Mommy Finger, Baby Finger

From the moment I wake up, I’m consumed by thoughts about work, relationships, my finances, my kid, the bill I didn’t pay, the call I need to make, making dinner, can I make it to the gym? Am I a good mom? Why did I have to yell at my kid yesterday? You get the picture. I live in my head … like a lot and those close to me know that I am doer. I struggle with staying still. freeing myself from work, from moving and doing. This is one of the reasons I love journaling: it allows me to slow down, catch my thought process and calm my mind. However, it was after leaving my full-time job 8 months ago that I realized my inner world needed more of my attention and time. I was missing the feeling of being grateful for the very fact that I was even alive.

So, over the summer, I began a new daily habit: spending time with myself, isolated from people and noise, and in heartfelt prayer and meditation. I do this by sitting in a comfortable place with a warm cup of coffee, my Bible and my journal. I go from studying my Bible, writing passages that move me, thoughts and prayers. In that 1-2 hours of no distractions I find peace, encouragement and understanding. Very often after meditating I will feel more energized and inspired to live with more intention. I also will ask friends and family if they have any prayer requests.

Making this a habit helped me realize how much time I used to spend operating in a way that allowed people and things to drain me and at the same time, being a workaholic and a people pleaser gave me a lot of my self-confidence and purpose! So, I began to cut some cords and take my energy back. There was a time when I overlooked my health and myself to meet the demands of work and school and relationships. However, when I was going to work wearing a heart monitor, it hit me. I was only 26. This was not supposed to happen to me. And, my digestive health had also been affected by my stress. In addition to meditating, I feel a huge responsibility to to take care of my body by exercising and maintaining a balanced diet. I hike with my terrier-poodle, Rocky, lift weights and keep my diet dairy and gluten-free (also known as the anti-inflammatory diet). I’ve also added vitamins and probiotics. It’s not so much about “looking good,” but about “feeling good.” As much as I want to save the world, I can’t do that when I’m anxious or bloated. You’d be amazed to know about the connection between your mental health and your gut.

A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. That’s because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected. — Harvard Health 

I still remember when, before my daughter was born, I would say, “I’ll sleep when I die.” Now, I think: Eat real food, sleep 8 hours a day, move your body, meditate and give it time … Another good habit I’ve picked up: going to bed with a grateful heart. I’ll always ask my daughter what the best part of her day was and I’ll tell her what the best part of my day was. Sometimes, we even make a list and she draws a picture of the most meaningful thing on her list.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual. (1 Corinthians 15:44)