This Writer’s Inner Care

In December we had several unseasonably warm days, and I took advantage of them by walking at a local park. I even took a long walk on a seasonably cold day–it was 19 degrees out! Every time I was out, I breathed in the cool air and noticed the bare branches. My mind kept circling around something I didn’t want to deal with, but finally, I admitted it. I’d been neglecting my inner care.

For two years I’ve followed a health plan that works for me. Sure, I get off track sometimes, but for the most part logging my food using MyFitnessPal six days a week and doing workout DVDs at home on weekdays has kept the weight off and added energy to my life.

But I’m not always great at the inner stuff–taking time to just sit and think. Using my off hours to recharge instead of scrolling on my phone or tackling a house project.

I love to read and always make time for it–there is that. I’ve also maintained a daily Bible reading habit for almost fifteen years. Reading the Bible is a must for inner care. But the silence I crave, the sitting and thinking about nothing? Feels so indulgent!

Inner care isn’t indulgent, though. It’s necessary.

My inner care involves:

• Silent time to think.
• Journaling or making lists
• Long walks outside in every season
• Listening to relaxing music
• Puttering/tidying my office
• Chatting with friends
• Reading
• Bible reading/prayer
• Dreaming about vacations
• Making a wish list

The things I crave might be the exact opposite of what you crave. We all have different personalities. This means what recharges me might give you the heebie-jeebies, and your go-to recharger might make me dry heave. That’s okay! The important thing is to figure out what your soul needs–and make time for it.

Are you good about inner care? What have you been craving? Is there any way to make it happen?

On a side note: I’ve found some great blogs that feature monthly Christian fiction releases, so I’m retiring my monthly roundup and will share the other blogs’ links as I come across them! Check out Batya’s Bits: January Book Releases!

Have a lovely week!