“Self-care includes the whole self – body, soul, mind, and spirit. When one is neglected, all are affected.” Gayl Wright

 

WHEN SELF-CARE IS NEGLECTED

 

It had been a difficult week. The schedule was different. I lost sleep. My sciatic pain was acting up. I thought I might have been a little dehydrated. So, I began drinking more water and rested, but my body was exhausted. I almost went to Urgent Care, because I wasn’t sure what was wrong.

Because it was getting late, I decided to see if a good night’s sleep would help. In the morning, I felt a little better, but not yet well. Then I realized I had not made self-care a priority. I’d let so many things creep in without thinking, and I’d neglected myself. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s an essential part of life.

As I rested, I remembered that Chronic Joy has wonderful Self-Care resources. I thought I’d read Self-Care for Your Body, then I looked at Self-Care for Your Emotions and Mind. Both of those printables are excellent, but what I really needed was Self-Care for Your Soul.

The first words I read were from Jeremiah 17:7-8:

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

As I read those words, I remembered that God is my strength, and my soul needs just as much care as my body. Self-care includes the whole self – body, soul, mind, and spirit. When one is neglected, all are affected.

 

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

The Lord was ready to hear about my day-to-day activities, raw emotions, and heavy burdens.

Of course!” I thought. “Praying is the first thing I should have done!”

When I forget to pray, I focus on my problems instead of on the Lord, but when I share everything with Him, He draws me closer.

 

LISTEN TO GOD. SIT IN HIS PRESENCE.

I don’t sit in God’s Presence often enough. So, I turned over the printable and read through the attributes of God. Praying through them, I thanked God for being the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) and I thanked him for His faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

As I prayed through the list, thanking God for His love, forgiveness, and salvation, I also thanked Him that He is holy, unchanging, and sovereign, always with me, my hope, and my comforter.

By the time I finished, my heaviest burdens had been lifted. My muscles relaxed; my pain lessened. I’d been in a downward spiral, making my pain worse by focusing on it, adding more stress and emotional unbalance. Yet, as I turned my face toward God, spending time with Him in prayer, I began to feel better. My pain wasn’t gone, but I was in a much better place after practicing self-care.

 

PRAYER

Dear Father, we thank you for Your love. Teach us to care for every part of us – body, mind, soul, and spirit – because we are Yours. As we intentionally practice self-care, draw us closer to You, and give us hearts of compassion to share what we’ve learned with others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 

  1. Think of a time when you were overwhelmed and exhausted. Where did you turn first – to prayer or others?
  2. What is your biggest stumbling block in practicing self-care?
  3. Self-Care for Your Soul lists six ways to practice soul-care. Choose one to practice this week, giving yourself a gentle way to step into self-care.

AN INVITATION

Practicing self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential for all of us, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed. I invite you to check out Self-Care for Your Soul. It was a great resource for me – perhaps it will be just what you need today.

Yellow Bubbles
Gayl Wright

Gayl Wright

Chronic Joy® Content Coordinator and Prayer Team

A grandmother but young at heart, Gayl enjoys exploring creativity through writing, poetry, nature photography, art, crocheting, and piano. She loves coffee, tea, chocolate, and jeans. Gayl has been married to Steve for nearly 50 years, with 7 children and 14 grands (some have chronic illnesses, and one son is now with Jesus). Always learning and writing from her heart about life, her desire is to know God better, glorify Him, and encourage others. She is the author of Journey into Light.

Self-Care for your Soul

Spend a little time getting to know God better — who He is, what He’s like, how He feels about us, and how He acts toward His creation. Pray through these verses, asking God where to grow from here.

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