(short blog!) Five things I‘m reminding myself of this season that I think you should, too.
I find it funny that not too long ago (a year ago, really), I found myself typing a blog in Africa about the internet and my fears returning to the States.
And now, I find myself writing a blog in the midst of fundraising on the internet in the States, trying to plan ahead for Africa. The gym hosted its last class on Sunday, and seeing as it’s Tuesday, I’m officially unemployed. At 3:45, I’d be wrapping my hands, waiting for people to arrive, but today I find myself sitting at Summer Moon (my 2023’s second home, if we’re being honest) sitting as my brain and body, just, simply… cannot.
There’s a list of things to do and thoughts to extract in my mind, but I simply want to sit here with you guys and remind us of the basics.
I’m tired, you’re busy, and we’re both stressed over something. But I’m the one with all the time on my hands, so allow me to share something short for both of us to read and remember.
Here are simply some things I’ve been thinking of lately:
- Sounds dramatic, but social media is a poison. Don’t let it suck the life out of you. Paying for an app blocker is 100% worth it. PLEASE DO IT.
I have spent too many hours staring soullessly into Instagram’s algorithm these past few weeks for hours since downloading it for fundraising. I feel miserable. It’s an addiction, and I feel ill. I know I’m not alone. It sparks temptations and envy, so please spend the rest of your year resting in real life and un-wiring your brain– I beg you. (As I write, I can overhear two people behind me talking about the addictiveness of TikTok.)
Action Step: un-download the app (whatever app it is: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok…) Can’t seem to stay off of it? Buy an app blocker.
- You don’t have to wait for someone else’s conviction/encouragement/invitations. Go do things!
It’s cold. December brings stress and depression. Don’t allow yourself to indulge in depression just because it’s what naturally happens in the winter. Make your days meaningful. Have a free day and wanna snowboard? Don’t wait for others– go! Want to paint? Do it! Read a book, invite a friend over for dinner… Do not wait for others to do what you could create yourself.
This also applies to the necessities. Need to unload the dishwasher? Just do it. Need to fold your clothes? Just do it. You’ll feel better at the end, I promise. ❤
- It’s getting darker outside. Create intentional evenings.
When the sun sets (beginning at 4:30 here in Tennessee, smh), we tend to squander our time. Let’s make our evenings intentional. Get off screens at a certain time. Call a friend and check in on them. Throw some sheets in the dryer so they’re nice and warm. Turn on those fun lights and music as you cook a substantial dinner. The impact of our days doesn’t diminish when the sun is down.
- Make a list of things that would make your days better. Do them.
I can have the tendency to turn into a shell of a person and drift into slothfulness in December. Here’s a list I have on my phone wallpaper as a reminder to make these last days substantial:
- Drink water
- Spend your money on activities and memories, not food.
- Limit social media for fundraising only
- Move your body for 15+ minutes/day. (Go walk!)
- Get out of the house at least once a day.
- Get up no later than 9:15
- Pray for somebody daily
- Answer one theological question 1-2x/week
- Finish a book by January 3rd
- Clean something around you every night.
Obviously, you can customize your own, but this is what I’m doing.
5. God is so peaceful– Don’t forget the comfort He provides.
Tired? Go read your Bible in a comfy corner. Anxious? Go pray. Happy? Blast some worship jams and celebrate. Distraught? Ask Him to hold you. (There is no better feeling than tangible hugs from God. They do happen.) Lonely? Go rally some community (I did that yesterday and was wheezing until my abs cramped). God has truly created everything so well that we have all that we need. We lack nothing— our Father provides for us. There is nothing that exceeds having the Lord provide exactly what you need. I encourage you to pursue such things.
I really just write these things so that I have no excuse for “not knowing what to do” while I have many free days ahead, but I hope that the both of us can better December together.
That’s it!
Happy Christmas, Merry New Years, Blessed Hanukkah, and Cheers to 2023.
Celebrate it well by living in it excellently.
Bread Crumbs 
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