Recently, my friend Cherie gave a presentation that really spoke to me. It focused on 13 "self-nurturing practices," things we can do to brighten, strengthen, reward, and inspire ourselves and fill our buckets so we can better fill others' buckets. They made such an impression on me, I thought I'd share them with you:
1) Scripture study
2) Meditation (visualize what you desire, etc.)
3) Impressions notebooking (write “on the go” and scribble phrases/ideas that come)
4) Meaningful prayer (focus on praise and thanks; don't rush; listen and ponder)
5) Journaling (process life events, ask questions of God, answer questions to yourself, reflect on your life)
6) Fasting with a purpose (offer deep gratitude to deity by sacrificing food/water; paired with prayers of praise)
7) Essential oils (nurture your emotional and physical self in aroma for relaxation and healing)
8) Creative expression (experiment hands-on with medium of your choice--my choice is scrapbooking, of course!)
9) Soaking in nature (connect to the outdoors in all seasons… put your feet in the earth and your face to the sun)
10) Music therapy (stream inspirational songs throughout the home, sing, practice/learn an instrument, dance, attend uplifting concerts and cultural events)
11) Play (laugh, run, wrestle, play sports, and “be” with children)
12) Beautify your living space (create “centers” for expression and unique purposes, decorate, organize, declutter, paint)
13) Worship (leave the world behind, connect to heaven, focus)
Within these 13 practices fall all kinds of "good for you" activities. The presentation renewed my commitment to "self-nurture" so that I can be an even stronger resource to those I serve. I've been even more dedicated to these 13 principles since Cherie shared them with me, and they are really having a positive impact in my life. And I know they can for you, too, however you choose to apply them.
For example, I love getting pedicures every couple of weeks--I find it a relaxing escape that also makes me feel beautiful. I love cooking for my family. Preparing a meal with love is a creative endeavor that has me humming and happy in the kitchen. I love listening to opera in my car. Not only does it make my drive more pleasant, it fills me with gratitude for the talents of others and makes me want to be my best self. I've also been more vigilant in my prayers, worship, and scripture study and my life has been filled with increased peace.
So, now I turn the question to you: what "good for you" activities are you pursuing right now to self-nurture and fill your bucket? I'd love to hear your insights and ideas, and for 10 lucky commenters, you'll even win the new "Authentic" stamp set (it's D1401, on page 11 of our Spring Idea Book). I chose this great new set because it really speaks to the many roles we play and the strengths we're all trying to cultivate to be better people. Share your "Authentic" ideas before Wednesday, March 3, when I'll randomly pick 10 people to win. And if you win, well, good for you!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Good for You!
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I find the best way to nurture myself is to give to others. I find the feeling is so uplifting and joy filling that I want to do it more and more. Now I still like the nurturing activities like massage and exercise but I get the most joy and happiness from giving.
ReplyDeleteI feel nurtured when I take care of my family. I feel a sense of accomplishment and peace when everyone is happy and organized. Now if that could only happen more often!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I am feeling "frazzled" and need to take time for me, my favorite thing to do is put on my favorite classical music, light some scented candles and indulge is a hot bubble bath. It's only 30minutes with the bathroom door closed, but I come out feeling like a new person. I am also in the process of trying to be more physically active and maintain a healthier lifestyle. My desire to exercise more often and eat properly is great for me as well as my family.
ReplyDeleteI have a few friends that I really enjoy spending time with (we call ourselves the "Frostbitten Four" because we live in Alaska). Just spending time with these 3 extraordinary ladies really fills my bucket! Whether we are crafting, meeting for coffee or even just chatting on the phone: the activity doesn't matter. Cultivating friendships with positive women who have the same values and lifestyles really nurtures the part of me that is just "me"!
ReplyDeleteScrapbooking while listening to my IPOD is truly my "good for you" activity!! I am a SAHM and at the end of the day I NEED to go spend at least 1/2 hour in my craft room by myself to unwind and forget about the stresses of the day!
ReplyDeleteI also find that the story-telling I do through my layouts is theraputic for me as well. I always dreamed of being a writer - and by writing my family story on the pages of our scrapbooks - in a way I've fulfilled that dream. That nutures my soul!!
watching my granddaughter is very inspiration for me. the innocent of her personality and the joy she bring to everyday thing makes me happy and uplifted. she nurtures me. she is a blessing from God thats different everytime you see her. debbie f
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that always calms me down and helps me put life into perspective is reading. It's the one thing that helps me put aside my worries - it's my way of meditating and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteExercise!
ReplyDeleteI own a home daycare so adult conversation is one thing that fills my bucket. I enjoy spending time with my friends Scrapbooking, and talking half the night. I love having family night playing games, watching movies and making crafts.
ReplyDeleteI love taking the time to study my scriptures and connect with the Lord. I find when I do that, all of the craziness of my day seems to dissipate and I truly "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13). I also love the creative outlet that papercrafting has given me...and I have everything to do it right here in my own home!
ReplyDeleteMy "good for you" activities are reading, scrapbooking and girlfriend talk time. I love to read & study scripture but also love the creative outlet of scrapbooking. I also love to sit over a cup of coffee and having a chat with a good friend. Family time is very important to me too but as an empty nester I don't get to do that very often so my girls fill the gap in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteI love to create, whether it be scrapbooking, cooking, or making a craft, it's my "me" time and totally energizes me to keep on going. Also a hot bath with soft music for just 20 min is so relaxing and rejuvenating.
ReplyDeleteI fill my bucket with my kids. Their hugs and kisses give me peace:)
ReplyDeleteMy DD fills my bucket, she is autistic so seeing the world through her eyes gives me a whole different outlook on life!
ReplyDeleteThanks for allowing me to share!
Ways that I fill my bucket include reading, scrapbooking/cardmaking, tap class once a week, and walking my dog most days. These activities all help me re-energize (or relax as needed), helping me to be able to fill my other roles better (wife, mother, teacher, etc.). Thanks for sharing what Cherie had to offer.
ReplyDeleteI spend extra time grooming my angora rabbits-soothes them and me!
ReplyDeleteI've started reading a couple of new books during my morning Quiet Time: "Good Bye Insecurity" by Beth Moore, and "Outflow"---a book/study about letting your relationship with Jesus "flow" out to others. I also love to light a scented candle during my Bible Study---Lately, I've been enjoying
ReplyDelete"Blueberry" by Yankee Candle...
I have always wanted to be a stay at home mom, but I never realized how much that takes from a person. So I have set aside time for myself. Wether it be cooking, checking out blogs, or creating a card, it's my time and I won't feel guilty for it.
ReplyDeleteIn my scrapbooking, I have begun to scrap the most recent photos so that I don't lose all the memories and things people said and did. I can scrap them and journal right away. And I was told to handwrite journaling sometimes, so I have started to do that almost exclusively.
Reading, excercising, and girl time. I'm taking a mini vacation with my sisters. So excited!
ReplyDeleteMy necessary 'good for me'activity is time to myself- this is completely essential in making sure I am optimal as a mother and wife- I love spending it reading, scrapbooking or just watching a good chick flick!
ReplyDeleteI knew a little boy who would say, "I want some food that is good for me." He always meant cookies or candy.
ReplyDeleteThe little guy was well on his way to living a life full of things to brighten his days.
Thanks for the post, Jeannette. It is always good to consider and then act, even if the act is as a little child wanting something that is "good for me."
Mary
I'm on board with #12. In university and my first years of work and marriage/family, I've always decorated in a very utilitarian manner. I've realized in the last year how important it is to bring beauty into the home. In fact, today I've sent the 3 kiddies to Oma's and have a crew of friends coming over to transform their rooms into colourful playful spaces! I can't wait to see their faces when they see their "new" bedrooms!
ReplyDeleteI self indulge by scrapbooking. It is a way to relax and destress from the work day. I also love to be in the kitchen. Cooking a wholesome meal for my family gives me great satisfactions. Baking is a way that i am able to give to others. It allows me to use my talents to make others smile, afterall, who can resist a fudge brownie?
ReplyDeleteI feel blessed that we both share this same "Cherie Friend." She is a beautiful person. Thanks for sharing her 13 tips. I saw one or two (or thirteen!) that I could DEFINITELY work on in my life. The one that really spoke to me was "creative expression." I actually do a lot of this but it is usually a card I need or a layout because I have photos that need to be done. That way of creating is wonderful, but this week I actually created an accordion album for my son, "just because." It felt so good to sit down and do something that didn't NEED to be done, and to be thinking of the person I was creating for the whole time. It was a huge creative release for me, and helped me love and appreciate the person it was for even more. I love this quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty..."
ReplyDeleteI am currently training for a cross country ski event. I haven't been on skis in over 20 years and this experience has been a huge challenge. I love getting out and enjoying the peacefulness of the trails. Though I have not reached the 'I know I can', yet--I am getting renewed each time I am out on the trails.
ReplyDeleteI love to study the Scriptures and find that essential. Also, hanging out with my kids. I am so fortunate to have been able to have 8 kids, so even though 5 of my kids are out of the house and on their own, I still have 3 at home to enjoy! I have many hobbies, but one I love is photography. I love to take walks, with my camera, and get pics of pretty trees, birds, unusual things. In the summer, I love to be at a lake and enjoy the water.
ReplyDeleteCreating anything fills my well. Whether its a home-cooked meal, a scrapbook page, a home decor project, working in my garden, or chatting with my children and continuing to create more loving relationships, I feel infused with joy when it comes from my heart and hands.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with the 13 points you mentioned!! Spending time with God in Biblical Scripture is so precious to me! It starts with prayer and ends with worship of the Creator of Heaven and Earth! I agree also with Karen P about having time to play, without it being to prepare for a class. Just sitting down with my favorite CTMH items and exploring the materials, creating something as I go. We are so blessed to be Close to My Heart consultants!!
ReplyDelete~Antoinette
Reading and scrapbooking are the things that I do just for me. I find that spending time with my family and fitting in time with jst my DH fill my bucket. Since going to work at a private Christian school, I've found working more prayer and scripture time both at school and at home has a calming effect on me in the stress of everyday life. Thanks for this list--what a great thing!
ReplyDeletePlaying with my children more every day- really playing with them by giving them 100 percent of my attention. We're also starting to go to church every week. And I'm rearranging our daily schedule to allow more me time and will probably spend that time in my craft room.
ReplyDeleteTurn over to God what is too difficult for you to handle!
ReplyDeleteI take time several times a month to work on scrapbooking/cardmaking. I also nurture myself by sitting down with a good book and I also love cuddling up on the couch with my kids.
ReplyDeleteWow what inspirtation this is~
ReplyDeleteAs we wait for a grandaughter any day I am blessed and full of praise for How God is Blessing our families.
Thank you for sharing the list it is now on my desk for looking at and reminding me everyday.
Hugs
Wanda
The one thing that I love to do for myself and ends up benefiting everyone else around me is to put on my running shoes and run. I get so many great ideas when I run, plus I feel good and when I'm done, I'm in such a good mood, I feel happy and I just respond to everyone better. When I'm in a good mood my family members always ask, "Did you run today?"
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say reading a good book and taking a bubble bath. I sometimes do both at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI fill my bucket with Gospel music.I belong to a community choir and last Sunday we had a "singin" at our church with all proceeds going to Haiti Releif. We packed the church and raised $2000.00. My bucket over flowed with pride.
ReplyDeleteYesterday was such a busy day as I already had a crop nite planned with friends. But my daughter wanted to go to the beach. Living in Hawaii, you would think we go all the time. Well, I had to make a decision and I'm glad we had a beautiful afternoon enjoying the sun and sand. I'm hoping our next adventure will not be too far in the future.
ReplyDeleteI listen to Christian radio while I am scrapping. I also love candles with scents that remind me of summer. These things never fail to inspire me and make me feel great.
ReplyDeleteI listen to Christian radio while I am scrapping. I also love candles with scents that remind me of summer. These things never fail to inspire me and make me feel great!
ReplyDeleteI have found that in order to feel good I have to do good things for others. I feel the best when we've come from the nursing home where we sing once a week. We started singing to 'help' those who were unable to get out to go to church. We have since found that it brings just as much of a blessing to us, as it does to them. 'Filling my bucket', is listening to some good bluegrass gospel...and singing along, a nice relaxing facial, and getting a manicure. Then I can scrapbook or make cards with a relaxed, no rush feeling.
ReplyDeleteI love spending time with friends. Sometimes I feel selfish for spending time with my fiends instead of my family but I think getting away and rejuvinating makes me a better wife and mom. I'm so lucky to have great friends that make me a better person.
ReplyDeleteI like to fill my bucket by spending time with my children, listening to country music that hits home & the smell of fresh grapefruit...moreover I like to fill the bucket of each of my children. Since they are so very unique, one thrives on praises, one one hugs & kisses & the other on yummy treats. Filling their bucket fills mine at the same time.
ReplyDeleteBeing out in nature and exercising are my favorite self-nurturing practices. Walking in the snow in my yard, looking at the bunny tracks and listening to the snow birds chirp always make me feel alive, present and refreshed. Exercise does the same thing, but I'm more sweaty when I'm done =)
ReplyDeleteOf course, I love scrapbooking... but lately I have been more of a "collector". One of the things that lifts my spirit is when I have the opportunity to fly home to be with my brothers and sisters. Even though we are all grown ups now, we have so much fun together. I laugh non stop and I always come back to my husband and children feeling like a brand new woman! :)
ReplyDeleteI stamp and scrapbook to nurture and rejuvenate myself. I also do other things that relax me to de-stress and rejuvenate, such as spending time with my 2 year old granddaughter, a hot bubble bath, and blog-hopping.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am feeling less than special, I start back at the basics and remember that my very breath is something to be thankful for and then I start counting my most basic blessings and I am surrounded again by real perspective. In this hedonistic, material world it is so easy to forget who you are and where you come from and what is really important in this life!
ReplyDeleteTo fill my bucket and nurture my soul, I recently returned to bedside nursing from a higher level nursing job and at the age of 50 - this caused a 25% decrease in my pay, but I needed to fill my "bucket" by providing care to others and making a difference to others. I LOVE my new job!
ReplyDeleteI treat myself to a relaxation massage each month; it helps me feel rejuvenated & able to tackle all the projects that need to be done between home, fulltime job, CTMH business & family. I also love to cook & entertain, so my home workshops always include a tasty treat along with the fabulous papercrafting projects.
ReplyDelete"BREATHE" is what I try to remember: B is for be still (meditation, scripures, etc), R is for release (let go of past hurts), E is for energize (exercise, play), A is for accept (it is what it is), T is for thank (be grateful in everything), H is for hear (listen to your body, heart, mind, others), E is for enrich (live every moment, share what you learn). I came up with the BREATHE acronym a few years ago and am always reminding myself to BREATHE. Renae McBarron
ReplyDeleteI was in a serious car accident almost one month ago. The "good for me" activities I was used to doing aren't an option as I try to recover from my injuries. What I am doing is finding emotional and mental strength in the service those around me are offering. I look at my two perfectly healthly young children who walked away from the accident completely unharmed. I marvel at my Heavenly Father's protection of me and my children and know it means something will be expected of me later in my life. "Good for me" things now involve much more introspection - and I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you for sharing this lesson. Those 13 practices are a wonderful reminder of what's important. I appreciate you sharing the gospel in such an honest loving way. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have recently renewed my passion for dance. I lost my job last year; in addition to job hunting, I joined a group of women in a performance dance group. It lifts my spirits tremendously, makes me happy, brings joy to our audiences, provides me with friends, and keeps my mind and body fit. After performing, I feel a tremendous sense of fulfillment. I usually come home and indulge in another spirit lifting indulgence - a long soak in my spa tub with lit candles. Additionally, I find joy in scrapping and card making, reading and walking outdoors. Thanks for the insight; I plan to focus on the 13!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite nurturing thing to do is to walk outside while listening to Christian music on my Ipod!
ReplyDeleteI find that life is more fulfilling when I serve others. I find and surround myself with opportunities to uplift those around me. I do this by donating a bag of groceries to my local food bank, smile as I pass others and participate in larger communities service projects.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great article! I have been going through some anxiety issues and have had to look at my life more closely. This is a great guideline for me. I have learned to have more "me" time-listening to music, reading scriptures, and just going out with friends to laugh more often. I've come to realize, Life really is too short-we need to savor every moment! Thanks for the great article!
ReplyDeleteI like to fill my bucket and others around me be making sending cards. When I am making my cards I am relaxed and the tense from the day leaves. Then when I am finished with them I send my cards to friends and family to brighten their days.
ReplyDeleteI find that scrapbooking and crafting helps me to feel more like myself. I also just recently (yesterday) attended a CTMH Unit Meeting in order to reconnect. CTMH is what helps me relax, socially connect, and helps me to remind myself who I am. It also helps to remind of what's important in life and why we choose to do what we do (Family, Children, etc..) Journally or using a Diary also helps to remember what events occurred and what I might have been thinking at the time.
ReplyDeleteToday I am feeling like a whole new woman today!
Jeanette, thank you so much for sharing these "good for you" tips. I have 4 wonderful, busy boys & could use each & everyone one of these in my life, & some I do already. I know that spending that quality time with my boys, & enjoying each of their own personalites, when I am so busy & have so much to do, strengthens me, as a mom. And when they are finally asleep I can do that crafting I love to do for myself! :)
ReplyDeleteI try and scrapbook a little bit each day. It keeps my creativity flowing, my insanity to a low boil, and gives me a great opportunity to be with my kids, they love coming down to the workshop and crafting with me. They even have their own stamps and know how to clean them!
ReplyDeleteThe most important "Self-nurturing" thing I do for myself is to read the Bible daily - every morning!!! I can't stress the importance of putting God first in my life. It's amazing how much better each and every day goes. And it's important to me to try to think of doing something for someone else - giving of my time and talents to those who need someone to show that they care. Other self nurturing things to me are scrapbooking, quilting and cooking and practicing the piano for our church's worship services.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love spending time with my family - my 3 children and my husband.
I make sure to find time to spend with my girlfriends. We are all lucky to be stay at home moms and I look forward to our coffee or lunch dates. It is amazing how good I feel after spending time with the girls talking and laughing and eating good food someone else cooked. I have to say Scrapbooking makes me very happy. When I am on my way to my monthly scrapbook session, I am in the car with with radio blasting and I am singing and so giddy.
ReplyDeleteAs women we are called to aid humanity in not failing so during lent, especially, I am trying to be a spiritual nuturer but also to nuture my faith.
ReplyDeleteI just rediscovered cross-stitching. It enables me to create while spending time with my family, and it also keeps my fingers off the food!
ReplyDeleteOur lives are so busy and full of commitments, that it's hard to find a spare moment for oneself, let alone others. I decided a few months ago to really listen to Joys and Concerns during our church service and hear the needs of others. Now I create a card or two a week and use it to send comfort to someone I may not know well, but I know needs a spirit lift. I really do this for me as a rewarding and self-nurturing act. Filling my bucket is simple-creating what I love for myself and others.
ReplyDeleteKeeping my to do list manageable and not procrastinating helps keep my stress level down. Remembering to focus on my job responsibilities and not worry about anything I can't change. I also make sure I spend some quiet time at the start and end of every day.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with my family, and taking care of them, and of course scrapbooking. I find it also filling to give back to others and help when I can.
ReplyDeleteUntil recently when I found out I had Fibromyalgia, I thought everything I was doing, taking care of my family, giving until I couldn't give anymore, going to work, and all the endless giving things we do as Mom's was what would fill up my bucket...this is not so, if we don't take a little time each day, whether it be to read, organize our days plans and journal as the day ends, we REALLY aren't doing anyone any good. So, with that said, I have been trying and focusing on taking a little time for me, whether it be to stamp, plan out my next project, visit some blogs and just be by myself. I need to fill me up, before I can be of any good to anyone.
ReplyDeleteI do like to spend time by myself, but lately I have really enjoyed cooking with my 3 children. They are so proud of their food and take an interest in what we are eating!
ReplyDeleteI write thank you cards. Even when I don't think I have anyone to thank, a couple minutes of thinking and I can't seem to find enough time to write them all. It helps me to keep things in perspective and to recognize how blessed I truly am. It helps me want to reach out more to my family and those around me.
ReplyDeleteMy life has been crazy as of late with one illness after another with my husband. I have found that in each new trial I must find time to listen to God more by quieting my world and my soul.
ReplyDeleteIt may sound silly but whenever I need to relax, I love to find a new storage item and reorganize something! I find it so uplifting when I've finished and knowing that at least one thing in my life is in order, it helps me to get the rest of things headed in that direction as well.
ReplyDeleteI recently started to fast. I have to admit, the thought of skipping one meal made me question if I'd even survive but I found I had an amazing sense of awareness and concentration by choosing to skip a meal and focus on other things. And I did survive!! The other thing I do to nurture myself is accomplish something; it could be as simple as cleaning a bathroom or finishing up a scrapbook page, but accomplishing something makes me feel great! One down...about a million things or more to go.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read my scriptures, I'm working more to find out what is being taught and what it means for me, rather than just 'reading the story'. Why was it important enough to include?
ReplyDeleteWe are now empty nesters, and got into the habit of ending up in different parts of the house doing things on our own. We have made it a point to 'be together'....do more things together like we did when we were dating, and even if we are both just reading - to sit next to one another on the couch and be together.
I always believe that having a relationship with God is the thing that gives me the most peace. It's funny because I look back over my life and the times that were the most difficult I was really walking my path of faith with God and had an unexplained peace. Then when things return to normal and life gets busy, I forget to read my bible and pray quit the way and I should and I feel so much more stressed. So thanks for reminding me what I need to do to nuture myself.
ReplyDeleteAlso I am getting ready to go on a beautiful cruise with Jeanette and the CTMH crew and I know that is going to be a self renewing experience all the way around...mind, body, soul and business.
The best "good for me" activity is my relationship with God, and yes, I do get busy sometimes, and don't put as much energy into that relationship as I should. The best thing for me is to take the time with God - everything works out after that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I serve others with love, I find that I nourish my own soul. I also nurture myself through daily scripture study and prayer (both personal and family) as well as allowing time to pursue my creative interests of quilting and scrapbooking.
ReplyDeleteI just wrote in 3 days this week to go exercise - I spend a lot of time accomodating my husband's workout schedule and getting my daughters' to their sports, but always put my own physical exercise on the back-burner. I need to make it a priority!
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas! I especially like the one about surrounding yourself with music - I find I am more relaxed and productive if I am listening to music.
ReplyDeleteJust telling myself I am good enough just the way I am helps me have the courage to try new things and in turn fills my bucket.
ReplyDeleteToday I am not feeling the happiest. I feel like my kids are trying to push me over the edge. So today I am going to say a prayer and take a nap even though it is only the middle of the day. I hope to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on a 7yr old and 12 year old.
ReplyDeletei love to listen to nina simone and curl up on the couch with my cat. i love his purrs. =) i also find that watching my children sleep erases the days troubles and reminds me that they are sweet, innocent children sent from above for me to nurture and love. it makes me glow inside.
ReplyDeleteWe just bought a house and I'm working on finally making it our space. My color choices, my organization, my flowers, etc. I think it will bring more peace to my family.
ReplyDeleteAND I'm working on jotting my thoughts down/ideas down in a journal. I find it hard to always have something with me, but I'm working on it.
My "therapy" is my stamping. I always feel relaxed and a get a sense of accomplishment when I complete a project, no matter how small it is.
ReplyDeleteI have started working out. It not easy and I not great at it. But I feel great. I wish I was losing more weight. But I well better about myself.
ReplyDeleteI love to cook for others. Just today I called to schedule when I could take dinner into a neighbor who is having a baby on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteI was just called to be the Young Womens Secretary in my ward and I am choosing to earn my Personal Progress. I am doing it to be an example to the young girls but I am doing it also for ME!
ReplyDeleteListening to all types of music while I stamp and scrap. I also love a good long walk. Fresh air does wonders!
ReplyDeleteI try more often lately to "be" with my son... to be on the ground with him, to play, to laugh, to read to him... this brings me a lot of joy.
ReplyDeleteI've also made a pact to take more time to be with myself... whether that means crafting, sitting with a cup of tea and thinking or to stay in bed an extra 5 mins just daydreaming.
scrapbooking of course!
ReplyDeleteI try to do a little crafting (whether scrapbooking or papercrafting) each night after the kids go to bed. It's peaceful, productive and keeps my creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with my grandsons always makes me feel better. They are so funny and creative and they see the world through unspoiled eyes. Sometimes I forget to look at things with their eyes. I also love music which always relaxes me and makes me know everything is as it should be in God's world. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLyla Crawford
Mine would be knitting. I love having my hands busy! I can watch tv, go to my sons trombone lessons and knit. I love the sense of accomplishment when I am done.
ReplyDeleteLisa in Stow
SLEEP!! It's the main thing I think I lack the most sometimes. Sometimes going to bed early feels like such a luxury, so I try to do it as often as I can (which is definately not enough lol). I feel so much more ready to face the day and accomplish things when I get a good nights rest! Thanks for all the wonderful ideas shared here because being reminded of all these things is exactly what I needed to hear! (yes, I struggle to find balance and someday I'm gonna find it more often than not lol).
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get so caught up in all the things that need to get done.....I forget to enjoy all the things that matter! That's why I love scrapbooking so much. . .it remnds me......my kids sure do fill my "bucket" every day, with their giggles and laughter and the cute things they say!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting how you fill your "bucket" reminds me what really matters!!
My body, if I can get my body in shape, then I can connect better mind and spirit and therefore be a better person, mom, wife.
ReplyDeleteSo far, the battle is just that, a battle, but in time I hope to establish the connection and keep it :)
~C
Each day I say a prayer to thank God that my husband is still alive. And I pray that I will have the strength each and every day to make the best of what he has given me.
ReplyDeleteCrafting, cooking, spending time with my children are things that I love and by doing things that I love, I feel renewed.
ReplyDeleteScrapbooking and reading are my "me" time. I also love to indulge in REALLY long hot showers. The quietness of these times re-energizes me for my busy and hectic life.
ReplyDeleteHey Jeanette - It's going to sound so silly, but I love playing Lego Rock Band with my family. We all jam out and encourage each other and laugh. And I am so intensely concentrating on the words or the drum beat that all my other cares just go away. Usually it's walking, but with the winter we've had, it's been really hard to do. Can't wait to get back to that! Thanks!!!1
ReplyDeleteI've always loved to cook, but now that we are empty nesters, I find that when I bake, I need to share. So my neighbors and friends are recipients of my passion. I love being able to share with them.
ReplyDeleteI also love to sit in my living room. We have worked hard to make it a place that feels homey and I love how I feel. I can sit and look at pictures of our family and special keepsakes and I feel peace.
Nuturing friendships by really sitting and listening to their cares and needs and praying I can offer something worthwhile to make the relationship grow. Of course, one way to do this is at a scrapbook crop!
ReplyDeleteMy whole family turns in at 8pm every night, even my husband! So, that is my 'me' time. I can do something creative, or work on things for my Girl Scout Troop, or just catch up on the shows on my DVR. That alone time is priceless.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I need to be uplifted, I ask my daughter to bring over her 3 YO daughter and 16 month old son and they play with grandma for about 30 minutes. They are both so full of life and love to play just simple things. We have such a good time and I feel so blessed.
ReplyDeleteI loved the 13 things you suggested. I needed this today and I appreciate the wonderful person you are to listen and share this with all your readers. As my weeks are getting so busy I took the time yesterday to listen to our Girls Camp song and felt such a realization of who I am and my potential. I am grateful to those who have that wonderful gift and the reminder of who we all are. Thanks
ReplyDeleteFor me reading a good book, creating something in my "corner' or baking something for my family is good for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example you are. So many people read this blog and what a great thing you do to put things here that will make us take a moment and refocus our energy on the things that really matter. You go above and beyond and what a great service that is. I loved your comment on prayer. what a simple thing to do each day...that often gets rushed or repetitive or overlooked. The benefits of prayer are endless, and I appreciate the reminder. Thank you so much. I love all your creative posts, but this one takes the cake.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be better at keeping a journal/diary - thoughts, things my kids say/do, events that happen, whatever. When I was little, I wanted to grow up to be a writer. I didn't. Last year my mom took me on a trip to Paris, just her and I. I wanted to be able to remember every detail I possibly could, so I bought just a simple little notebook at Walmart and every night, even while we were at places sometimes, I jotted things down and even things in more detail when I had time. Too often I think, oh I'll remember that, and don't take the time to jot it down and then it's gone. Especially with things my kids say. I'm grateful when I look back and read through things lately that I did take time to write them down because too often there are things I didn't and I've forgotten them. :(
ReplyDeleteWorking on eliminating the clutter that has taken over in parts of my home. today I spent 15 minutes cleaning out a section of my closet and was so happy to have one clean section where I can put my purse.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that always makes me feel refreshed and ready to take on anything is when my little boy and I tickle each other to the point we can't stop laughing. I have been really trying hard to make my prayers more meaningful as well. Especially the prayers that I have to say just in my heart.
ReplyDeleteIt may sound simple, but the thing I have been doing lately is stopping to rest when I am tired. With all the many hats I wear, I had become so accustomed to pushing through that feeling of "I'm about to drop." Like you said, Jeanette, if I wear myself out I am unable to give with joy to my husband, three boys, school of dancers and teachers, and all my lovely customers and friends. I have found my strength and vitality returning as I pause to take a little rest - read a book, nap, or find a few minutes to call a good friend. It is so important!
ReplyDeleteI just started working out...God gave me a body and I was not keeping it up very well. So I started eating better and working out. I can see the changes and I like them. I have also made God my priority, if you will research you will find that priority is a single not possesive word. This was eye opening to me! Love your blog and scrapbooking!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fills' my bucket is talking to myself and GOD.. I ask him questions, once in a while he answers, once in a while I am still wondering, but know I will find the answer... as long as I keep on going along my path...
ReplyDeleteand saying "WE CAN DO THIS"....
but I love to look at the blue skies, smell the green grass being cut *or in the winter remember what that smell smells like..*
I love to listen to the birds call to each other and I love to garden and compost.. I love to ride my bike *with my family the most* and crafting.. jewelery, paper, t's, anything I can get my hands on actually..
Weezie13 and my CTMH person is
Rebecca Laird..
Good for me ideas include:
ReplyDelete1. Playing with my 2 grandsons
2. Playing with my 2 new Chessie puppies
3. Baking
4. Reading
5. Decorating my beautiful new home
6. Scrapbooking of course!
7. Photography
8. Long walks in the woods
9. Crosstitching
10.Bubble Baths
11.Good smelling candles
12.Snuggling with my husband
13.Journaling
14.Enjoying the beauty of nature
I find when I take the time in morning before running around with the kids that I read from the scuriptures. Things go better. If I pray. Also exercise.
ReplyDeleteTaking a nap when needed...it fills my bucket when I need a little rest. When I'm well rested, it allows me to fill other people's buckets even better.
ReplyDelete-Liz G. in Michigan
it is okay that i posted late, congrats to the winners...just wanted to say! I love it!! Totally Awesome!! I love to create...my mind goes to another place when I 'play' :) Also my 10 min of scripture study.....love Karen's quote!!! :) Have a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteSitting back and watching my husband doing workbooks with my 3 year old really fills my bucket. It reminds me of how truly blessed I am.
ReplyDelete