“You cannot impart to others that which you do not possess.” This is one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Barry Lord, a favorite professor while I was in graduate school. This quote is also the reason I am smiling, sipping coffee, and breathing deeply this week. After three glorious months of leave, today I make my return to work. These past few days have been a good opportunity to finish up those last-minute projects and most of all, to relax.
[Tweet “You cannot impart to others that which you do not possess. #SelfCare ~Dr. Barry Lord”]
Simple Self-Care
Simple acts of self-care are important. Unfortunately, taking time to recharge is not something that I naturally excel at. However, this week was different. As I write this post from our back patio, Emmalynn–who is just over two months old–is rocking happily in the tree-swing next to me. She lets out tiny baby coos, telling me that she is also enjoying this downtime.
Ecclesiastics 3, proclaims that there is a time for everything. Next week will be a time for a longer, more in-depth posts. This week is a time for jogging, sleeping in, watching movies, and cramming as much last-minute relaxing as possible.
Today, I want to end with a simple reminder that if, like me, you have a tendency to get swept away in the whirlwind of blogging, work, and life, this week may be the perfect time for slowing down, smiling, sipping coffee, and breathing deeply.
What are you doing to take care of yourself this week? Are you smiling, sipping coffee, and breathing deeply? If not, what would it take for you to slow down and relax? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
P.S. For more creative writing ideas, be sure to visit our writing resources page. I pull back the curtain and show you all of my favorite writing resources. You can also check out my book Ten Great Ideas for Authors, where you will discover creative writing prompts and strategies to jump-start your author journey. I truly believe you are only one great idea away from writing success!
131 Creative Conversations For Families
My new book, 131 Creative Conversations For Families, is now available! You can order your copy here, or if you would like to write an honest Amazon review, I would love to send you a free review copy. Simply e-mail me at jed@coffeeshopconversations.com, and I’ll e-mail you a complimentary eBook right away!
A huge thank you to Pat Fenner, from www.PatAndCandy.com, for providing the very first review! Pat writes,
“This is not a simple list of topics, but an earnest lesson in serious communication… This book will encourage you ALL to engage in heartfelt communication – and as a family, be the better and stronger for it!”
Thank you, Pat, for your encouragement, and for writing such a thoughtful review! You can read the full review here.
Family, Friendship, and Faith Link-Up
This link-up is an excellent place to meet new friends, network, and share your posts. Please feel free to include any family, friendship, and faith-related posts. If you have time, please visit some of the other submissions, leave a comment, and make some new connections–after all, this is what teaming-up is all about!
[Tweet “I’m Teaming-up at the #Family #Friendship and #Faith link-up. Join the Party! “]
Wonderful reminders for each of us Jed. Babies can do that to us, reminding us of what is important (my thoughts anyways). It has been a difficult week, much sadness within my family and although I’m trying to cling to the words I know so well from God, sometimes it just is too sad. Appreciate the positivity you always bring. Enjoy your holiday.
Hey Michelle,
Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers this week 🙁
Glad you enjoyed your time away from work 🙂
Thanks for hosting and Happy 4th 🙂
Thanks Paula,
I’m definitely going to miss being with the family all day, but it was awesome getting to spend so much time with Emmalynn! I can’t believe how much she has grown and changed already. Wishing you an incredible Independence Day as well!
Hi
I have just discovered your lovely blog, and really liked the quote you shared in today’s post, it’s so true! Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us. I am taking care of myself by making sure I spend some time making some crafts, as they bring me joy.
Enjoy your time out. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity to link up.
God bless
Anita
Welcome back Jed. I always love your writings.
So much truth in this short reminder today. I had to take a long unplanned break from blogging and slowdown in someother activities in my offline work life. I was burning out. Now, I’m back an I feel grateful for that break. Now, I try to blog twice a week, so I can have time to attend to my work and business and still have enough time to connect with friends, rest, exercise and do other stuffs that are important to me.
Just like you said; we cannot give what we don’t have. So if we don’t take care of ourselves, we will soon find that we won’t have much to give to encourage and inspire others.
Thank you for sharing Jed. And for the linkup..
Now following your blog.
Thanks for the reminder! Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. I am definitely guilty of that at times. Thanks for hosting! Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July 🙂
Something that I have learned over the years. I made a decision long ago and that is not to expect any emotional nutrition from work. I have a whole life out of work that really no one knows about and that takes care of me. The less is known about me (there are a few people who know things about me) the better as I am less likely to involved in workplace drama.
Jed, I’m not very good at just relaxing, I’m afraid, but I am trying to do better! Hope you enjoyed your holiday week-end. Thanks for hosting!
Thank you so much for featuring my review, Jed! It’s a wonderful resource, and praying that it blesses many families 🙂