Tuesday turned out to be a struggle. It reminded me why I’m on leave and trying to heal. It probably doesn’t make sense to a whole lot of people because my wounds aren’t the kind you can see. Yet, here I am.
Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve honed a couple of homegrown mantras.
- Do what God puts in front of you.
- Walk through the doors that are open.
These word recipes help me focus on what I can control and release what I can’t.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Serenity Prayer
In addition to using these mantras as guides, I’ve started establishing some rhythms and routines to my day-to-day. I’m walking about 4 miles a day and walked more than 25 miles this last week. Walking seems to do my heart, my soul, and my mind good. I participated in a semi-silent retreat and I’m continuing to work on decluttering spaces in our home. There’s been no lack of projects—resolving a plumbing issue and a shower redo.
The other night, I started working crossword puzzles in an attempt to help me wind down before bed. Getting better sleep has been a focal point, too. In between catching a few winks, I am working on several visual art projects.
How about you? What affirmations do you keep handy in your arsenal of self-talk?
I’m grateful for Terri, my biggest cheerleader. Otherwise, I’m not sure how I’d make it. Her support is indispensable.
Thanks for reading, my friend. Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
The Devotional Guy™ 
Thanks for reading!
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Blessings Rainer as you continue to connect with life’s treasures. Praying for you and some of my family members that the journey ahead will be tempered with God’s timely grace. May His Word speak daily to each heart.
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You’re welcome.
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That’s fantastic, Nicola. Thanks for sharing!
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Those are GOOD, David. I love that idea.
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I tell myself to be and remain CALM and to remember that Christ Always Loves Me and Christ Always Lifts Me.
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I like using the Apostle Paul’s short statements as mantras:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:18
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thess 6:21-22
I using them as a way to pray without ceasing—saying the scriptures when I need to recenter myself with God.
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Love that, Judy! Thanks for sharing.
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God is good, all the time. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Repeated over and over helps me fall asleep and sleep more restfully.
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That’s awesome, Dana. What a beautiful practice. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Psalm 23 is one of my favorites and I say it to myself in bed at night when I have trouble falling asleep. It may not be counting sheep, but it has my Good Shepherd in it, and I’m recounting His blessings!
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