You Matter

I’ve started half a dozen new blog posts this month. I can’t seem to finish any of them. You see, I’ve been on social media overload. I’ve been working to promote my art, build a new website, work on my store, encourage people, add value….

Do you hear it? The answer is plain as day. I’ve kicked into “do” mode and forgotten how to “be”.

Dearly Loved

I’m going to tell you something that may surprise you. You are completely loved and accepted exactly as you are. Maybe you don’t believe that. Perhaps you were brought up in a church or home where you were taught you had to “earn” your worth. That, my friend, is a lie.

After Jesus was baptized, God declared, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” (Matt. 3:17). Understand that this was before Jesus started his ministry. In other words, he hadn’t done anything to earn this love. It was about relationship. That same love is available to us.

When we start working to earn acceptance and approval, we lose our peace and we bottom out.

Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t work hard and accomplish things. But even Jesus took time to go away from the crowds and rest. He knew that to fulfill his destiny, he had to take time for self-care. Why should we be any different?

Self Care Ideas

First of all, celebrate your victories. If you are like me, you complete a major project and race on to the next challenge. It is important to take time to celebrate. Treat yourself to a nice dinner, see a movie, get a massage, spend time with friends.

Don’t neglect your quiet time. Pray, meditate, journal, do yoga, or listen to quiet music. Take time to reflect. Make quiet time a daily practice. Morning or evening are great times to set aside.

Play. It’s easy to overlook the restorative power of play. Did you know that video games have been proven to increase problem-solving abilities? Puzzles, coloring, board games, or a team sport can be beneficial as well. Play is important.

Spend time with your pets! Or if you don’t have any, volunteer at a rescue group or shelter. Animals have wonderful healing power. We need them as much as they need us.

Get outside. We spend way too much time indoors. As a society, we are all Vitamin D deprived. Try to spend 30 minutes to an hour outside every day. And, being in nature is very good for inspiring creativity.

Get some exercise. Go for a walk, do some yoga, or choose any other activity that you enjoy. Aim for 30 minutes a day, but don’t feel bad if you have to start with 10-15.

Breathe. Are you breathing deeply? Most of us breathe very shallow. This increases anxiety and tension. Use the 4-4-6 technique. In for 4 breaths. Hold for 4 breaths. Out for 6 breaths. It helps!

Lastly, don’t neglect the little things. When working on a project, I often forget to eat, drink water, take breaks, and get adequate sleep. All these things add up and can impact your health!

You Matter

Enjoy your accomplishments. Celebrate your victories. But don’t base your self-worth on these things. Your worth and value are not dependent on what you do. They are based on who you are. And you are a dearly loved child of God. Even if you don’t know it yet.

Don’t neglect your self-care. You matter. I know sometimes it doesn’t seem like it in the stillness of the night. It doesn’t seem like it when you lose a job, have an illness, or face the anxiety of being alone and scared. But you matter. You are unique, and this world needs you.

You may be the only glimpse of God that someone sees in this life.