Dear LifeSpring Family,
A couple of years ago, I enrolled in a course conducted by Soul Care on the importance of taking care of our soul, spirit and inner person. The world knows this all too well with her emphasis on work life balance. As Dorothy and I prepare to go on sabbatical in a few weeks, I received the reminder (below) from the Soul Care team about rest and how it can be a “weapon” in my life.
1. Schedule non-negotiable family and rest time.
It’s possible. To put “family” and “rest” in your week’s timetable—and not have a text message or work emergency interrupt it.
When rest becomes a weapon, your approach to life and work comes from a completely different place and pace. Rest is not an optional extra, but a strategic priority. It’s time to schedule it accordingly.
2. Let yourself sleep.
At a minimum to keep going, you need 4 hours of sleep. But there’s no healing and no replenishment to your brain to support your creative output, your relational skills, or your overall health. That’s what happens in 8 hours.
This stuff literally happens when you sleep. So, get to bed—and let it happen.
3. Be honest with your own weaknesses and be accountable to others in them.
You’ve seen the results of burned-out leaders when they keep going without any regard for their soul. But it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
It starts with honesty—and a commitment to get help. You’re not alone. Make that call. Send that text.
4. Learn ways to bring peace to your mind and body when you’re busy.
Start with your breathing. Intentionally slowing it down provides much-needed calm to your overstimulated Central Nervous System.
Try it for just a few minutes:
8 counts inhale, hold for two counts, 8 counts to exhale hold for two counts, repeat.
5. Learn to receive affirmation, generosity, and love.
You give your time and heart all day, every day. You’re encouraging, supportive, and affirming of your team and those you work with. But don’t forget you need some of that, too.
Someone gives you a compliment? Start by saying thank you.
6. Remember the bigger story.
Euguene H. Peterson, pastor and author, wrote,
“We’re in a story in which everything eventually comes together, a narrative in which all the puzzling parts finally fit, about which years later we exclaim, oh so that’s what that meant!”
Things don’t always make sense in the middle. But take a step back. There’s a larger story.
7. Have outlets for fun and creativity.
There’s plenty of science on it, but you know that. You just need to remember fun is not for everyone else—but for you, too.
So, give it a shot. Go to a pottery class. Draw with a toddler. Skip rocks on a river.
Giving yourself the permission to play may be the most human thing you could do as a leader—and transform things for everyone.
I encourage you to do some listening prayer and ask, “God, show me where I need to stop doing and where I need to start being.”
After all, we are all human beings and not human doings. : )
Grace upon grace upon you.
John 1:16-17
Jerry