Write down this vision. Write it clearly on tablets so that anyone who reads it may run. Habbakuk 2:2 Voice
I have always wanted to be a classic journaler (is that even a word?). In my ideal world, I sit down to a perfectly ordered home every evening and write in my best penmanship about the amazing day I have had in the beautiful, leather bound journal. During my caregiving days, I felt fortunate if I could write a few words on a post-it note. There were so many thoughts swirling through my head and things to do that I could not keep track of them all.
Writing in a composition book solved this for me. Typically, these black and white composition books are a required item with the annual school supply list. I started using them after reading David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done (GTD). In this book he refers to productivity in a new way where you establish calm rather than living in chaos. In the midst of ‘caregiving chaos’ I craved calm yet didn’t need another item on my burgeoning to-do list. The most important take-away from this book was to capture my thoughts on paper so my mind could do what it does best – envision the future and create the vision for what only I can do.
I began implementing the mind sweep (see below) and putting my to-do list all on one page. This helped immensely. As the extra things that were not getting done came into alignment with my schedule I felt more peaceful. I found myself also writing down the thoughts the Holy Spirit inspired me to write and started to blog. The only problem with doing it that way, however, was that these nuggets got lost in the morass of the mundane.
One day I decided to turn the composition book over and started putting the vision statements, insights from the Word, etc. in the back. Yes, it was upside down and backwards but that is what my life felt like at the time. This is also where I put my sermon notes and daily Bible study notes. When these pages met in the middle, I would buy a new composition book. I labeled the spine of the book and put it on my book shelf. They are now treasures that have been the basis for several books.
Active Self Nurture
Sweep your mind
This is a concept that I love to do periodically. Sit in a quiet spot and write down everything that is claiming your attention and is your responsibility. At this point stay on task to get it all down on paper. Usually, what you put down on that paper are things that you neglected to do or you put off doing. I most likely create a mind-map first and then come back and put them in my to-do list.
Capture thoughts in writing
Most nights I struggled to get to sleep as the swirl of undone chores and ideas threatened to overwhelm me. There were nights when I tossed and turned and woke up with a headache. The worst part was the feeling that I had forgotten something. I put my composition book by my bed and when I would wake up during the night I would write down what I had forgotten so it could become an action item.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) puts it well as it says, “fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”
Take hold of your dreams
You will find that as you bring order to your chaotic thoughts you will be able to write your vision. What do you feel is something that only YOU can do? What are you dreaming at night? What is your purpose? As you put words around what God has put in your heart, your next steps will become more clear.
Remember, there is no waste in God’s economy. You may have a book inside you that you need to write so that it will bless many others. Perhaps, you are to write a blog about your experiences as a caregiver.
Prayer
I am so grateful, Lord, that You have placed a vision inside me to compel me to run. I am no longer running from the difficulties, Instead, I am increasing in stamina and courage to finish strong what You have called me to do no matter what others do. I pray for wisdom in writing down the loose thoughts, emotions and impulses so that they propel me toward a life shaped like Jesus. You have come to give me abundant life and I enter into all that You have for me today.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For the rest of the alphabet in the ABCs of Self Nurture for Caregivers please click here.
Karen Sebastian-Wirth has, over the years, lovingly cared for her mother-in-love, mother, father and husband. She certainly has learned the lessons of hope in what can become a treacherous ride over some rough waters. You will enjoy her candid approach to self nurture and the practical ways to take care of yourself. Her new book The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride will be released in September, 2018.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. TTo increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
