Challenge Update: Day of Rest. (Hey, God commanded it; who am I to argue?)
Improve Your Life: Plan the major events of your week and block in some “rest time” for yourself. Sometimes we feel it is selfish to take time out, but maintaining yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is a gift to all the other people in your life. Make a few “appointments” throughout this week, even if it is just for 10 or 20 minutes, and mark them on your planner. Then keep the appointments with yourself! If at all possible, work in at least one longer time for yourself and don’t use the time to catch up. Use it to rest, do something you enjoy, relax, and be renewed.
Be Open-Minded: An important part of life improvement is learning your own weaknesses and times of vulnerability. I’ve learned that after a long day, when the night is growing late and I am getting very tired, I become much more negative in my thoughts and self-pitying in my attitude. It’s best for me not to have any serious discussions, make any plans, or try to think through major issues at that time. In what situations and at what times do you become more negative? When do you feel most vulnerable? When do you notice your attitude going downhill? Start noticing those times and see if there is a pattern. How can you protect yourself and others from the possible negativity of those moments?