Count Your Blessings

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm118:1

Sometimes it's easy to see how God has provided for you. Other times you have to be intentional about seeing the good instead of dwelling on the bad.

Did you make a list of ways to love yourself? If so, have you stopped to see how you are doing? I have to say I'm doing pretty well. Yes, it's only been a couple of weeks, but it encourages me to continue when I see the progress I've made.

1. I'm still running. My knees may have other plans, but for now I'm sticking with it. Plus I like that I lost 5 pounds in the first 2 months of jogging.

2. I'm attempting to open all my mail when it arrives, but sometimes it sneaks into my "in" basket without me seeing it. That's one I will have to continue to work out. Yes, it sounds like a simple thing, but I find it challenging to stay ahead of the piles.

3. I've done several small things that are special for me. This weekend I'm going to take a painting class, go to a concert and order a comforter for my bed that I've been eyeing. It happens to be a child-free weekend, so I'm going to maximize my "me" time.

4. I've continued to make time for friends. The time with them usually takes my mind off my problems. It's good to relax and unwind with them.

Maybe you haven't made a list of ways to love yourself. Instead make a list of things you've accomplished in life. Remember what your life was like before something went wrong. Or maybe nothing terrible has happened but you need encouragement.

Try making a list of all the cities/countries you have visited, concerts you have seen, or special events you were part of. If you are struggling to find something worth writing down, look for ways to change that. Where can you plug in? Where can you volunteer time? Life is full of possibilities!