Month: January 2023

Self-Care/

For the Christian Creative: 5 Journal Prompts to Have on Repeat

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a business. But it’s important to take time to reflect on our faith and how it intersects with our work. One way to do this is through journaling.

Here are a few reasons why journaling can be particularly beneficial for Christian creative entrepreneurs:

Process your thoughts and emotions: Running a business can be emotionally and mentally demanding, and journaling can provide a space to process and make sense of your feelings. This can help you to stay centered and grounded, even when things get hectic.

Helps you reflect on your faith: As Christian creative entrepreneurs, our faith should be an integral part of our work. Journaling can help you to reflect on your relationship with God and how you are incorporating your faith into your business.

Provide clarity and direction: Journaling can help you to clarify your thoughts and gain perspective on your goals and priorities. It can also be a helpful tool for brainstorming and problem-solving.

Foster growth and Improvement: Reflecting on your successes and challenges can help you to identify areas for growth and improvement, both personally and professionally.

A form of self-care: Taking time to journal can be a form of self-care, helping you to relax and recharge after a busy week.

Now, let’s get into five prompts that you’re encouraged to have on repeat – to help you reflect on your faith and business.

1. What has been on your mind and heart this week? What has God been teaching you or revealing to you? This prompt is a great opportunity to process any emotions or thoughts you’ve had throughout the week. It can be helpful to write down any specific Bible verses or passages that have stood out to you, or any moments where you’ve felt particularly close to God.

2. Reflect on your successes and challenges this week. What have you learned from both? How can you apply these lessons in the future? It’s important to take time to celebrate our accomplishments, but it’s also valuable to learn from our mistakes and challenges. Reflecting on both the highs and lows of the week can help us to grow and improve as business owners.

3. What are some things you are grateful for this week? How has God blessed you and provided for you? Gratitude is a key component of a healthy faith life. Take time to write down specific things you are thankful for, whether they are related to your business or not. This can help to put things in perspective and remind us of all the ways God is at work in our lives.

4. How have you incorporated your faith into your work this week? What are some specific ways you have sought to honor God in your business? As Christian creative entrepreneurs, our faith should be a central part of how we do business. Reflect on the ways you have tried to honor God through your work this week. This could include things like praying for clients, being honest and fair in your dealings, or using your talents to glorify God.

5. What are some specific things you can pray for as you look ahead to the next week? Are there any specific goals or tasks that you need wisdom or guidance on? Prayer is a powerful tool for Christian creative entrepreneurs. Take time to write down specific things you can pray for as you look ahead to the next week. This could include specific challenges you are facing, goals you are working towards, or anything else that is weighing on your mind.

Hopefully these are helpful for you. I personally have 3 journals. Maybe these types of journals can help you as well:

Morning journal: A morning journal can be a great way to start your day by focusing your thoughts and setting intentions for the day ahead. Free writing in your morning journal after reading the Bible can be a helpful way to process any thoughts or insights that you gained from your time in scripture.

Nightly gratitude journal: Writing down three things you are grateful for each day can be a powerful way to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life. This type of journal can be especially helpful when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, as it can help you to reframe your perspective.

Self-care project journal: A self-care project journal can be a great way to track your progress and stay motivated as you work on taking care of yourself. You might use this journal to write down self-care activities that you have completed, set goals for yourself, or simply reflect on your self-care journey.

Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and emotions, and these prompts can help you to reflect on your faith and how it intersects with your work as a Christian creative entrepreneur. Take some time to journal at the end of each week,and see how it helps you to grow in your faith and your business.

Self-Care/

Sow the Seeds of Success with More Fruits and Veggies for Productivity

We all know that feeling – it’s mid-afternoon, you’re feeling sluggish and unproductive, and you just can’t seem to get anything done. Sound familiar? 

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But there’s an easy way to boost your energy and productivity that you might not have thought of – adding more fruits and vegetables to your routine!

First off, let’s talk about why fruits and vegetables are so good for you. They’re packed with nutrients that are essential for our bodies to function at their best. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals that help us stay healthy and energized.

Now, as Christians it’s important to remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means that we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and nourish our bodies with the right foods.

In addition to the physical benefits of eating a healthy diet, there are also spiritual benefits. When we nourish our bodies with the right foods, we are better able to serve God and others to the best of our abilities. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, it says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” By taking care of ourselves through a healthy diet, we can better fulfill our purpose of glorifying God in all that we do.

But how do they help with energy and productivity, you might ask? It’s simple – fruits and vegetables provide the fuel our bodies need to perform at their best. They contain complex carbohydrates, which are a slow-burning source of energy that helps sustain us throughout the day. They also contain plenty of B-vitamins, which help our bodies convert food into energy.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your routine can also help you feel more alert and focused. The nutrients found in these foods can help improve brain function, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving skills. Plus, the fiber in fruits and vegetables can help you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent those pesky mid-afternoon snack cravings that can distract you from your work.

Not to mention, eating a healthy diet can also benefit your overall well-being, which can in turn help you feel more motivated and productive. When you feel good physically, it can be easier to stay focused and on task. So, by adding more fruits and vegetables to your routine, you’ll not only be fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best, but you’ll also be setting yourself up for success as a writer.

So, how can you add more fruits and vegetables to your routine? Here are a few simple tips:

Start your day off right with a healthy breakfast that includes a serving of fruit. Try adding a side of berries or apples as a side. My usual breakfast during the week consists of 2 eggs with spinach and cheese (yum!). 

Keep a stash of healthy snacks on hand, like carrot sticks, apple slices, or a small serving of mixed berries. This way, you’ll have something healthy and energizing to munch on when you need a pick-me-up.

Incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Try adding a side of roasted vegetables to your lunch or dinner or throw some extra veggies into your pasta or stir-fries.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy levels, and adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to your water can help give it a little extra flavor.

As a writer, it’s important for me to have a clear mind and sharp focus in order to produce my best work. Fruits and veggies in particular can help me feel more alert and focused, which can be especially helpful when you’re facing a deadline or tackling a complex writing project.

Now, another thing I want to remember is prepping. Because let’s be real, things can get really busy during the week.

Here are a few tips for prepping fruits and vegetables:

  • Wash and chop your produce as soon as you get home from the store. This way, you’ll have it ready to go when you need it, whether it’s for a quick snack or a meal.
  • Roast a batch of vegetables on the weekend and store them in the fridge. You can then use them as a side dish or add them to salads and sandwiches throughout the week.
  • Keep frozen fruits and vegetables on hand. These can be just as nutritious as fresh produce and are often more convenient, as they don’t spoil as quickly.

So, there you have it! By adding more fruits and vegetables to your routine, you’ll be fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to stay energized and productive. So, go on and get your daily serving of fruits and vegetables – your body (and your business) will thank you!

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

Click here subscribe to my weekly newsletter, “Letters for the Virtuous Creative.”

Self-Care/

Goodnight, Grind: Setting Boundaries for a Better Evening Routine

As a copywriter and video storytelling strategist who also markets my business, personal brand and digital magazine, I’m no stranger to all of the day-to-day demands that comes with being a creative.

I’m sure you’re not either. You’re always pouring your hearts and soul into your work. But as Christians, it’s important to remember that our ultimate goal isn’t just to achieve success, but to glorify God in all that we do. And that includes setting boundaries and protecting our time in the evening.

Why? Because if you don’t then you’ll start to feel the effects of burnout – which is a common problem for a lot of entrepreneurs, especially those in creative fields. It’s the feeling of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from the work that you once loved. And one of the main causes of burnout is a lack of boundaries. When we don’t set boundaries and protect our time, we can easily fall into the trap of working all hours of the day and night, leaving little time for rest and rejuvenation.

But as Christian creative entrepreneurs, we have a unique opportunity to combat burnout by setting boundaries and protecting our time in the evening. When we set boundaries, we’re able to prioritize our physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. By getting enough rest, staying connected to God, and enjoying our evenings, we’re able to recharge and refresh ourselves. This helps us to avoid the feelings of exhaustion and disconnection that often lead to burnout.

Additionally, by setting boundaries, we can prevent ourselves from overworking and overcommitting. We can prioritize our time, energy, and resources on the most important projects and tasks, instead of spreading ourselves thin. We can also learn to say no to projects or tasks that are not aligned with our mission and values, which is essential to avoid burnout.

So, let’s chat about some ways you can start setting boundaries for a better evening routine.

First things first, let’s make sure you’re actually carving out dedicated time for rest and relaxation. This might mean setting aside a few hours before bed to unwind and de-stress, or it could involve setting aside a specific day of the week for some much-needed R&R. Whatever works best for you, the important thing is to make sure you’re giving yourself the time and space you need to recharge your batteries. Trust me, our business (and your sanity) will thank you.

Another way to set boundaries and protect your time in the evening is to limit your screen time. We love our screens as much as the next person, but that blue light can really mess with our sleep patterns. By cutting back on screen time in the hours before bed, we can help ensure we get a good night’s rest. And who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep?

Now, it’s not just about us – it’s also important to set boundaries with others. It can be tempting to try to do it all and respond to every email or message as soon as it comes in. However, you’ve got to remember that our work is only a part of who we are. By setting clear boundaries and letting others know we’re not available to work after a certain time, we can protect our time and energy for the things that truly matter. This might mean setting office hours or establishing a policy of not responding to emails after a certain time. Whatever works for you, the key is to establish clear boundaries so we can fully disconnect from work and recharge in the evening.

Without dedicated time for rest and relaxation, you’re putting yourself at risk for burning out and losing motivation.

Simply put: Setting boundaries and protecting our time in the evening is super important for Christian women creative entrepreneurs.

By setting boundaries and protecting our time in the evening, we can take care of ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally, which will help us to be more effective and efficient in our work.  And by doing so, we can glorify God in all that we do.

 

Faith/

Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns

Do you struggle with negative thought patterns that leave you feeling stuck and overwhelmed?

If so, you’re not alone. I totally get it!

Many of us struggle with negative thought patterns that can be difficult to break free from. But the good news is, there are things you can do to overcome negative thought patterns and find freedom in Christ.

I believe that it is so important for Christian entrepreneurs to overcome negative thought patterns and focus on the good that they can do in the world. By doing so, we can not only achieve our own goals but also inspire and uplift others around us.

Here are a few tips:

Identify your negative thought patterns: The first step in overcoming negative thought patterns is to identify them. Pay attention to the negative thoughts that come up for you, and try to notice patterns. This can be helpful in understanding the root causes of your negative thoughts, and finding ways to address them.

Reframe your negative thoughts: Once you’ve identified your negative thought patterns, try reframing them. This means taking a negative thought and finding a more positive or neutral way to view it. For example, instead of thinking “I’m a failure,” try thinking “I made a mistake, but that doesn’t define me as a person.”

Practice gratitude: One of the best ways to overcome negative thought patterns is to practice gratitude. Focusing on the good things in your life can help counterbalance negative thoughts, and can help shift your perspective to a more positive one.

Seek support: Don’t be afraid to seek support from a pastor, therapist, trusted friend, or family member. Talking through your negative thoughts with someone you trust can be helpful in breaking free from them.

Turn to Christ: Finally, remember that Christ is the ultimate source of freedom and healing. Lean on Him in your struggle with negative thought patterns, and trust in His love and grace to carry you through.

Remember, overcoming negative thought patterns is a process, and it may take time and effort. But with patience, persistence, and the help of Christ.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

Click here subscribe to my weekly newsletter, “Letters for the Virtuous Creative.”

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