In this issue: Learn why repurposing is just a way of appreciating the story in broken things, be inspired to make self-care a regular part of your life with no guilt, and learn more about a new book that's coming out that helps you discover God in the midst of everyday life.
This post marks the beginning of a new format for my blog! The new magazine-style format will include three elements in each issue: 1) a practical real-life article to inspire you to repurpose your own struggles or challenges into growth opportunities, 2) a fun repurposed or before-and-after idea, and 3) a reading recommendation for you to consider. I love books, all things trash-to-treasure, and helping women discover hope - something I hopes you enjoy in every issue! At the top of each issue, you'll find a summary of what's included in the content. That will also come to your inbox if you subscribe to the blog. Long-term, my goal is to turn this into a podcast, and the blog issues will become the show notes for the podcast. Stay tuned for more!
Podcast
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Inspired Life: Making Time for Self-Care How often do you make time for yourself? And how often do you do that without feeling guilty about it? This past week, I made time for a massage. I hadn't had one in several years. On the way to the appointment, I passed the intersection of highways M and E. It made me ask myself, why have I trained myself to think me-time is selfish? I took a picture of the road sign just to remind myself to think about this question later.
It isn't that self-care is all about me, but more all about making sure I'm the best I can be. For you, that might be the best mom, or wife, or co-worker you can be. It might mean making sure you're rested enough to feel strong and healthy. It could mean taking a few minutes to clear your head in the hammock and process some throughs of gratitude. But it has to be guilt-free, and if you struggle with that, I'm right there with you! It feels indulgent, and necessary all at the same time. I also include spiritual health in self-care, because the state of my soul matters. This means taking time to read Scripture in the morning, and doodling in my coloring Bible. It means a few extra minutes with the snooze alarm if I need it. I'm an empty nester and self-employed. My apologies if your reality can't include a snooze button! The time spent doodling in my Bible allows me to meditate on - think about - what I just read and apply it to real life. It presses pause on the morning and says "slow down" before the rush even begins. What's your self-care possibility? Don't think about what everyone else can do, but consider what you can make real in your own life!
Some things to ask yourself: