Listing Your Accomplishments

     A few weeks ago, I was having a day where I felt like I was not getting anything accomplished. Sure, I had done a few things that day but none of the important things on my to-do list were getting done. As you can imagine this was stressing me out and also causing frustration. So I set a goal for the rest of that week, I was going to write down all the important (important to me that is, everyone has their definition of important) things that I accomplished each day to show myself that I do get things done, even if they are not on my to-do list for that day. So from walking my dog to doing housework and everything else in between, I wrote it all down. Some of those days I accomplished more than others, but that was okay because not all days are the same. We have the same twenty - four hours every day but some days I have more energy, and some tasks take more time than others.

    The other day I shared a post on my Facebook that said, "You've gotta do your best every day, but remember that your best is going to look DIFFERENT every day."

    When I read that, it spoke to me because after working an eleven-hour workday I was pooped and could barely move, but earlier that week I worked an eight-hour day and I had much more energy to accomplish more. Or at the very least, I did not feel like I had been run over by a bus. Those two eleven-hour days hurt a lot. It has been a while since I worked a shift that long.

    My point in all of this is that every day is different, which is exactly how God planned it. Yes, we all have routines and schedules and at times it seems that our days feel the same. Especially if you are laid off right now due to Covid-19 and cannot go anywhere besides the grocery store. You have my sympathy.

    So, at the end of that week, I looked back at my list and saw a long list of things that I had accomplished. I felt great. Yes, a chunk of my self-worth comes from seeing all the things I have accomplished. Yes, I also know that my self-worth can only truly come from God. It is a work in progress.

    Anyways, the next time you start to feel like you are lazy and not getting anything done, or you are in a season of bad mental health and need a pick me up. Write down everything you accomplished and be proud of yourself. Even if it is simply bathing, or other basic hygiene items, eating, getting fresh air. It all counts.

    To those who do struggle with mental health problems, please know that I do not take that topic lightly. I too have my struggles as well. Just know that I love you and God loves you. I hope that post encourages and blesses you all.

God Bless

~Ruth

My Favorite Colour

     Tonight I could not sleep (this is going back a few months). I did not want to watch more tv because I need sleep for church in the morning.  So I decided to paint my nails. As I was putting on the base coat I was feeling insecure about my body, like many people do. I started thinking about what I wanted to change about myself and how to go about doing it. Finally, the clear base coat was dry and it was time to add colour. I used my favorite shade of pink as usual. 230 Heart of Stone by Sally Hanson. As I applied the first coat I could feel my insecurities melt away, I felt strong and confident in my favorite colour. I thought of how the name of this polish did not represent it very well. It should be called "Pretty in Pink," because that is how I feel after applying it. Pink, especially light pink makes me feel pretty, girly, but also strong and confident. It is my safe colour. It is interesting how much self-esteem changed in those few moments and how simply of a task painting my nails really is, and that I clothed myself in confidence. 

    This reminds me of how God wants me to cloth myself as well, Colossians 3:12 NIV "Therefore, as God's chose people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." We are also called to put on the full armor of God each and every day. Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." So when the enemy is whispering lies into your ear and telling you that you are not good enough put on your armor and stand against him. Tonight, my armor was nail polish and as I applied the colour, God blessed me with confidence and reminded me that I am enough and I am beautiful.

    I started a new job at the end of September and due to the temperature of the building I often do not need a sweater, but I always have my pink zip-up fleece with me just in case. Kind of like a security blanket. This job has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me and my colour helps me.

    So, long story short, I love pink. So much so that my nickname is Pinky. It is my happy colour. If I not wearing it, which is unusual, I am likely having a bad day. Years ago, for Halloween, I was a witch, with a neon pink wig. I ended up wearing the wig regularly for a while, my mom called it my happy hair (this was long before pink was my favorite colour) and now pink is my happy colour.

    What is your happy and or favorite colour? Does it bring you joy and comfort when you see it? Do you stop in the tracks when you see something that is in your favorite colour? Even if the item in question has no value to you? I know I do.

As always, I hope this post blesses you as it blesses me to write and to share them.

God Bless

~Ruth