We all know which foods are good for us and which ones aren’t. I think for most of us, it’s extremely hard finding a good balance between the two. But I digress…What I am referring to here is emotional and spiritual nutrition. What we “feed” ourselves will determine whether or not we flourish in these areas.
For example, give me a white sand beach (that’s deserted), a babysitter, and good book and I will definitely flourish! A good movie, some popcorn and dark chocolate m&m’s and I can flourish there too (as long as the movie isn’t a tear jerker). And if I have some dedicated time to spend in the Word, with my Pandora playing in the background, this is the place where I will flourish the most.
Know What You Need to Flourish Emotionally
What would it take for you to make the stress of a crazy week go away? Perhaps a massage will melt your cares away. Or maybe you’re an outdoor person and all you need is your hiking boots and a good trail to make you as good as new. (If I did that it would probably just add to my stress!) 🙂
Perhaps there are some things in your life that are negatively affecting your emotional health. Maybe you are in an unhealthy friendship or relationship. You know you need to end it but you struggle with making that decision. Don’t put it off any longer. Do what you need to do to keep yourself healthy.
“Understanding dissolves fear. When we understand the true nature of our being, fears dissipate.” — Brian Weiss
On your Journey Toward Authenticity, it’s important to realize what it takes for you to refuel our emotional health. It will be different for each of us, which is so amazing. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa. You need to know what you need to flourish emotionally so you can reset yourself when you get off course.
Also, find some short-term and long-term things that you can do, so it’s achievable. Much to my dismay, I can’t go to a white sand beach everyday because I live inland. But I can watch a good movie with some friends and my favorite snacks. And I can spend some quality time in my bible. Those are easy and inexpensive ways to refuel me emotionally. Then when I do get to go the beach it will mean that much more to me.
Know What You Need to Flourish Spiritually
If you don’t have a daily quiet time, I highly encourage you to start one. It doesn’t matter what time of day you do it, you just need to do it. Here’s a great daily devotional to help you start. It’s critical to have a daily spiritual practice to help balance the negative forces we come into contact with out in the world.
We experience so much negativity on a daily basis that if we don’t counter that with something positive, our spiritual health will decline. And rapidly.
In Psalm 1:3, the psalmist compares a blessed person to a tree: stable, well nourished, fruitful, and prosperous. It also says this person does not wither. As a result, they are strong enough to navigate all of life’s challenges without losing their effectiveness. And they prosper in all they do. This is the core of who we were created to be. This is what an authentic life looks like and what we need to strive to become.
3
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each
season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
(Psalm 1:3 NLT)
Your relationship with God, who loves you more than anyone ever could, should be the highest priority in your life. Spending time with Him and learning who He has created you to be will make you strong and well-nourished, just like the tree the psalmist mentioned. You will become spiritually healthy. The things that used to matter to you, like the approval of others, will be replaced with the confidence that you are loved beyond compare by the One who matters.
In conclusion
I have an assignment for today, should you choose to accept it. Spend some time analyzing your emotional and spiritual health. What are you “feeding” yourself daily? What do you need to do to start making a change? And finally, make a plan to refresh and refuel yourself often. And then do it!
Assignment
- Know what you need to flourish, both emotionally and spiritually, in the short-term and long-term. Make a plan of action.
- Are there unhealthy relationships that you need to address? Maybe now is the time to do something about them.
- Do you practice a daily spiritual habit, like having a daily quiet time? If not, start one today.
“The
best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your
own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The
gift is yours — it is an amazing journey — and you alone are responsible
for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”–
Bob Moawad
This is day seven of the 31-Day Journey Toward Authenticity series. To see all the posts in the series, click HERE.
Blessings,
Kimberly Lynn