Life Savers
Earlier this week, I received an email asking me “What’s saving your life right now?” Life is a bit topsy turvy right now because I recently moved into a new house. My family and I packed up our home of almost 21 years to move into a remodeled home on a bit of land. We downsized on the dwelling but gained beautiful open space outdoors. I read that email during a brief pause of laborious unpacking and organizing; surprisingly, my list my list came together rather quickly.
Why the List
This idea of life-saving lists stems from Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir, Leaving Church (which is a rich read!) where she was once asked, “Tell us what is saving your life right now.” We can easily rattle off a litany of things that drive us crazy or are stressful right now, while coming up with items that bring us joy or are sanity savers may seem a bit more daunting.
So, taking my cue from Modern Mrs. Darcy, here are seven things saving my life right now:
My Life-Giving List
Lighting candles daily
~I adore softly scented candles and place them in just about every room. This small practice of lighting candles brings me joy and creates a cozy atmosphere. I’m all for anything Hygge (think fireplaces, soft throws, mugs of hot drinks, etc.)
Waking up in time to watch the sunrise every morning as it rises over the mountains
~Not only does it feel like I’m on vacation when I look out my window, but it also serves as a reset each day.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Keeping my morning routine
~In the chaos, following a routine keeps me grounded and focused. While I’m still sorting out where my new morning “spot” in the house will be, the rituals remain the same.
My neighbor’s hot spot
~We are currently without internet, so while waiting for the cable company to come to install it, our kind neighbors graciously offered us their mobile hotspot gadget. It’s proved to be handy for a quick check on email, pay some online bills, and listen to a Voxer message or two.
Drinking water
~This might seem silly to include, but I often can get so busy and focused on whatever task is at hand that I forget to drink enough water. I keep my favorite water bottle with me at all times now- right in front of wherever I’m working- so I can remember to maintain my water intake.
Friends
~I am so thankful for my friends. Moving was a bit nuts but made more manageable due to thoughtful friends who helped me pack and unpack, checked to see if I needed some groceries while they were at Costco, stopped by to say hello, and brought us dinner on our first night in our new home. ❤️
“Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives and remembering what one receives.“
Alexander Dumas
Reader View
~Reading essays or blog posts which contain a ton of ads drives me bonkers, so I learned I could tap the Reader button on the left of the address bar on my phone or iPad and poof! The ads disappear, and all I see is the text. To learn more, click here.
What is saving your life right now? Please let me know by replying in the comments or sending me an email. I would love to know ☺️
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**All photos in this post are taken from my new home.
I LOVE the photos – they are simply incredible! I’m glad your move has been assisted by friends and that you are finding places for everything. I hope this is a joyous new home for you and your family. Xo
Thank you, sweet friend! xoxox
Medicine- I often think I’m tough and could just power through a cold and a cough but modern antibiotics and an inhaler is saving me. Why do I wait so long, when medicine has made the relief so easy? Haha
quiet evenings- I have a 7, 5, and 2 year old and like clockwork they go to bed between 7-7:30 every night. Easily, without a fight. Happy and loving. I know it’s not the norm…. I’m incredibly grateful for this.
Text conversations throughout the day- I’m an introvert and having my husband text me hilarious stories or random emojis makes me laugh. Having friends check in asking how I’m doing is a sweet reminder that I’m loved. It seems simple but it’s a pick me up throughout the day.
Thankful children-“ this is the best meal mom.” “You’re the best!” “I love you the most” I realize I am not the best cook or the best mom but my kids think I am and that’s all that matters
Instrumental music- I throw this on in the house to relax, re center and slow down.
Dance parties- amazon music has some pretty rad playlists for kids… and when you just need to enjoy your kids it’s fun to chicken dance, Macarena, and twist and shout with everyone
A live in bartender- No joke my husband makes legit drinks and he’s always game to make one for me. And old fashion, dirty martini, whisky sour…. you name it he makes it. No he’s not a real bartender but he might as well be. I’m thankful he loves me this way.
I just realized I have a ton to be thankful for right now. Thank you for that exercise!
I love your list, Christin! I find it especially sweet that you listed dance parties and the comments from your adorable kids💜 I’m so glad you enjoyed this little exercise.
Oh I like that list. Just simple things that act like grace to smooth our ruffled edges. I’m off to think about what’s saving me at the moment. Thanks for the encouragement.
Tracey,
Yes, I agree! I would love to hear what made your list ☺️
My favorite lifesaver right now … In January 2 of my nieces, my daughter and myself decided to read the 1 year bible together (on our apps of course) and ever night I get in bed and there are the best comments and questions that have me researching to give them answers. It has seriously been the best time…. 11 months to go!
Loretta,
I love that!!! I read the Bible all the way through last year and enjoyed it so much! Blessings to you xo
I had no idea about reader view and I just found out I can do it on my computer too. Wow! Love this so much. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t that Reader View so handy? The ads can be such a distraction! So glad you found that helpful ☺️