30 Days of Self Care: Day Fifteen

 30 Days of Self Care:  Day Fifteen

Emotional Self Care

Emotional self care embodies all of our thoughts and feelings, taking them into consideration and trusting ourselves with them. Realize that each and every day is filled with a full heart of emotions. They range, they flow, they come and they certainly go. Our emotions can sometimes be controlled; and yet, often they cannot. Let's agree that when our emotions get the best of us, having a basket of self care ideas is an ideal way to allow ourselves to lean into our emotions by honoring them. We cannot ignore, deny or suppress them because they will come out in another way; often inappropriately, which can get us into trouble. Identify and nurture your feelings, your conscious inner state and your intellect. Not addressing them can lead to feeling frustrated and burned out, with no real plan to climb out. Remind yourself that your feelings are indeed important. Be compassionate with yourself. Take the time to self- soothe when needed. Take a few deep breaths. Stop over-explaining yourself to others. Reserve the word sorry for when it is really meant. Call on others for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. Learn to protect your energy from others. Break away for a minute to regroup. Learn to say no. Most of all, give yourself some grace.

Remember:  We must serve ourselves first in order to go out and better serve the world.  Take the time to nurture your thoughts and feelings, leaning into your emotions.  Break away to rest and self-soothe.  Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy the intentional presence of processing.

DAY FIFTEEN:  EMOTIONAL SELF CARE

When we are in the middle of dealing with our emotions, sometimes we may open the door to self doubt, which can leave us uneasy about our choices and reactions. Did I behave in a manner pleasing to God? Did my reactions to the situation cause me to stumble? Did I open myself up to feelings of ill-will or worse, hatred toward another, allowing myself to be prey for darkness? In our Christian walk, we must understand that in order to make our way in this life, it's important to first recognize that a good and noble life is done by guarding ourselves from the sinful ways of this world. Second, we must recognize that the only way to guard ourselves from the temptations of this world is by having God do it for us. Without God we are nothing. God is light and we only need the smallest of pin dots to pierce the darkness. We cannot guard our hearts without God. Third, we must recognize that the only way to have God protect us is through our faith in Him. We must have faith that God is with us and for us. Trust that as we conduct ourselves daily, we are striving to walk daily with the joy that has been given to us by our Redeemer.

MacLaren's Exposition goes on to say: "We must be kept by God, if we are ever to succeed in keeping our wayward hearts. Faith is but the open door for God’s entrance. It has no efficacy in itself any more than a door has, but all its blessedness depends on what it admits into the hidden chambers of the heart."

Remember today that God's grace is enough. If we failed, made mistakes that seem hard to correct, or exhibited behaviors not becoming of a follower of Christ, lean into His word. Ask for forgiveness and seek His protection to guard your heart. Press forward in striving to do better and God will work with you every step of the way. Faith will see you through, my friend.

BIBLICAL VERSES FOR EMOTIONAL SELF CARE:

• "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."--John 16:33
• "It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel."--Proverbs 20:3
• "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."--2 Thessalonians 3:16
• "Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance."--Jude 1:2
• "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."--Proverbs 4:23

ACTION STEPS

Here are a few ways we can cover our emotional self care today: 

• Accept whatever feelings you have today and know that they are all okay. Don't get stuck.
• Write your feelings down. Create a running list of your feelings as you experience them.
• Laughter is the best medicine when you are down and want to be lifted up.
• Remind yourself that you do not need to have a solution immediately. Rest your heart.
• Try some mindful exercises. Wake up early. Morning breathing. Eliminate thoughts. Make your bed. Set a daily intention: I plan to... or I intend to...
• Take a long hot shower and let yourself release your emotions. Imagine them wash away.
• Smile in the mirror at yourself for at least enough time until your mood changes.
• Journal your emotions. Write out what is bothering you and pour out your heart on paper.
• Read inspirational content, such as motivational quotes, soulful stories, positive books.
• Create a tea ritual. Slow down, be intentional and savor it. Talk about a cup of self love.

KIMALA'S  VIDEO ON EMBRACING A TEA RITUAL:

(please watch from your computer if not visible from your phone)

Today, do something for your emotional self care.  Remember to guard your heart for everything flows from it.  Take the time to embrace your feelings and process them.  Be kind to yourself as you make adjustments in how you conduct yourself, moving through the presenting emotions.  You are amazing and God thinks so, too.

Have a blessed day, Kimala

PS.  Don't forget to go over to our Facebook Private Group:  Splashed in the Spirit, LLC and post your comment on the Day FIFTEEN Self Care post!  Let's encourage one another.

"Rise UP! You were Made for More!" ™ --Kimala

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