Happy Monday and the calendar turns to another month. Welcome, February! I’m glad we made it here. This short little month opens the door to the promises of spring, but first, we have to make it through the rest of winter. This post is about exactly that, getting through winter. This year, this day marks about the halfway point of making it through winter. This post title originated with Modern Mrs. Darcy and I have written from this prompt previously. I’m happily participating with her again.
As January started I began doing two things that have shaped and changed the quality of my life. Those things didn’t change any circumstances of life but changed my perspective. They are saving my life right now.
First, I began to be faithful to open the Scriptures every day. I stopped depending on devotionals and the words of others and simply spent time reading the Word for myself. Please hear me when I say there is nothing wrong with devotionals, I have read many and gleaned much over the years. This year, I just made a decision that I wanted and needed to be back in the Scriptures for myself. I purchased these journals before Christmas and started them on January 1. I have discovered nuggets for me to ponder, consider and even pray through even when my time in the Word is short. I have also sensed a softening of my heart.
Second, I began to write in a Contentment Journal each day. I found that writing down three things each day that I’m grateful for has also created an appreciation for what I have. Not only am I reminded how grateful I am throughout the day, but when problems arise I have a better attitude and am more peaceful. I look around at all I have and I am more and more grateful because I have all I need. Sometimes I want to fall on my face and worship the Lord for the abundance in my life. I am overwhelmed by blessings.
The other day my husband and I had a conversation about me. Why? Because he has noticed that I have changed. He said I am more at peace and content to be at home. He also said that people who are not content or unhappy tend to spend more money and buy things to fill the void where contentment should be. Wow! That was rough and deep. I have spent a lot of my life being discontent and wanted the life of others and what I see on social media. No more! I don’t want to be that person {and I have definitely been that person} which my husband described. It’s not too late to right the ship and live a better way. Please hear me when I say, I will buy things and I will spend money. Actually, I have a few things I would like to purchase for our home as I type these words. However, the urgency to get those things now has changed. I am content to wait. For what? Just wait because I choose to enjoy what I have.
Working on being grateful and content has truly given me more peace and helped my overall mental health. I’m not as frazzled and dare I say, angry. When I’m focusing on gratitude and being thankful my disposition changes from worry, disappointment, anger, and striving. What fills those spaces are peace. My feelings aren’t ruling me and neither are my circumstances. And this change makes me the most grateful!
There are a few other things that are saving my life right now. My own kitchen where I can cook and bake. I’ve made a few of our favorites like tortilla soup and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. We’ve also had my friend Carrie {who we lived with for many months} over for home made pizza. All bringing such joy to my life!
A few other things saving my life right now are joggers and slippers. Yep, that’s the truth. When I’m working from home in the afternoons I’m changing out of those work clothes and into these joggers and slippers.
Something else that is saving my life right now and filling my contentment bucket is my wardrobe. After having so many of my clothes in storage, I was amazed as I unpacked all that I have and how much I truly enjoy my wardrobe. A few years ago I had a series in February called Create28. I put together 28 new looks from my closet. Well, I’m bringing it back. I’ll post outfits each day on Instagram and my Facebook page using the hashtag #Create28winteredition. Please feel free to join in. I would be honored to have others on this journey with me. Below are the prompts for each day.
Thank you for sticking with me for this really long post. This post is basically replacing my Grace & Gratitude on Mondays. Going forward I plan to have a Monday link-up. I hope you’ll link up your thoughtful life posts but it will open to any post. Please spread the word!
So, what is saving your life right now?
grace & blessings, Carrie
Where I’m linking up.
Hiby says
Thanks for the very positive post! It honestly made me think about things that I’ve and need to be grateful about!!
All the best, Carrie! Stay healthy and happy! 🙂
Carrie says
Thank you!
Katrina | ChatterFox says
I certainly think there is a lot of merit in taking stock at the end of the day and writing it down. I feel so much better when I keep a journal.
Katrina x
#MischiefAndMemories
Carrie says
I agree! It’s been so good for me.
Laurie says
How nice that your husband has noticed a change in you! I have also started reading Scripture each day for many of the same reasons as you. I am reading through the Bible right now. I began last fall and am currently reading in the book of Luke. Keeping a gratitude journal is something I have let fall by the wayside. Maybe It’s time to dig it out and brush off the dust!
Carrie says
I’m working through the New Testament now, but truly I love the Old Testament. 🙂
Lisa notes says
Pondering over nuggets that we find ourselves in the scripture is always life-saving. How wonderful that you’re devoting yourself to that spiritual discipline, Carrie. I used to keep a gratitude journal. Now would be a great time to start one again!
jodie filogomo says
I love how gratitude can change our insides and outsides!! It’s amazing how much we really have in this life that is wonderful once we start approaching it that way.
XOXO
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Carrie says
I agree with you Jodie!
Rebecca Jo Vincent says
I literally wrong in my gratitude journal last night “Joggers” – they are the best, arent they?
Love that journal of yours. you know I’m all about finding & recognizing gratitude in your every day living!
Carrie says
They are totally saving my life right now. 🙂
Lydia C. Lee says
It’s nice that you’ve become more content. I think also as we age we become more content because we’re less prepared to put up with stuff we used to ignore. Interesting some people are happy with whatever boundaries you set, you just need to set them (not relating to you, just not everyone is filling voids with ‘stuff’but unhappy because of how they let people treat them). Intersting post. #Mischiefandmemories
ShootingStarsMag says
I love the idea of your contentment journal and I’m glad it’s shown a noticeable difference in how you go through life. That’s wonderful.
I’m also all about joggers and slippers these days. Give me alllll the cozy.
-Lauren
Carrie says
What would life be like without joggers right now? I don’t want to know!
Leslie Susan Clingan says
This is Carrie at her best. You do fashion and style so well but you do spiritual messages of encouragement even better!! I have been listening to Jen Hatmaker podcasts and she asks that question – the title of your post – to each of her guests.
I am trying very hard to get up for my quiet time. The whole day goes much better when I do. Yesterday was a delightful day!! And it started with some time with God.
I have my monochromatic look ready to put on for a quick trip to Walmart. I, too, am trying not to spend frivolously, hoping the next Amazon purchase will make THE difference in my life. Time to take pleasure in all I have, material possessions and otherwise. And quit buying.
Carrie says
Thank you, Leslie! Honestly, my favorite part of blogging is writing about spiritual things and faith. Your words blessed me more than you know !
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
This really is such a positive post. I love the quotes you have included and there’s a sense of calm and stillness (in a good way) in your writing that’s very soothing. Thank you for joining us for #MischiefAndMemories
loopyloulaura says
It sounds like a relief and surprise to you that you have changed! I love the idea of the Create28: I’d love to make more effort with my clothes! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories