Friday me day

This year, I decided to start paying attention to what I need to take care of me. How can I best fill my cup so then I can help others fill theirs? It feels odd, but yet very fulfilling too.

This morning I woke up later than expected as I have been rising early for the past several weeks. But today, my body said rest a little bit more. Because I slept longer, my first inclination was to cancel a weekly health appointment I have and work instead. I haven't been in my office much over the past several weeks, due to other obligations, so the catch up pile keeps growing and growing. After sitting for a bit on the deck while drinking my coffee and reading devos, my beloved morning routine, I prayed and asked God what to do. This verse was included in a audio devo I listen to and directed my next steps. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.143.8.NLTof

God, in his grace, was directing my next steps. I got ready for my appt and drove the hour++ to it. Normally, after I'm done, I go check on our older two boys who are living in the city where my appt is. They were both gone for the day so that changed to my plans. I decided to take a walk before getting in my car, as the skies were overcast, temps were in the 70s and my body was tired after riding in the car this morning. The leisure walk in my Birkenstocks, which seem to be the only shoes I can wear right now as they do not cause my feet want to be yanked off, led me to a new section of town that I had not been in. I found a pond with a fountain flowing in the middle surrounded by God's handiwork of flowers and trees and singing birds. I sat in a rocking chair by the water and took notice of things around me. I followed the sidewalk trail around the pond and through the residential area that I hoped would lead me back to my car. The overhanging trees, singing birds and growing vines sheltered me for a bit from all that was around me, including the to do list in my head. Because I did not know the way, I was more focused on looking at my surroundings and seeing where the path lead next. As I approached my car, I looked across the street and saw an ice cream shop. I realized it was almost noon and I was getting hungry. There was an Asian bistro next to it that also sounded good but honestly was not what I was in the mood for. As I got it back into my car, I decided to drive across the street and get ice cream for lunch. I ordered a sugar cone with 2 scoops -salted caramel and coffee Heath. I decided to treat myself and just sit and enjoy it. I noticed a jar of sprinkles on the table to add as many as desired. I'm not normally a sprinkle girl but today it just seemed right.

Self care often seems selfish but in all actuality, it is essential. If our soul, our mind and our body are not nourished by us, the impact can be detrimental. In taking a few steps to care for me, I have found my Serenity2day.