This is a very small idea of what you can do.
5) Clean out your stuff.
Clutter is toxic. Sifting through your stuff and giving it to a good organization will do your mind good. You’ll learn all about yourself and what stuff you like to keep. Maybe you’ll even understand why you want to keep it or give it to someone else. Be sure to check out my post on 5 ways to know how to simplify your stuff. Take a look at your stuff and ask yourself, ” What does that say about me?” At the auction I went to, I learned A LOT about the people who were selling it. What are you saying to the world with your stuff?
6) Write down what you want to leave behind.
I’m not talking about stuff. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What do you want to be remembered for? And how can you start doing that today?
Choose an activity at your church or community center and volunteer to help out. This too can be scary. We don’t have much time, especially if we have little ones, so bring them along. It not only helps you feel good about yourself, contributing to society, but it also shows your kids how to do it. Again, you’ll learn about your attitude and capabilities simply by lending a hand. Check this post out on knowing how to start volunteering.
8) Get your body in check.
Stress is a major cause of health issues, from muscle imbalances, digestive issues, and heartburn, to even autoimmune disease and who knows what more; stress can physically kill. It’s important to take care of your body, mind, and spirit for your life. The way you feel affects your decisions. And your decisions affect your path.
9) Do something creative.
Draw, doodle, sew, design your own landscaping or garden, make your own cookie recipe or stir-fry dish, arrange flowers, move your furniture around, or mow your lawn in a different pattern. Get those juices flowing and see what you create!
Wrapping up
By engaging in these activities, you will have a better idea of who you are and who you want to become. I suggest starting small. Maybe try one of the nine exploring ways every few days or on the weekends….except for the body one, which should be done every day (wink). When we get to know ourselves better, our path in life becomes clearer and more fulfilling. It’s funny how this simple exercise can give you a wealthier life. Knowing who God calls you not only brings you extreme peace, but joy, and unexplainable confidence! We’ll talk about that next time! Buckle-up Buttercup.
Quotes on success can carry many of us. For others, a lot of what determines success is how to talk to ourselves. How others speak to us plays a huge factor in our success as well. Yet, sometimes all you need are a handful of quotes on success to keep in your back pocket. Success quotes aren’t just words, but they are the hard work and sweat between the words that come from people who have been there and know what works.
Why success words matter
When we’re inspired, things happen. Not only that but when we read or hear an amazing quote, something ignites us inside. We are all different people, motivated by a variety of things in a number of ways. When the right words are said or heard, it makes life meaningful.
Some of the most powerful words are the simplest words, like ‘Thank You’ or ‘Good job’. How does it make you feel when you hear, “Keep up the good work!” or “I believe in you”? What about “You’re really smart”, or “You’re full of creativity”? Some of my favorites are, “You’re a hard worker” and “I appreciate you”.
With something as simple as speaking or reading words with a purpose, it’s easier to start things, accomplish tasks, and make a difference. Brighten someone’s day by speaking into their goals; heighten your day by fueling your dreams. Remind them to take things step by step.
My top 11 success quotes:
Here are some of my favorite quotes on success. I hope that these success quotes will encourage you to keep on moving forward. May you be inspired and motivated by this list of quotes.
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
– Colin Powell
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
– Henry Ford
It’s not knowing what to do, it’s doing what you know.
– Tony Robbins
Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. – Jim Rohn
The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.
– Ben Stein
The information you consume each day is the soil from which your future thoughts are grown. – James Clear
I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals, and I try to ignore the rest.
– Venus Williams
Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein
Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.
– Sir Winston Churchill
We have to keep walking our own path, keep writing our own story, & trust that, somehow, it will all unfold in the right way. – Carrie Green
…a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12b
Words simply said can make a big impact. Let’s feed our minds with words that reflect success. Take it from people who have been there and know what it takes. Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and remember Who you’re working for, playing for, and living for.
Knowing how to relax sounds simple, yet relaxing can be hard to find, especially in the Christmas season. We live in a world that thrives on speed and noise. As things spin faster and noisier; it’s now more critical to put yourself in a timeout to relax. Why? Because healthy solitude will fill your soul and renew your mind, this my friend will clarify the steps you take each day. Learn how to reap the rewards of truly relaxing to feed your mental health. Embrace these 4 rock-solid ways of knowing how to relax.
Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, all is bright.
Silent Night, the Christmas song, was composed in 1818. This now-traditional Holiday tune debuted all because of an organ…that broke. Without the help of an ill organ who knows if this song would have surfaced; oddly, silence accelerated its success.
How does knowing how to relax help your success?
Recently I saw a commercial, not sure what it was selling, but it did leave me wondering what ‘peace’ really was. In the commercial, we see a couple who left the big city to go camping in the woods. Due to their over joyous accomplishment of setting up camp, they were seeking serenity. However, when night fell and all was calm, they were restless and frustrated. Then one of them downloaded a ‘noise app’ on their phone. Ironically it played cars honking, emergency sirens blaring, and dogs barking…all was ‘calm’ and they instantly fell asleep. What is ‘your silence’?
Our ‘silent night’ is not only where our souls settle down, but it’s where peace waits and where ideas birth. Outside of bedtime, do you intentionally turn off the NOISE?
How to relax: 4 solid reasons to make it happen
1. To hear from God
The most likely time God will talk to us is when we’re relaxed…quiet…still…and alone with Him. Jesus went away all the time to be with the Lord. Why wouldn’t we make time to be alone with God too?
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16
As I said earlier this world will swallow you up with noise, drama, and distractions; so much so that you’ll miss what God is trying to tell you, show you, and bless you with. When we don’t stop to be with the Lord in private, the world will devour us and we will completely miss the blessing God has for us; and this is exactly what the Enemy wants!
In Romans 12:2 Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV). Make this your prayer. Spend time in healthy solitude with God to allow intimacy with Him. He wants your attention so He can love you more than you will ever know. His promises surface when you spend time with Him. There is a transformation in His presence when you make time to be alone with Him and ultimately rest in His arms.
2. Creativity
Inc. Magazine says…awesome creative work can be achieved by shutting out the outside world, whilst you insanely focus on your craft. Do you say you’re not creative? That’s not true! My go-to for taking my mind off things is to put my colored pencils to work and get my hands busy. Develop your hobby and reap the rewards. Tap into relax-mode with a coloring book, here’s one to get you started: The Psalms in Color.
Hence, to get all the benefits of relaxing and creativity, not to mention, getting outside, take up gardening or walking…without the earbuds. Did you know that nature can enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills?
3. Problem-solving
Physically turning off the noise calms our thoughts. We can then think through our issues without distraction. The phrase “Sleep on it” makes a lot of sense now. There is truth in ‘sleeping on it’; not only does it help us think through things, but it restores our bodies, and reduces stress. One of the key tools I use to fall asleep and stay asleep is my white noise machine. Our family has 4 of these amazing things! Seriously, this is a game-changer and has improved all of our sleep and sanity.
4. Restoration in health
Scientifically, the Huffington Post reports that researchers found that two hours of silence daily led to the development of new cells in the hippocampus, a key brain region associated with learning, memory,and emotion. If you can’t get complete silence, the white noise machine as I mentioned above is a great alternative. It helps drown out the distractions with little noises. Again, I LOVE this tool!
The Power in Silent Night
In the dancing noises of our world many of us, unfortunately, will miss these life-enhancing riches. We’ll wander in the racket and wonder why our prayer hasn’t been answered, why this particular problem still lingers, why we feel like we just exist, and why our bodies hurt all the time.
Josef Mohr, author of Silent Night, pondered on what to do about his broken organ. Christmas Eve was the next day, people were expecting music! So he hiked up a hill.
It was there where he looked down at the snow-covered village where he could be in ‘his silence’. It was there where he relaxed yet, gained the courage to turn his poem into a legendary song.
“The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence; the stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective.”
Mother Teresa
How to relax recap
The next day, Christmas Eve, Josef approached his organist, Franz Xaver Gruber, and within 3 hours Franz composed the melody via guitar. Silent Night has been sung ever since. Are you making an effort to be in silence a little bit every day?
“Silence” grows, moves, and it gives. How much is ‘your silence’ worth? Recharge by spending some time to relax in silence. You might be surprised at what you hear and how amazing you’ll feel. If you haven’t gotten a daily devotional yet for this year, it’s never too late. One of my favorites is Jesus Calling.
