THINGS THAT GIVE ME REST

"What do you find restful?" is another question that I am commonly asked.  I thought it might be good to write them down here since many people, in the journey of taking better care of themselves, often wonder what might give them rest.  Keep in mind that this list is coming from someone who is highly introverted.

• sleeping in
• waking up naturally without an alarm
• napping (sleep is important to me, can you tell??)
  
• painting
• reading novels 
• unhurried times with the Lord
• journalling
• doing jigsaw puzzles
• painting my nails (or, as Tim calls it "fuming up the house")
• making myself a special cup of tea
• spending time with my husband
• watching funny movies
• singing
• staying home for a day
• dancing by myself in the living room when no one's home
  
• wearing comfy clothes
• silence
  
• warm showers
• not cooking (this is part of our Sabbath practice; we put it in our budget to eat out that day)
• walking somewhere instead of driving
• lighting candles and watching them flicker
• keeping my computer off for the day (this is also part of my Sabbath practice)
• playing board games with my husband
• reading Calvin and Hobbes
  

Some of these things (like jigsaw puzzles) I enjoyed as a child but over the years had slowly forgotten about.  Figuring out what gives me rest has been and continues to be a process for me but the Lord is faithful in helping me understand myself better.