Contentment through Self Care

Two of the things I really want to focus on in 2019 are better self care and more contentment. Although I've been experimenting with several different ways to cultivate both of these in my daily life, I have found two that I really enjoy. I love to journal and I keep track of so many areas of my life through journaling. Throughout the month of January, I added two new aspects to my journal. I started keeping track of my five most listened to songs as I've realized how much music means to me and how much it really shows how I express myself through the season of life I'm going through. Another way in which I practice self care and contentment are by keeping track of the moments throughout the month is which I felt the presence of God the most. As I've taken time to reflect on both of these practices that I've done throughout the past month, it reminded me of how I had a goal for 2019 to write one blog post per month. Well, I guess for January that was an epic fail; however this was the perfect excuse to write a blog post on something I have been reflecting on and something that has been so beneficial for me. I encourage you to find ways to care for yourself in ways that are actually life giving to you and not just what you feel like you have to do because that's what the world classifies are self care. I also encourage you to find ways to be content in the season of life you are in right now, however that looks for you.

Here's my lists..

5 Most Listened to Songs in January:
1. Spirit Lead Me by Influence Music
2. Jesus Paid It All by Kings Kaleidoscope
3. Gravity by John Mayer
4. Look How He Lifted Me by Elevation Worship
5. Prophesy Your Promise by Bryan & Katie Torwalt

"God Moments":
-Pastor Troy's sermon on how if we each focused on a few things for the year how the kingdom of God would be impacted. I was convicted to continue to reconcile a relationship with one of my family members, be more content with the season of life that I'm in and focus more seriously on my education.
-One of my residents told me that I "revolutized her life" on a day where I was really questioning how well I was doing my job as an RA.
-My now friend, Alyssa reached out to me and wanted to have coffee with me to hear my testimony.
-I got to walk with and pray for several of my dear friends who were/still are walking through really difficult seasons of life.
-Being able to witness my siblings worship at SpringHill.
-Jammed out with Celena to College Wesleyan Church's (my home church in Marion) album on our way home from SpringHill.
-Spending every Monday afternoon with one of my mentors, Sarah Linder. She is one of the best listeners I've ever met.
-Seeing my 7th/8th grade small group girls learn how to intentionally and actively listen to each other.
-Having Sean come visit me at IWU and be able to go to church with me at College Wesleyan.