5-Soul-Fillers! (link up)

I am linking up with Mrs.Disciple at http://mrsdisciple.com/five-soul-fillers/, the topic is Five-Soul-Fillers!  She talks about Jessica Turner’s book The Fringe Hours which is about finding that space in your day to do things that give you joy and feed your soul.

When I think of filling my soul the first thought that comes to mind is quiet time sitting with a cup of coffee, an inspirational book, and my bible.  But that’s not the only way to feel your soul being filled up, sometimes it is just doing something fun, taking some time for yourself, seeing things from a new perspective…

How do you know when you are running low in this area? 

For me, I know I am in need of having my soul filled when I get into a “funk” and can’t even pin-point why, or when I start snapping at someone for no good reason, or when I start to let things get to me or hurt my feelings too easily…..

The causes and/or evidence of us running on “empty” may be different but the fact is it happens to all of us.  We stretch ourselves too thin too often and we need to make sure we are carving out that time to feed our souls so that we can give our best.  

These are my 5 soul-fillers, five things I try to incorporate into life that help me have that balance:  

currently on my nightstand

1. Reading

  

I love to read and it is probably the one “hobby” or interest I try to do every single day.  Whether it is a bible study, an encouraging christian living book, or an “I-can’t-put-this-book-down” novel…I just love to read.  I usually have one of each of those type of books going at all times…and then ones waiting to start as soon as those are finished :)

2. Getting Creative

I have always been the “artsy” type…I don’t know if I could pick a favorite outlet for this but the thing I do most often to get creative is scrapbooking because it is something that I feel is benefitting the family as well, my kids love looking at our scrapbooks and I know the photos will be even more special as they get older and we can all look back on them.  I also paint, draw, sew, etc….not everything I make turns out great but I enjoy doing it. 

3. Writing

As a kid I wrote lengthy stories, short stories with illustrations, and diaries.  As an adult I write blog posts and journals.  I quit writing for several years, telling myself that I just didn’t have the time but I started writing again after my first miscarriage last April and getting back into it has really helped me in so many ways personally and I have felt called to try to help others through writing, as well.  

4. Exercise

One of my favorite things to do to give my mood a quick boost is to grab my phone (for music) or my kindle (if I want a slower paced work out) and get on my elliptical.  Taking 30 minutes or so to rejuvenate mind and body just feels great.  I also like to do pilates and yoga.  Recently I did a 90-day Bikini-Body Mommy Challenge and while it was nice to have that “challenge” and mix things up, work different muscles, etc. it wasn't that soul-filling work out I look forward to, so I’m glad thats over!

5. Studying my children

I will totally admit that a lot of times all the demands/frustrations/busyness of the kids can be a reason that my soul is feeling empty but there is something about taking the time to slow down and really watch them that fills my soul.  Fills me with thankfulness. Melts my heart. Sometimes it’s when they are outside laughing and playing saying “Look what I can do!”.  Sometimes it’s when one of them is just sitting quietly doing their own thing oblivious to me looking at them.  Other times it’s seeing something they have made or done that just reflects who they are, their imagination or talents.  Nothing can make you feel closer to God quite like a child can. 

I could list several more…music…mom’s nights out…date nights in….

What fills your soul? What can you take the time to do in your life to give you more joy and keep you from running around on empty?