How to Take a Real Rest

Photo courtesy: https://instagram.com/andrearhowey/

Hey friends —

How are you…really?

As you know, I’m on a quest to fill up my exhausted, overfatigued soul. Anyone else thankful Jesus graciously offers rest for our weary souls?

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” —Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Since this pace of purpose is new for me, I’m still figuring out baby step by baby step how to experience a new and better way to live. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Stop

Taking a real rest means stopping activities and letting things go.

This summer, I’ve stopped:

answering emails daily
responding to FB messages daily
creating any new content
working on my new book and Bible study

How about for you? Is it time you pull over for a pit stop? Let’s pay attention to the symptoms of stress (weariness, short temperedness, craving coffee, etc…) and just stop.

We can’t take a real rest on the go, friend.

Just stop.

2. Spend time doing pleasurable things.

Ok, true confession.

I met with my therapist again a few weeks ago to learn how to experience the gift of rest. She asked, “Cindy, what things are relaxing to you and bring you pleasure?”

My answer: “Um, I don’t know.”

All my answers were more “doing” than “being.” I like to go for long walks, work out with my trainer, write Bible studies, encourage women, drink coffee. I like to DO things.

When it comes to BEING still — I draw a big blank.

So I’ve been exploring what I like to do —and not just what my husband and kids like to do.

Here’s what I’ve discovered so far:

Maranatha Bible Conference Grounds

I like spending time at the lake—especially at Maranatha, where we could go to Bible teachings twice a day, play cards, watch the sunset over Lake Michigan, AND I didn’t have to cook. Once. Hallelujah!

I like taking trips out West to see my first born and his beautiful girl.
Jake, his mama, Ryanne, & her new dog
I like visiting new places with John and my kiddos, even if it does mean long hours in our car together.
Grand Canyon 2015 (yes, it was windy)

Roadtrip Summer 2015

Sweet friend, what are the things that make your heart sing? How can you incorporate them into your everyday life?

My new work-out hat (post-workout, thus the sweaty, natural look)

3. Pay attention to Self Care

So far this summer I’ve been to the dermatologist, dentist, eye doctor, orthodontist and regular doctor. (Good thing too: I have some skin cancer that needs to come off my cheek next month.)

I’ve also been going to the gym 3-4 times a week, and meeting with Leah, my personal trainer (thank goodness for birthday money!)

On my quest for health and peace, I am remembering self care is not selfish.

Instead of going, going, going…..I’m asking myself questions like—

Am I eating well?
Resting?
Drinking water?
Getting exercise?

I am learning that self care is crucial —and definitely not selfish— but instead critical to living as the rest-full, joy-filled woman God has created me to be.

So how about for you, dear friend?

How do you fill up when you are starting to feel empty? Weary? Discouraged from life’s demands?

How do you take a real rest? I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God’s richest, fullest blessings to you!