As the oldest child in a single parent family, I grew up fast. But when I became a mom, I wanted to “do it right,” to be a good mom for my two boys.<\/p>\n
So, I blindly signed up for a “Mom Mentor” at my church. I was paired with Betty and once a week we shared prayer requests over the phone.<\/p>\n
Betty asked why I signed up and I said, “I grew up raising myself more or less. Now, I need a role model on how to be a good mom. A good wife. What’s it like to raise a loving family? I’d love to know how you did it.”<\/p>\n
I was waiting for Betty to tell me how it’s done. Instead, Betty said the most amazing thing that changed the course of my parenting: “Bonnie, you don’t need me or anyone as a role model. You already have the best role model \u2013 Jesus. You already ARE a good mom. You already love God and your kids. Just do what you feel inspired to do. Do what gives you joy.”<\/p>\n
I thought a minute. It sounded too easy. “Well, I just like to read. I like to write and to be outside. I like music. Kind of boring, introverted stuff.”<\/p>\n
I could hear Betty’s voice smile. “Well, then do that! When your boys nap, write, read. When they wake up, go to the park. Go to the library. Read to them.”<\/p>\n
Betty continued, \u201cThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Do what gives YOU joy and peace; \u00a0then your boys will be blessed by what God wants to give them through you. You’re the perfect match for them.”<\/p>\n
That simple conversation changed the heartbeat of my parenting, because I realized that my identity as mother was not based on what<\/em> I do \u2013 but on who<\/em> I am. <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>I made the mistake of erasing my pre-mom identity to adopt an image of motherhood that I believed my peers might see as \u201cgood,\u201d instead of treasuring who God made me to be with my unique interests, dislikes and preferences.<\/p>\n I realized the best parenting practice was something new to explore: soul care.<\/em> I began to prioritize my emotional and physical well-being. I researched tips through scientific studies and the Bible for different ways to spark joy, restore calm to my body and refresh my spirit, so I could refresh my family, too.<\/p>\n I started giving myself permission to grow in my true identity as God\u2019s beloved, and as a result of this I learned Four Simple Soul Care Practices to Lower Stress and Spark Joy<\/strong>, an excerpt from my devotional, Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Reviatlize Your Soul<\/a><\/em>:<\/p>\n 1<\/strong>. Meet with a friend for coffee & share how you\u2019re feeling<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Notice\u00a0how you feel better\u00a0after talking about your troubles \u2013 even if the problem hasn\u2019t been fixed?<\/p>\n Research\u00a0shows depression is eased, anxiety is reduced, and people bounce back sooner (resiliency) when people\u00a0share their stories and\u00a0talk about how they feel (rather than just describing events that happen).<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0<\/strong>Take a walk outside.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t think about it. Just put on your shoes and go. You\u2019ll return\u00a0refreshed!<\/p>\n Studies\u00a0show that just 10 minutes walking refreshes and helps with anxiety \u2013 depression in school, work, and everyday life.<\/p>\n 3. Journal. You\u2019ll feel better.<\/strong><\/p>\n Grab a piece of paper and start writing about what\u2019s important to you, your feelings, and worries. You\u2019ll feel better!<\/p>\n Studies show you don\u2019t have to \u201ckeep a journal\u201d to reap the benefits of writing. Research shows just\u00a010 minutes writing makes a difference, leading to behavioral changes and improving happiness.<\/p>\n 4. Buy yourself flowers.<\/strong><\/p>\n Behavioral research at Rutgers University found that simply looking at flowers improves emotional health.<\/p>\n The presence of flowers triggered happy emotions, increasing feelings of life satisfaction. Flowers are a natural mood enhancer!<\/p>\n Today, when stress grips you and you\u2019re tempted to solve it by being busy, stop to enjoy what brings you peace and joy. Be the real you. God\u2019s beloved.<\/p>\n \u201cThese things I have spoken to you so that<\/em> \u2026 your joy may be made full.\u201d <\/em>John 15:11<\/p>\n a Rafflecopter giveaway<\/a><\/p>\n For more soul care encouragement, visit WhispersofRest.com<\/a><\/em> to\u00a0download free resources: Whispers of Rest 6-Video Book Study Series, <\/em>prayer podcasts and coloring\u00a0pages.
\n