How are you holding up? Are you adjusting to a new “normal”? A new way to getting up every day and doing your job, supporting your husband, and helping your kids with schoolwork? All without the usual social events and connections we are used to?
Snippet from the Show
“Worrying is having a conversation with yourself about things you cannot change. Prayer is having a conversation with God about things he can change.”
These are challenging times, and it’s normal if you are feeling some worry or anxiety these days. This week, I want to help you find some peace — even in quarantine. Here are my ideas:
1) Make sure you are praying.
If you possibly can, begin and end your day with devoted prayer time. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy. Just show up and connect with God, every day.
2) Change what you can.
Are there things that are bothering you that could be addressed? Are you distressed by crowded work spaces or unplanned schedules? You are not powerless! You can find a lot of peace in talking about the things that are bothering you and taking action to address them.
3) Note what you cannot change.
Conversely, it’s important to understand that there are some things that disturb our peace that we cannot change. Things that are beyond our control are an invitation to trust in God. Recognize what you cannot change and work toward turning those things over to God in trust.
4) Exercise and eat well.
This may not be the time to take on a very restrictive diet or demanding exercise routine, but it is the time to take care of yourself in basic ways. Avoid emotional eating and make sure you are taking time each day to move your body — going for a walk, a run, stretching or dancing. You give your overall well-being a boost every time you exercise! (I recommend the Peloton app!)
5) Connect with others.
We may not be seeing friends and family in person, but we can use digital media and phone calls to stay in touch. Reach out to friends and extended family and learn to use things like Zoom and faceTime to stay in touch. Also, make sure you connect with the people in your home. Share hugs and snuggles, and say “I love you.”
6) Express yourself.
Find a new creative outlet or revisit an old hobby you used to enjoy. Music, art, cooking, painting or writing — look for a way to be creative every day! It will make you so much happier.
7) Focus on gratitude.
This unsettling time has been an opportunity for many of us to realize just how many blessings we take for granted. A chat with a friend over coffee, easy access to groceries and other conveniences, and the sacraments are all things that we find ourselves deprived of. Focus on being grateful for what you do have and the things we will have again soon.
At the end of today’s show, I invite you to pray the Litany of Trust with me. Thank you so much for all the ways you pray with and encourage me every day. Know that I am praying for you!
I have received so much feedback from all of you about my newest book and the first chapter that I shared with you at the end of episode 210. Giving Thanks and Letting Go: Reflections on the Gift of Motherhood is a book in which I share from my heart about the very real changes, challenges, triumphs, and joys of being a mom in an “emptying nest.” You can read that sample chapter at Ave Maria Press. (Use the coupon code BEAN20 to get 20% off your order!)
Please join me on Thursdays at 1:00 pm ET for a book club based on themes in the book. See you over at Facebook!
My book, You Are Enough: What Women of the Bible Teach You About Your Mission and Worth, is available for order! Use the code, GIRLFRIENDS to receive ten percent off your order. Don’t miss out on this special available exclusively to listeners of the Girlfriends podcast.
Have feedback or an idea to share? I would love to hear from you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join our all-new Girlfriends Podcast Facebook group!
Check out the Catholic Momcast featuring Lisa Hendey and me, available on iTunes!
RETREAT
The You’re Worth It! Retreat for Women
Find out more about bringing this unique event for women to your parish, group, or community. Read more and request more information here.
Or find out more about having me come speak at your parish or conference.
Subscribe to Girlfriends in iTunes
Subscribe to Girlfriends in Stitcher
About Danielle Bean
Danielle’s Books on Amazon
CatholicMom.com
Contact:
Email Danielle Bean
Rate and Review Girlfriends in iTunes
Leave voice feedback
Girlfriends on Facebook
Danielle Bean on Facebook
Danielle Bean on Twitter
Danielle Bean on Instagram
Connect with me on Voxer!
