Can you believe it is already the last day of January? Don't get me wrong, I'm actually happy that it is, because it means that Spring is just around the corner (and the sun will soon be up before I am). January is generally my least favorite month of the year, and it usually passes so slowly, but this January has been a beast of a different sort, and in a good way.
As you may know by now, this year I have created a project of cultivating self-love, and for the month of January I've been focusing on my spirit. I thought that since it is the end of the month, I would share with you what I have learned this month, and what progress I have made in my over-arching goal.
How I Have Cared For My Spirit
- I have created a new morning ritual for myself. I am not a morning person whatsoever, and I used to hit the snooze button on my alarm for a good half hour before pulling myself out of bed. This month, I have been using the Sleep Cycle app, and I get out of bed when the final alarm goes off. I then prepare cereal and coffee and I read a daily devotion, then say a short prayer. And then I turn on the Today show as I finish my breakfast. As it turns out, having a ritual to look forward to in the morning, and slowing down my morning routine, makes it a lot easier to get out of bed and start my day.
- I have taken breaks as needed. This month was jam-packed with social commitments, and as an introvert, that much activity can leave me feeling drained. I've said no or cancelled plans when I felt like I needed a break to re-charge, and I haven't felt guilty about it.
- I've been reading: Jesus Calling, The Fire Starter Sessions, I'm Proud of You, and The Snow Child. Each of these books has been soothing and soul-stirring. (Note: these four links are affiliate links, meaning I could make a small percentage of any sales generated through these links.)
- I've been spending time with friends. Having good friends is nurturing for the soul. As Marcel Proust said, "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." I couldn't have said it better myself.
- I've been paying attention to my soul's needs. This means taking breaks, spending time with loved ones, watching a movie, reading a book, going to bed early, or clicking away from news stories that infuriate me.
- I've been showing myself grace. I've faced a few challenges this month, and they have truly been opportunities for me to look at what is causing me anxiety and to change the story in my mind. This has also meant forgiving myself for my own mistakes. It hasn't been easy, but it has been rewarding.
What I've Learned
- Let love be the guide.
- Look for the good.
- My spirit is made from love.
- I am human and, therefore, flawed.
- Forgiveness is the beginning of grace.
- Peace comes with quiet.
- We are all connected.
- A loving spirit is the greatest foundation.
There is only one thing that is missing from my self-care this month, and that is time in nature. Nature is my sanctuary, but unfortunately, my body does not tolerate cold temperatures, so I will have to wait for warmer climes before I can return to my sanctuary. Until then, I'm filling my living and working spaces with plants. That counts, right?
How has this month been for you? Have you learned anything about your spirit? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
P.S. I'll see you back here on Monday to announce February's focus. If you can't wait until then, you can sign up for my newsletter here, which will hit your inbox on Sunday.
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