healthy living – Page 2

End Well: 3 simple ways to finish the year strong

December is a full month for me. I normally order my new planner, start my yearly reflection, and begin planning for the new year. This year, however, I heard the Holy Spirit quietly whisper something new—“End Well.” In the planning for the next year, I took my eyes off what God wanted to do right NOW and how God wanted this year to end. God is still moving. God is still healing. God is still blessing. God is still reconciling. God is still a way maker. God has work HE still wants to do THIS year. I don[...]

Lifestyle, Wellness

Gratitude Attitude: 3 ways to tackle self-pity with gratitude

Things never go my way. I’m always messing up. They never listen to me. I don’t matter. Ever had any of these thoughts? I know I have—more than I care to admit. I get it. Some days are hard. Sometimes we make mistakes. We all have those thoughts of self-pity and doubt. While it can be challenging to avoid those negative thoughts, we can choose to exchange our self-pity for gratitude. Self-pity keeps our eyes on blame, fear, and discontent. If we are not careful, self-pity will immobili[...]

Lifestyle, Mid-week three, Wellness

Goodbye Holiday Blues: 3 practical ways to stay mentally healthy during the holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Hmm, sometimes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can definitely feel not so wonderful. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can pull and stretch even the best of us. Travel, parties, interesting family dynamics, school plays, finances, and more can magnify issues we can generally manage. Plus, when you add seasonal depression and health issues that can peak ahead during this time of the year, the demands of the holiday season can create so[...]

Marriage, Mid-week three

Living whole: 3 ways to let your spouse help you deal with trauma

Trauma is hard. It creates a jumble of emotions. You find yourself feeling vulnerable, exposed, angry, and unsafe, even with the people you love and trust the most. Even with the best of intentions, when we have experienced trauma, it can find a way into our marriages. It finds a way to hide in the deepest, darkest places in our hearts (especially when we have not taken the time to acknowledge our trauma or get help). We have arguments about things that don't matter. We say things we don't mean. We hold on[...]

faith, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Wellness

I need out: 5 tips to get beyond survival mode to embrace an intentional life

Feeling l like you're just struggling to survive? Survival mode is real and it stops us from living an intentional life. Friend, I see you. Even before your feet hit the floor, your heart is already overwhelmed with stress and worry. You have people pulling on you, needing your time, calling your name, wanting you to show up. The reality is some days and some seasons are just hard. There are sleepless nights, endless meetings, numerous doctor appointments, never-ending homework, crying children, and[...]