This morning, Modern Mrs. Darcy published What Worked For Me This Year and invited her readers to share the same. It sounded like fun, so I've taken the liberty of quickly pulling this post together. I'm happy to share these 14 15 practices that saved my life. Thanks to Anne, here we go!
YES PLEASE TO ...
Texting - a lifesaver, the highlight of Christmas day with plenty of conversation back and forth with wonderful impromptu pictures keeping me up to date with where I really wanted to be - in Maryland with the gang.
WhatsApp - This app is fun - I have one granddaughter in particular who loves to chat and show me what she's doing. She does alot of moving around while talking, but I've gotten used to the room spinning and I love her enthusiasm and unique perspective on life.
Devotions - I pray throughout the day, but I've found it necessary over the years to frequently change up my reading. The NIV, The Message, assorted devotional books by Tozer, Young, Voskamp, Nouwen, Swindoll. Writings from bloggers. Meditating quietly on a verse. Propped up in bed, while eating breakfast in the living room, basking in the sun on the porch. The location varies from day to day.
Masks - What can I say? With the exception of closest friends and family members, I feel safer when I'm wearing one ... and you are, too.
Puzzles - Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, Super Sudoku {numbers and letters together}, the local newspaper's Friday crossword. Sure beats endless hours of mindless TV.
Bake - I usually focus on churning out one signature bake each December. This year it was shortbread, and so what if it took me 3 tries before I got it right?! Last year, it was the store-bought pretzel sticks, covered in layers of chocolate and laden with sprinkles. Surprise Meringues have been a hit, too.
Amazon - I shop local when I can, but there's hardly any stores around here, and I do love ordering from the comfort of my desk, browsing and hitting the Add to Cart button. Bonus points for when my daughters send me the actual links for Christmas gifts. Thank you very much.
Blogging - I love cultivating this online community. It gives me so much joy and satisfaction to do life with you, to offer the gift of presence, to hear each other well and validate where each individual is coming from, to support each other's work, to celebrate the victories, to grieve our losses together. Even as in-person connection faded this year, this online community flourished.
Snapshots - A true spirit lifter, a creativity stirrer. I'm no pro, but something in me comes alive when I pull my phone out to do more than surf the web.
Gratitude - This has been the year of looking high and low for things to be thankful for. And wonder of wonders, God's gifts, large and small, are evident everywhere if only we have eyes to see. This necessitates a moratorium on whining and complaining and a glass half empty outlook ... all of which are part of my fallen nature. Praising is so much more delightful than endless pity parties. This I've learned the hard way.
Stretching - After months of ill health I finally started spending 5 - 10 minutes a day stretching. My tight muscles and aching back thanked me for it, and combined with deep breathing, this was a lifesaver as I began to regain my stamina and a more optimistic mindset.
Facilitating - I'm beyond grateful to get back in the saddle again, leading a series of small groups to support women as they make their way through the pandemic. We're socially distant as we sit fireside in a confidential atmosphere free of judgment, fixing each other, or preaching. The relief to be in the company of others, freedom to share honestly, the sheer gift of knowing you're not alone all combine to make these gatherings work ... because the Spirit is guiding the conversation.
Small - Get-togethers have evolved into just a few family members and friends who've walked arm and arm with us this year, sometimes literally. I'm so grateful to keep company with these faithful companions ... and treasure the experience that comes with feeling safe in all the ways that matter most.
Singing - I grew up with a father who'd burst into song at a moment's notice, singing all 50 verses of one old hymn or another. He was known for his dramatic flourishes and hand gestures as he did so. There's not too many flourishes and gestures around here but I find myself singing all . the . time. Just ask my husband.
* 3 hours later ... As Lynn shared her love of reading in the comment section, I realized that I had left out a steady companion not only for this year, but for life. Books! It was not the best year with the library at operating at half speed, but I enjoyed many re-reads of old favorites that had been gathering dust on my shelves and discovered a few new treasures when the library doors were open. My favorite time to read? Burning the midnight oil, propped up in the quilt-covered bed, while my husband snores companionably beside me.
How 'bout you? What saved your life in 2020?
Linda
Our 1st 2021 Book Club Read Is ...
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I absolutely love this post and so much! Love all the pictures. The one of roasting the marshmallows was just adorable. One thing is for sure dear Linda...God has surely been so faithful to us hasn't He? Happy New Year to you dear woman of God. So glad I've had the opportunity to get to know and read your heart. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm so very thankful with you to have experienced God's faithfulness, lovingkindness ... and healing touch this year. He is so good.
DeleteAnd yes, Cindy, those two kids roasting marshmallows cracked me up. Ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do!
Thanks for lighting up my blogging life with your upbeat posts and joyful outlook. It's been so good to get to know you in 2020 ...
You ask what saved my life this year,
ReplyDeletetwelve months bereft of hope,
but swathed in vitriol and fear;
how do the faithful cope?
How do we see what we had planned
fade from straining eyes?
How accept, and understand
our brightest dreams' demise?
'Twas not the year I tried to live;
each day was too forbidding,
the only answer I can give
is I'm not fond of quitting,
and the measure of each night
is dawn still sees me in the fight.
It amazes me how quickly you can pen these poems, Andrew. Your body might be failing you, but your mind and creativity are still alive and kicking.
DeleteAnd no, you're not a quitter. I am so grateful that God has given you another year. Obviously, He's not done with you yet. My new year's greeting to Barb and all the 4 footed beasts that keep you company.
I'm so glad you're regaining your stamina, Linda. :) "This has been the year of looking high and low for things to be thankful for. And wonder of wonders, God's gifts, large and small, are evident everywhere if only we have eyes to see." Yes! Opening our eyes to see them. And nature has been an even deeper solace for me this year. I LOVE your photo of the seagull on the fence! And I always love seeing lake scenes. So can you see the water from inside your home? Love and blessings of a peace-filled 2021!
ReplyDeleteI hear what you're saying about nature as a solace, Trudy. I can actually feel myself coming alive when I head outdoors. Our bodies, souls, and mind crave God's creation, for sure.
DeleteCape Cod is an island that stretches out into the Atlantic, so most water snapshots around here are of the ocean or the bay. No waterfront views from our little house, but a few minutes in the car takes us to its life-giving majesty.
Thank you for your tender companionship and loving care you've showered down on me this year. You are a true gift from God!
Hello Linda, I am with Trudy here! The photos of the seaside and the seagull (although they can be messy birds, can't they?) I also loved. Anything nature brings solace to me, as well. I honestly have to say reading is what was the most mind-saving for me this year, especially well-written, feel-good middle-grade books! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYep, I almost included reading but had a hard time getting access to books at the library this year and ended up doing a lot of re-reading of favorites that I had at home. The library still is not operating at full tilt and I miss the quick service we used to enjoy.
DeleteThese are my favorites -
http://www.lindastoll.net/2020/12/my-favorite-books-of-2020.html
Unlike last year which was filled with some hefty non-fiction, these were mostly easy reads. Meanwhile I sure am missing your online writing and stunning photography. Are you coming back any time soon?
Trusting God will continue to pour His creativity into your life in the coming year. I find myself breathing deep as soon as I come upon one of your offerings. Thank you for the gift that's been to my soul this year.
Bless you.
I also loved the photos and the little glimpses into your life this year. I agree with so many of the things you have said. I think what has saved my life this year has been two of my co-workers. We were already good friends but we've worked much more closely together this year (despite most of it being online) and that everyday connection has helped us all.
ReplyDeleteLesley, what a huge blessing to hear about your relationship with those you work with. In this year of unusual tension and unforeseen work challenges, what a gift to be part of a team that connects not only professionally, but in ways that encourage your soul.
DeleteNew Year's Blessings to you, friend. I look forward to the ministry you began this past year and saw stifled by the pandemic come alive and thrive in the months ahead. God's calling on your life is evident by the joy that seeps out when you write about what He's gifted you to do!
I'm praying ...
Definitely books, and maintaining a Gratitude Attitude. Also, I can't praise the availability of Face Time, too; moments with my daughter and the grands are irreplaceable! And I'm so very glad that Danny and I have been able to stay healthy during this time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Linda, and here's to a better time in 2021!
You guys have done such a good job laying low and quarantining over the months. I know you are eager for that vaccine! My Mom got hers in the care facility yesterday and she said, 'I wouldn't even know that I had a shot in the arm.'
DeleteStay healthy, and thank you for your Christmas wishes that arrived today. Sweet, sweet. I'm looking forward to skipping through 2021 with you, Lord willing!
What saved me in 2020...........hmmmmmm.........the new puppy we adopted in October. Endless hours of fun, laughter and poop clean up!! Home Depot - I was home for 3 months so why not tackle the endless home repairs and new projects? Facetime - one of the few times I could talk to people and actually see their whole face! Books, books and more books! I actually bought a tablet and learned to download eBooks! This, gulp, goes against every fiber in my librarian body but I persevered (and I did enjoy it, though not as much as a real book!)
ReplyDeleteHey Val! So good to hear from you! I smiled big when you talked how you, the experienced, professionally excellent librarian, learned to download eBooks! I thought I was the only one who hadn't gone in that direction. You made me feel better about my technological wariness.
DeleteI guess I'll always love the feel and smell and sight of a real live book in my hand. I'm on screens far too much anyway!
I hope you guys are all doing well and that this coming year will be filled with joyful activity, getting out and about, and living life large again.
Bless you.
Love that pic of the roasting mini marshmallows, Linda! This is a great list and gives me something to think about as we close out this unique and challenging year. Wishing you all JOY in 2021!
ReplyDeleteJOY!
DeleteReminds me of the chorus we sang when we were little, 'Jesus and others and you! What a wonderful way to spell JOY ...'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra52bdGqgqs
And you, my friend, are a gentle and kind joy-giver. I'm so glad you've been speaking into my life for all these years. Blessings as we head into the new year.
I needed this post, some things DID work this year. Thanks Gail
ReplyDeleteGail, hi! It's so good to see you again. And you're right, we need to focus on what IS working and what we're learning and how God is blessing. It's too easy to be caught up in an endless swirl of negativity ... and remain there.
DeleteI hope you're doing well and that the Lord will bless you in special and unique ways in the months ahead. Thanks so much for connecting with me!
Gentle, grace-filled, knowing words have brought me joy and peace this year. In other words - YOUR writing continues to minister to my soul. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, what a gift you've given me this evening. Thank you, friend, for those encouraging words. And thank you for continuing to pour your stories, wisdom, and art work into my life.
DeleteYou impact me every time you hit PUBLISH. Happy New Year, dear friend ...
Saw you at Modern Mrs. Darcy.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a dad who would sing around the house too! Such happy memories.
At the start of the pandemic I really thought I'd get into puzzles. So I spent $40 and bought some. Six weeks later, the mostly-undone-500pc-puzzle still taunting me from the coffee table and I realized....maybe I should have started with 100 pc puzzles. haha
;-}
DeleteDon't you just love when you meet someone for the first time and they make you smile?!
That's what you've done this evening. I'm so very glad you not only dropped by, but took the time to say 'hi.'
Happy New Year ... and please return if you can!
Things that bring joy:
ReplyDelete*the presence of God
*my devotions— really enjoying David Tripp’s New Morning Mercies
*my daughter in law and frequent visits
*coloring on my tablet
*books, books, books
*Wonderword puzzles
* my faithful, cuddling 4-legged friend
*facilitating CR step study with the most delightful committed believers
*accomplishments and learning experiences at work and working at home
*swimming
So much to be thankful for. God is good even when life isn’t!
Your list made me smile, kind of rejoice, really.
DeleteYou make me smile, too.
And all those memories we've made along the way? Sheer blessing, Carol.
I will always miss you!
xo
What? Super Sudoku??? Jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku have been some of my mainstays in 2020, but I've never heard of Super Sudoku. I'll have to look into it. Your list is SO wonderful to read; it feels like an old friend because I relate to so much of it.
ReplyDeleteSuper Sodoku is HARD ... even the easy ones. If your brain wants a challenge with letters and numbers all at the same time, this is your baby!
Delete;-}
I love the concept of a list being an old friend when we can so easily relate, ya' know? Thanks for putting that into words.
Here we go into the new year, together, again. How many years has it been?
;-}
Your posts are always a balm dearest Linda. I have done a lot of reading, the stillness and quiet time have been my solace and peace. Happy and Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeletePam, this right here --> 'the stillness and quiet time have been my solace and peace.'
DeleteYes, yes. I am finding this time of solitude refreshing and renewing. Maybe God is getting us ready for something big in 2021?
Will be glad to do it alongside you again, friend. Thank you for your posts which keep me inspired, motivated, and charmed. One of the highlights of this year was your little cottage.
LOVE!
That's something that has come to mind--that God is the same, still working, still blessing, even though there are problems and hardships. FaceTime and Zoom have been lifesavers this year (funny, I had not even heard of Zoom previously). I don't like jigsaw puzzles in real life, but I have a couple of jigsaw puzzle apps that I like. Books are always a favorite, and a big help this year. An online writer's conference was a big boost--and to think I almost didn't attend! I love when my kids send me direct links for their Christmas wish lists, too. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI remember you talking about that conference, Barbara ... what an encouraging boost it was for you!
DeleteMay that boost continue to linger and impact your writing with great joy in 2021. Bless you ...
What a good idea/prompt for a blog post. The photos at the top were fun to scroll through. I just subscribed to get your post prompts and am looking forward to seeing more here. Happy New Year to you! ellen b. ~ The Happy Wonderer
ReplyDeleteEllen, I do believe you've made my day! It means the world that you'd subscribe ... I am beyond grateful and look forward to growing our connection in 2021!
DeleteHappy New Year to you and yours.
Love your positivity list I guess what worked best for me was contemplative prayer - not rushing but seeping into God's spirit and having companions along the way during this weird journey of a year. Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, Jean. It was the year of contemplative prayer, sitting with the Lover of our soul and inviting Him to minister to our hurts and fears at a greater level.
DeleteOf course, TEA was one of the things that saved me in 2020 and will continue to keep me afloat in 2021.
ReplyDeleteI'm also incredibly grateful for the technology that allows us to keep in touch with others!
I struggled to read books last year. But I recently received an e-reader and was surprised to discover how much I loved it. I even finished 3 books during my holiday break!
Isn't it amazing how some of life's simplest pleasures are what we turn to during the unsettled times ...
Delete;-)
Oh Linda ... isn't it fun when we can use technology to really connect with a loved one? It makes me happy to think of you and your granddaughter communicating through WhatsApp (even if it makes you a bit dizzy at times). :-) Your wonderful list has inspired me to start one of my own, although it may be a few weeks before it shows up on my blog. I have a feeling we'll be mining 2020 for insights for quite a while though, so I'm not going to give myself a deadline on this one. :-) I always enjoy your photos and am so glad (though not surprised) that your community here has flourished this year.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lois. There's so much we can unearth and glean from these past months. God has invited us to a deeper faith as we've had to let go of most of the props we've leaned on along the way ... people, places, things, traditions. So much of what we depended on to give us pleasure has been removed. And we're realizing how much Christ satisfies the deepest longings of the soul that no pandemic can touch.
DeleteAnd therein lies our peace.
You know I'm already looking forward to your reflections. Keep on mining, girl ... I'll be there when you come up for air!
;-}