Before we jump in, please allow me to apologize for the gap in between posts. In addition to illness and travel, I have been figuring out how to deliver these posts via video, knowing people consume information at higher rates if presented in that format. I am so passionate about this message; I had to find a way to increase the engagement so I can inspire more people to take ownership of their own health and wellbeing. Hopefully, delivering these posts via video will do just that! So, if you'd rather listen to this post, just click the link above to be taken to my Facebook page.
Okay, today's topic is on Self-Care. So far, we've looked at how God intersects with our Thought Life, Diet, Sleep and Physical Activity/Exercise. We've now elevated up to the next tier of my Wellness Pyramid.
The term "self-care" is ubiquitous these days. It can have so many different interpretations. For some, when they hear/read it, they immediately think of spas, manicures and vacations. Sure, those are all wonderful, but my personal interpretation of "self-care" is so much more than that. For me, it includes:
* Carving time every single day to slow down, reflect on the past, apply it to the present and proactively plan for the future;
* Developing a plan to shop, cook and eat clean, nourishing foods;
* Guarding sleep;
* Daily assessing lingering hurts and anger and doing what's necessary to clear them;
* Taking quality supplements everyday;
* Making time to move my body everyday;
* Scheduling into life time spent with family, friends and mentors;
* Finding opportunities to laugh;
* Keeping order and structure in the home;
* Spending daily time with God;
* Drink plenty of clean water everyday;
* Staying in touch with my personal interests, goals and desires;
* Learn and grow everyday;
* Prioritizing my marriage;
* Seeking ways to serve others;
* Spending time outdoors.
These are just some of the elements that make up my personal self-care regimen. Each of these is hard to do with consistency if the preceding lifestyle areas aren't being properly addressed. They all build on and are interconnected with each other. Calling again upon the example of being on an airplane that is malfunctioning, in order to serve everyone on that plane to the best of our ability, we must first place our oxygen mask on. Then and only then can we turn our attention to those seated next to us to ensure their mask is properly placed. If we lack the presence of mind and wisdom to secure our own mask and instead turn to our neighbor, we risk both of us never receiving the life-giving flow of oxygen because of our frantic attempt to save someone else before saving ourselves. It is NOT selfish to live life this way; it's essential. In order to love those around you to the very best of your ability, you must be strong, healthy and clear-headed. That requires daily intentional self-care without the guilt.
There's a great example of this shared by J.J. Virgin. Making a very long story very very short, she nearly lost one of her sons to a hit and run accident. He was just about pronounced dead and doctors told her he'd never survive. She refused that counsel and instead warred for her son's miraculous recovery. But, she shares her secret for the ability to show up in such a radically powerful way as being ruthless self-care. Here's a video of her story that will surely inspire you to prioritize your own self-care for the most selfless reasons possible.
So, again, what does God have to say about this area of our wellbeing? Well, first and foremost, followers of Christ believe the Holy Spirit of God lives in them..actually indwells them. That alone is reason enough to take special care of our bodies. Here are some verses that communicate this belief.
* 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
* 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
Then there are verses that speak directly to what we eat, how we should rest, how we should train our bodies, how we should live in peace with one another, etc.
* 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
* Hebrews 4:9-11 ESV
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest.
* Mark 6:31 ESV
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
* 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
* Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
* James 5:16 ESV
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
I could go on and on with biblical counsel on how to live a God-honoring life. But, relax; I won't. The point is the same in all of the parts of this series. God has instruction, guidance and wisdom to speak in and over each of our lives so that we may live free from the pain of regret, shame and grief that come with poor choices. I pray as we continue through this series, you become more enlightened about the interconnectedness of God and our health and wellbeing. From there, the Holy Spirit can convict a humble heart and bring about the change we seek. This is how to heal a life.
Thanks so much for your time, which I totally know is very precious. I'd really appreciate your feedback on video versus text. I'm here to serve YOU, so your opinions matter more than anything. Feel free to comment on this post or even message me privately at tracy@slingshothc.com.
God Bless!
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