The past few months have been draining. I am tired. I am weary. I am depleted. I am empty.
I have a choice. I can feel sorry for myself or I can take action and live. I choose life.
I have been in this dry place before.
I remember after finishing graduate school, working full time and being a mother of three active kids experiencing this same parchedness.
I intentionally sought spiritual nourishment then and think I will repeat some of those steps now. I thought I would share this plan with you.
Physically
· Back to Weight-Watchers. I feel so much better eating healthier. When I am under stress I really hit those carbs and now feel very sluggish. Time to count points and make better food choices.
· Time to get outside to the garden and to go for daily walks. I am not an exerciser, but have heard the message over and over again – moving daily is essential and can’t be avoided.
Socially
· I will not let myself withdraw from spending time with friends. I will intentionally connect and enjoy friendship. Too often I slink away in self-pity and lick my wounds by myself instead of allowing the supportive community God has blessed me with lift my spirit.
· I will play with my granddaughter and drink in her laughter.
Spiritually
· Even though I just said I wouldn’t go off by myself, I do plan to spend a few days in retreat. Spending time, just being with God, always refreshes and renews my soul.
· Back to basics: contemplative prayer and digging deep in the scriptures. I will find my journal once again and reflect where God is calling me.
· I will seek beauty – in the flowers in my backyard, at the local art museum, by pausing and breathing in music, in smiling and looking deep in whoever is right in front of me, in the present moment that is life.
How do you replenish yourself after a stress time?
We can always depend on God to initiate and so when I am stressed, I wait upon Him, wait on His words for me. Sometimes when I’m really down, I sing praise songs! Patsy from
HeARTworks
Jean, I love the fact that you state that you have been in a dry place before. That you sought spiritual nourishment then and that you are trying some of the steps again.
Too often, God has given us the answer to a situation and when the situation occurs again, we forget what He has done previously.
I read your profile and see that you are an expert in spiritual growth, especially in the area of prayer. God has connected me to you as this is an area of interest to me.
God Bless you more,
Love all the comments. and again so nice to find others who wonder through dark dry periods too. Love the idea of the hammock and the Bible!
This is a lovely post overflowing with lovely ideas. How can I replenish — by following your advice!
“Parchedness” is a great way to describe that feeling. And drinking in your grandchild’s laughter is a wonderful remedy.
I have gone off by myself before…spend a night in a convent to get some quiet. I love to spend time in the hammock with my Bible.
You know Jean, it’s funny how there are some times when we’re all posting about the same things… 🙂
I love your steps to refocus yourself. Thank you for sharing them!
Have a Blessed Day!
I like your outlook you did something instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
I, too, could juse all of these right now.
Fondly,
Glenda
Really good practical advise, Jean. I like to walk in the woods! May the Lord replenish your body, soul and spirit!