Earlier this month, I wrote my anthem for the year, a large compilation of all the things God's been pressing on my heart, wrapped up in a single word: free. I want to live more free this year. I want to run on mission, unhindered by all the things of this world that so often trip me up. I want to be led by the Spirit, not by my own flesh. I want to say yes to the door opening practices that make a way for God to do His work on me, and not conform to the idle and busy lifestyle that can so easily become the norm. And as much as this freedom has to do with my insides, so much of it trickles into the stuff of this world, too - how I care for myself, our family, our time, and this home.
I just finished reading Emily Ley's A Simplified Life, a pretty coffee table read filled with practical tools to make the things of this life less complicated so you can essentially grab hold of a freer life. She shares ways to free up your space, closet, mealtimes, schedule, finances, hospitality, technology, self-care, and your faith. Most of these tips and tools aren't rocket science, but they served as good reminders that we do have control over so many of the small, but important things that can make a big difference in how we spend our lives.
I used to think that the word free meant a life of wild, unabashed concern for your tomorrows. I used to think freedom was synonymous with a go-wherever-do-whatever mentality that was sometimes matched with poor decisions because of a general lack of concern for anything but the moment right in front of you. This was my definition, my motivation to live free at various periods of my life. And while some of this still might translate, the Bible (of all things) has given me an entirely new definition of freedom, what it means to live free in Christ. Because He has our tomorrows, we can run free, being light and love for others, wherever He calls us to go. But I've also learned that a life free in Christ is not without structure, hard work, and discipline. It's a daily fight to choose to invest in my relationship with God, and put aside the things that have a way of creeping in and taking me towards anything but that relationship. Most days, it's a struggle; however, like Emily Ley, I've realized there are things I can do to create more space in my life and my heart for what matters the most.
As I read A Simplified Life this month, I jotted down my own list of daily, practical habits that help me clear my head, free up my space, and create more opportunities to invest in my faith, my family, and my community. I put together a little list of my daily ABCs, not only as reminders for me of the things that matter, but maybe sparking some ideas for you, too.
A - ambience matters || even if the house is a wreck, if I clear off the counter and light a good smelling candle, my soul just calms down. This can also be achieved at night, especially after dinner is cleaned up and put away. I like to make the bedrooms cozy, turning the beds down and the lamps on, shutting off lots of lights and creating a quiet, cozy space to let go a little
B - be brave || you can't truly live free unless you're willing to be brave. I always know I'm about to do something brave when I've got all the voices inside telling me otherwise, to quit, be quiet, or give in to what everyone else would do. Reading the Bible has sure taught me a thing or two of what it means to live free and brave, but I'm also hoping to dig into Annie Downs' Let's All Be Brave, along with her new book, 100 Days to Brave.
C - count those steps || there is nothing better than fresh air, a good playlist, and a little bit of sweat to make you feel like you're ready to hit the ground running.
D - date night || a practice I've blogged about before and have truly seen so many positive effects on our marriage. You don't even have to leave the house! With a little intention, you can set aside special time to focus on nothing but each other. Our favorite date night (aside from the date nights we actually get out of the house!) is mixing a fun drink after the kids go to bed, playing a game of cribbage, or planning a fun trip or getaway together.
E - exercise daily || I'm shooting for 30 minutes a day. When I can't find or make time for myself, I'll take the kids on a walk or play Just Dance with Cruz on the Wii.
F - face washed before bed || this is simple, but it makes a world of difference for me. It literally feels like I have washed the day off and I go to bed feeling lighter, fresher, and freer.
G - gratitude, every day || one of the most simple, life-giving routines you can gift yourself. find a pretty (and empty) notebook, keep it somewhere you will see it, and commit to writing three quick notes of blessings and/or gratitude every day. They are a treasure to look back on and an important reminder that there are always gifts to open.
H - hot, healthy, and whole || Beau and I started another round of Whole 30 on Sunday and are once again reminded how good it feels to cut the sugar and processed junk and fill our bodies with fresh, clean, and whole foods. It takes a lot of meal prep to pull this off, BUT, if you commit, the time in the kitchen and especially around the table is an added bonus.
I - intentional acts of service and kindness || while I'm a person who craves order and thrives with a good list, I'm learning to share space on my list with others. Having ears to hear and eyes to see those around me, and taking time to show love to others through small, simple acts of kindness and service go a long way. I am going to try to do something kind and/or special every day, whether it be a thank you note in the mail for someone, a meal for a family going through a rough patch, or a slowed down conversation with someone amidst an otherwise busy day.
J - joy in the simple || sprinkle these things in throughout the week, even if they have to go on the to-do list, too. a family game night. chocolate chip cookies after school. essential oils diffusing something fresh.
K - know your door-openers (and closers) || What are the things, people, or places that fill your cup and bring you closer to a life with Christ? What about the things that do the opposite? Invest in what fills your cup, even if it's hard, and know when it's okay to dust off those shoes and walk away
L - laundry, one load a day || Laundry is so doable when I commit to doing one load, wash to put away, every day. And there is just nothing better than a laundry room that isn't full of piles
M - make that bed, every morning || another one of those easy tasks that just makes a world of difference for my attitude in the morning.
N - nurture life-giving friendships || take the time to invest in these, whether it be a text message or a phone call throughout the day, a get together for coffee, tea, or a margarita after work, or time to invest and dig in to the real, deep parts of each other. I used to long for these kinds of friendships, and now it's about watering the ones God's given me with time, attention, and thoughtful ways to serve and love on them
O - open up those Bibles || I am officially halfway through the Bible in a year, and this process has been one of the most life-giving undertakings of my life. I always wanted to be one of those people who knows scripture, knows the story, knows how to ask questions and actually interact with God's word myself, instead of depending on church to do it for me. And while I'm quite convinced there will never come a day when I don't have something new to learn from God's great redemptive story, it has been so cool to see the bigger picture while at the same time appreciating the details and how they apply to the daily bits of my life
P - pray in the in-between || this is an area I know I can do better in. I'm trying to use more of the in-between times during my day - when I'm in the car, when I find myself in bed unable to sleep, after I drop the kids off at school, etc. Just knowing I can be in constant "talk" with Jesus is pretty incredible, and I want to invite His presence into my days and be more intentional about praying for the people in my life
Q - quiet time || we all thrive when we have a little time to be quiet, especially to combat the rather chaotic times of our days. Whether it be twenty minutes after school before I prep for dinner, or a long afternoon on a Sunday, building these times in throughout the week not only gives me opportunities to pause, but sets a good precedent at home for the kids
R - read || last year, I committed to reading 17 books in 2017. I got pretty close, reading 16 of them, but there were times when I felt overwhelmed by too much reading and it felt like a chore. I've got a great book list again for this year, but have no expectation regarding a number.
S - send more snail mail || it's a dying practice, but shouldn't be! I love receiving this kind of fun, personalized, thoughtful mail amidst the endless junk that fills our box each week.
T - two house projects a week || decluttering, reorganizing, and finishing up projects is always on my goal list. Rather than attempting to tackle this all at once, I have created a system that works pretty well for me. Two management projects a week for an entire year. More on this next week!
U - unplug more often || for consistent periods of each day, such as the morning before school and at night from dinner 'til bedtime. Also toying with a social media fast for Lent.
V - take those vitamins
W - drink that water || especially with a lemon or cucumber in it!
X - have a heart of xenia (hospitality) || okay, this was a stretch, but I did find that the greek word for hospitality is xenia. I want to have a home that is open and inviting to whoever comes through my door. I want to make our guest room a cozy retreat for overnight guests, and commit to more impromptu gatherings around our table this year. And I want to step out of my comfort zone, extending an invitation to people God may be nudging me to connect with
Y - try yoga || why am I so intimidated by this?!
Z - zone out and REST || some of this is important, too. a night of stranger things with Beau. A Friday night in my basement lair, catching up on This Is Us and yes, even the Bachelor. Naps on a Sunday afternoon. And soon, front porch hangs and deck beers in the summertime. This time is important because it refuels us and reminds us to not take this life too seriously.
P.S. I completely forgot to post these pictures! Beau got me a sunflower mini session for my birthday this summer and it was dreamy! Nicole Harnois did them and she was a joy to work with.
