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Self care. Has anyone ever encouraged you to do some self care?
Self care is not the same as being self-indulgent. It does not mean being focused only on yourself to the exclusion of God, your family, and your friends. That is not self care, and that certainly does not describe a Reach UP woman.
Rather, self care is defined as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical health and mental health.”
Self care might mean telling your child, “I need a hug,” as Sybil Peters explains in her parenting tips below. How fantastic is it that a hug not only warms your heart but also calms your child who is throwing a tantrum?
Self care might be coloring a picture, sitting in cool water, or sipping some iced tea. Self care could be reading Reach UP and trying one of the ideas on the next pages! It might be joining in at a pedicure party. Sometimes self care is taking a nap, or even going on a run.
When you take a personal timeout, you choose to do something that clears your brain and soothes your nerves. It is a way of telling yourself – I matter!
So, if the summer heat is beating you down, take some time out to do some self care.
Here’s one more thing to do after you’ve enjoyed some self-care time: Thank Jesus for providing that time and creating whatever it is you found to do. Gratefulness to God is an important element of spiritual health.
For instance, recently, after a very demanding schedule, I got to spend two hours in the ocean. Even when the waves knocked me down, I kept thanking God for the beauty of the ocean and the wonder of wave after wave after wave after endless wave. I was in awe that God knew exactly how many grains of sand were on that beach and how He arranged for me, Crystal Knapp, to glory in His creation. My heart swelled with gratitude to the One who created me.
I wanted to stay all day, but my responsibilities would not allow it. Yet, those precious moments gave me the strength to tackle my upcoming week.
That is what I mean about self care. It can lift your spirit and center you on Jesus.
Reach UP my friend,
Crystal Knapp
Editor-in-Chief
