Recently, I came upon an old list of things to do. Actually, I titled it “Gifts.” I created this list when I spent many hours in therapy to overcome some challenges in my life. I needed balance. My therapist suggested, after one grueling session, that I treat myself to a gift. I found this list as I cleaned out my desk. Today, as we face the threat of pandemics, racism, the rise of authoritarianism, human rights abuses and other daily atrocities, it is critical that we (each) take care of ourselves.
We cannot love another if we do not fill ourselves with God’s love first. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. (NIV) The Passion Translation of the Bible says it this way, “You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.” (verse 31)
An introvert’s way of loving or taking care of themselves will differ from extroverts’. If you’re an extrovert, I encourage you to create your own list and share it with me. My husband will surely make use of it.
My point is, we could all use some “gifts” of love right now. As Jenn Granneman says at Introvert Dear.Com, “When you take care of yourself, you’ll be recharged enough to turn around and do a good turn for someone else.” That sounds a lot like the advice of Jesus.
Take care of yourself and then your neighbor. We may just turn this world around yet.
Peace,
Cindy
Gifts
Pray and Read Scripture
Write or Read Affirmations
Work on my book (project)
Color
Draw
Read
Play the Piano
Call a friend(s)
Take a nap
Walk or Exercise
Make a cup of tea
Go out for coffee (or stay in and make a cappuccino)
Take a bubble bath
