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SELF CARE IS A PREREQUISITE TO FULFILLING PURPOSE
Sis, we’ve spent the last two weeks talking about self care of our bodies. But the truth is that the motivation and wisdom to care for our physical wellness -- as well as our spiritual wellness -- starts with our mind. Our minds are powerful and are the driving force of most aspects of our lives. Mindfulness and mental wellness are critical parts of holistically caring for self. If we are unable to get our minds right, we will struggle with caring for ourselves in other areas.
“She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong.” (Proverbs 31:17)
As Chayil Women, spiritual self care is a given, so we tend to try to fit that in first. We try to squeeze in the self care of our bodies, while feeling guilty doing it. But we tend to neglect the self care of our minds all together. But each of those areas of our lives are equally important to maintaining holistic self care. We find in our example in Proverbs 31 that, “She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong.” (v. 17 AMP)
Her God-given task is her purpose in life -- that thing that God created her to do, and assigned to her to manage. So her ability to fulfill her purpose in life, relies on her mental fitness. In our previous discussion we’ve already agreed that we cannot love others, if we don’t love ourselves. And now the scripture has added to that by showing us that in order to excellently fulfill our purpose in life we must lead with self care. Sis, fulfilling your purpose in life requires you to be fit physically, mentally, and spiritually. Caring for yourself is a prerequisite for an effective purpose-driven life.
THE POWER OF THE MIND
As women our minds literally move a-mile-a-minute because we have so many tasks and roles to manage. The struggle of maintaining self care of our minds is a challenge during normal times, so imagine caring for our minds in the midst of a global pandemic. This season has given us worries and challenges that can overwhelm our minds and keep us at a state of unrest. But thank God for His word that provides us with the anchor that we need for self care of our minds, not only in this season but at all times.
Below are 7 bible verses that remind me of the power of the mind and the importance of self care of my mind:
Proverbs 4:23 - Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. (CEV)
Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (NIV)
1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at this coming. (NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)
Philippians 2:5 - And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. (TPT)
ROUTINE SELF CARE OF THE MIND
We see with our example, the Chayil Woman in Proverbs 31, that after she had exercised self care and equipped herself with mental (and also physical & spiritual) strength in verse 17, that by the time we get to verse 21, scripture tells us that “she is not afraid of tribulation” (TPT). The mind is powerful. And Sis, if we are able to thrive in our minds, we will be able to navigate the journey of life -- challenges and all -- with ease.
I want to thrive in my mind and I’m sure you do too. But life can be busy & chaotic, and if I am not intentional in quieting my mind and integrating mental self care into my routine, it gets neglected. Below are 7 things that I integrate into my mental self care routine:
RENEWING MY MIND - This can take the form of spiritual exercises like doing daily devotionals to more relaxing exercises like journaling. I enjoy journaling as a way to clear my head but also as an avenue to write letters to God and talk to Him about the good, the bad, and the ugly in my life. Sis, grab a journal and turn on your favorite jazz station. You’ll be surprised how clear your mind will feel at the end of it.
JOIN A SMALL GROUP - Find an interest-based small group that you can join. With many of us not able to get out of the house as we used to, due to coronavirus, connecting with friends through an interest can be a great way to nurture your mind. I have been able to join interest-based small groups through my church's women’s ministry that have allowed me to stay connected and fulfilled even during this pandemic. A girlfriend from college has started a small group for women of color who like to hike, and it has been a tremendous success. So Sis, find a group to connect with, and if you can’t find an interest group that suits you, start one! Human connections outside the family are an added avenue to care for our minds.
GETTING FRESH AIR - I’m not the best at this, but I’ve been working on being very intentional of getting fresh air as a means of caring for my mind. There is constant stimulation of our minds from being in front of the computer screen or the TV screen. So grabbing a 20 minute walk during my lunch break or heading out for a hike with my girlfriends on the weekends is always a great opportunity for me to get some fresh air. Sis, find a way to get fresh air every day if you can. With coronavirus, many of us find ourselves in the house the majority of the time. Take a break and step out, even if just for a walk around the neighborhood. That quiet time with just you and nature will aid in settling your mind for the day.
DANCE! - I know it sounds weird, but turn on some music and dance around the house. Music has a way of relaxing the mind and making you forget about your “to-do list”. You can usually find me jamming to one of my favorite Afrobeats or Praise-Party playlist about once a week and dancing around my bedroom or kitchen. Dancing and jamming while cleaning the house also makes these “chores” a little more stress-free. Sis, just get up and dance!
CHASE A DREAM/GOAL - There is something very fulfilling about accomplishing a goal or a dream. During this time of coronavirus, many organizations are offering free online classes, certification programs, and topical webinars. Sis, take that first step towards a dream or a goal that you have. Create a business plan; create the roadmap to fulfilling that goal or dream. Making progress towards your dreams and goals increases your motivation and is a great way to nurture your mental wellness.
MAINTAIN A BEAUTY ROUTINE - We’ve already discussed the importance of taking care of our bodies as part of self care. But maintaining a regular beauty routine can really enhance your mental wellness. And Sis, a routine can be something as small as scheduling time to paint your nails every Sunday evening while watching a movie with the kids; or stealing time to soak in the tub with a book on Friday nights when everyone is asleep. Adding a small pampering moment to your routine gives you something to look forward to each week, and this will aid in your journey to self care of your mind.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION - Words are powerful! Scripture tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) So Sis, speak to yourself! Tell yourself the things that you are; tell yourself things that the word of God says you are; and tell yourself the things you want to be and see. Speak what you seek, until you see what you’ve said. I literally write down positive affirmations in my journal. It is also helpful to write them on a sticky note, and put them on your mirror or near your bedside. You hold the power in your words, and your positive affirmations will heal and build your mind in a profound way.
Self Care is a journey of intentionality and a mandate from our creator. Our ability to fulfill that mandate starts with our mind. Sis, your mind is valuable, and your mind is powerful. Your mind can take you places that your abilities may have never taken you. And practicing self care of your mind allows you to efficiently and effectively fulfill your God-given purpose. Remember, you deserve it! Unapologetically, invest in your mental wellness today!
What ways do you exercise self care of your mind? Share your best practices in the comments below.