Happy New Year (2013!)

The first full week in 2013 was an incredibly good week for me…and I want to share what I’ve learned from it and why I may be feeling so good.

1.  I had a rough weekend prior to the “good” week…it was a rough start. And I fully believe it was hormonal. I was energy-less and that made me rest more on Saturday and Sunday…ah, rest! Why do we need physical knock downs to sit still and rest? To even cancel appointments?

2.      I did something I’m very passionate about! Yep, in the midst of working a full time job, trying to be a helpful wife and mother of a 2.9 year-old, I sometimes teach a writing class to seminarians. It’s not something I can do every week of the year, but it is something I can do about twice a year…for a few weeks. I like teaching. I like hearing the dreams and goals of new students. I like meeting new people trying to follow God’s will. I love grammar..yep, I’m a grammar geek. So roll all of these things into one and I’m energized and happy. I usually have a nice level of energy when I come home from teaching…awww!

3.      I got some exercise. Yes! Zumba, stationary bike, strength training, small segments during the day at work…so I’m not just sitting at my desk staring at work that needs to be done. I did squats right before using the bathroom each time I got up one day. I did waist bends the next day. Knee pull ups. Exercise, in whatever form or capacity and time you have, is key to keeping your endorphins going.

4.      I ate better…more fruits, vegetables, salads. I also planned dinner ahead of time. Coming home cooking is stressful for me so having a few things prepared already relieves stress.

5.      I played with Kayla (my just about 3-year-old daughter)…one day I even donned a tiara. I didn’t look at the clock. I became a princess and saw the biggest smile on my daughters face…that gave me energy and something fun to think about at other times.

6.      I read the Word. As a Christian, I find true peace, conviction, reminders in God’s word. And this week I read Zephaniah 3:17 and was reminded that God sings, rejoices over me. Wow, something to think about. I got to this rather obscure scripture because I had a few minutes before my class to read a devotion that came from this Scripture. I didn’t get to read my Bible every day, but I did think about this Scripture often and I reread it several times. It gave me peace and a reminder that God loves me through my fears. Again, wow!

7.      I danced with my husband. We don’t get many times to dance…but throw in a party, a sitter whom Kayla just loves being with, and some music…aw, another way to release tension but also a time to just enjoy music and each other’s company. Sweet.

8.      I focused on a few tasks at work…and got them done. More cropped up, some went unresolved…but there’s next week.

So, want a formula for less depression….try all or some of these 8 items…add some of your own. What’s up with your emotions? What have you found that helps you.

I’ll be speaking more about this journey on February 9 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church’s Prayer Breakfast (10540 S. Halsted Ave. Chicago).

Let me know if you’d like more information…I’d love to see you there!