Tammy Pfaff
  • Home
  • My Story
  • Blog
  • Coping Tools
  • Motivational Goals
  • Self-Care

Facing Change

5/25/2021

0 Comments

 

Facing Changes

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will know what God wants you to do,
and you will know how good and pleasing
and perfect his will really is.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
​
Picture
I don’t know about you, but I’m not big on change. It upsets my world. We cannot change other people and maybe even certain circumstances, but we can change the way we think.

A few years ago, I had to pack up my daughter Emily and send her off to college in Boston. After a very long hug, Emily and her dad drove off, I took a deep breath and then the tears began. I couldn’t help Emily unpack and settle into her new dorm as a freshman. You see, I was starting college too. My first day began the day after they left. She was leaving the nest and I was returning to school at the age of forty-nine. Lots of change. A bundle of nerves yes, but I adjusted and I survived.

Sometimes it is not always the big changes that rock our world but the smaller things. Last year we changed from our cable tv service to streaming tv apps. Apparently, I can cast something from my phone onto my smart tv. Those little changes frustrate me for a short time. It is uncomfortable. Although that might seem silly to some, I’m sure little changes can frustrate others as well. Surly I’m not alone.

We all face change as we begin to slowly remove our masks and socialize one-on-one, (in person) with family, friends and coworkers. Hopefully we can all see the benefits while trying to be patient with ourselves and others.

Let’s ask ourselves: How do we adjust to change? What does our behavior look like to others?

 
Jot it down:
​What change are you facing?
List the benefits of the change you might be facing:
What is making you the most uncomfortable with this change?
What would make you feel more comfortable in facing this change?
Are there coping skills you can use to help you through, such as taking breaks, taking notes or asking for help?

 
 
Dear Father,
Please change the way I think; transform and teach me what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your eyes. Help me to be patient, and react lovingly toward others. I ask that you help me to accept change in my life and that you would fill me with joy and provide comfort throughout the process. Help me to see the benefits and focus on the positive aspects that will come. Take my will and my life into your hands today.
In Jesus’ name, I ask,
Amen

0 Comments

Finding Time

4/10/2021

3 Comments

 

Finding Time

by Tammy Pfaff
For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Picture
The last few months, life seems to be whizzing by in my hustle and bustle. I was getting so tired from all the stress that I was falling behind not only in my writing but also things that should get done around the house. I was lacking in self-care and self-time. When I did have a little free time, I was too tired to do anything. I’m sure you get it, dealing with life. It can get messy. Let’s face it, our lives are filled with busyness. Maybe all we need is a little encouragement.

I have a bunch of wonderful writing friends that I keep in touch with regularly. We encourage each other, we listen to each other, and we try to hold each other accountable in achieving our goals.  Not just with our writing but on a personal level as well.

I’ve been whining about not being able to write, either because I have no time or my dog Loretta won’t let me. Literally, she won’t. I’ll sit down at my desk downstairs and no sooner will she start scratching my arms and legs with her large paws and bark at me. She wants my undivided attention. It is so annoying. Patience.
 She is a year old now. She has calmed down a little but she is still in puppy mode.

Over a month ago, I realized we have a spare bedroom upstairs. Only, it was filled up with clothing bins, bedroom furniture and bags. There was so much stuff, it was overwhelming. Not to mention, the attic needed cleaned up in order to move the storage bins to a better place. Wouldn’t it be lovely if I could have an office I could escape to with a door to close? But how would I ever find the time or energy?

One day I received a letter from one of my friends. Isn’t it so much fun getting a personal letter in the mail? What a nice surprise! It was a letter of encouragement to ponder the idea of cleaning out that room in smaller chunks of time. A little here, a little there. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. (I’ll let you in on a secret, I do I have a little problem with all or nothing thinking. Anyway, it was such a sweet and encouraging letter that I took her advice. Slowly I pushed myself to sort through the mess and bag things up for Good Will, in spare chunks of time. Even when I was tired, I pushed myself with the end result in mind as a prize for my hard work.  I tried to use the method, “if we haven’t used it in a year, we don’t need it.”

Once I was done, I decided to paint the lime and blue walls a fresh coat of white. It took an entire week. No help. (Let me just say, I realized I was a bit younger the last time I painted a room.)
After selling the bedroom furniture, I was able to purchase carpet at the Home Depot. 
I found an awesome deal on Market Place and bought a large white desk for my new office upstairs. I bought a lovely misty mint office chair and painted some art work. I even have a mini grey recliner for reading and writing. Now I can escape from time to time.  I have a space!

PictureMy new office
What is my point?
​Well, I guess what I am trying to get across are two ideas:
  1. Take a few minutes of time out of your day and encourage someone either by picking up the phone or sending a letter or card.
  2. If you feel overwhelmed with getting a project done, do a little at a time (ten minutes to a half hour) a few days a week. It feels good!
What’s on your mind?

    Sign up for my newsletter

Subscribe to Newsletter
3 Comments

Perfectionism

10/30/2020

4 Comments

 

Perfectionism

by Tammy Pfaff
 
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things
or that I have already reached perfection.
But I press on to possess that perfection for which
Christ Jesus first possessed me. 
Philippians 3:12 (NLT)
Picture
Perfectionism almost crippled me during a difficult time with depression. I was asked to paint a New York city skyline as a back-drop for a play. I didn’t know how to say “no” to anyone at the time. I spent hours cutting out cardboard in the shape of skyscrapers. I was over-whelmed and spent hours upon hours putting it together and painting it, making some of the windows appear lit up in a night scene. It had to be perfect, I thought. Not considering that after the play, it would be tossed in the trash.

I’ve always been a person who is tedious in nature and strives to do the best work possible, no matter what the task. I take pride in it. That is ok to a point, except when I put unnecessary time and effort into things that have to be my version of perfect. Why did I put so much pressure on myself causing a great deal of stress?

I had to begin by asking myself, why am I doing this?
  • Am I looking for approval or praise?
  • Am I spending too much time worrying about the project?
  • Am I putting too much pressure on myself, wanting to be perfect?
  • Did I commit to do something I am not equipped to do?
  • Am I too proud to ask for help?

Today I will not torture myself tying to be the perfect person. I’ve since learned that yes, I’ll do the best I can but that is all. Everyone has certain talents, strengths and weaknesses. But when we struggle with self-confidence or perfectionism, we shouldn’t drive ourselves crazy by trying to be the best of the best. We give it our all with what we’ve got, nothing more, nothing less. We should feel good about it and move on. It can be easier said then done but practice makes perfect.

Here are some exercises that helped me to overcome
the negative power of perfectionism:
  • Feel good about who you are. Pray to see yourself as He sees you. See Psalm 139.
  • Be sure to pray and ask God if this project is something, He intended you to do? Ask, “is it in His plan for me? (See Jeremiah 29:11 below.)
  • Don’t drive yourself nuts. Set a reasonable limit on the time spent on a task.
  • If you need help, ask for it. But don’t let them do all the work.
  • Give it your best and try to be ok with it.
  • Be careful not to rely on approval or praise from others.
  • Don’t over-extend yourself with projects. Learn to say, “no” or “let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.” Set boundaries and limits.
  • Feel good about your accomplishments.
 
Next time you take on a project, pray,
ask God if this is in His plan for me. Ask, “Will it bring me closer to Him?”

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” 
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)

If you feel it is in His plan for you, do it for the Lord:
Work willingly at whatever you do,
as though you were working for the Lord
 rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
Continually seek to know Christ and you will know what He wants you to do.
4 Comments

Finding Joy

9/21/2020

4 Comments

 

​Finding Joy

But let the godly rejoice.
Let them be glad in God’s presence.
Let them be filled with joy.
Psalm 68:3 (NLT)
Picture
I will let you in on a little secret: It’s ok to smile. It is ok to sing happy songs loudly, and it is ok to laugh at yourself.
When we are suffering from sadness, it is hard to smile let alone be joyful. We often feel guilty to have or show a little joy because of our distorted thinking process. Sometimes we are so miserable, it becomes easier not to smile, and sometimes we just forget how. It doesn’t feel natural.

When my oldest two girls were little, my husband would try to make me laugh during my depression, and he encouraged the girls to play along.

“Where is mommy’s sense of humor?” Kevin would say. “Has anybody seen it?”

The girls would giggle and pretend they were looking for it. They would follow his lead looking under the sofa. “No, it’s not there,” they would say. “It must be in mommy’s sock drawer.”

I was usually in my miserable state of mind. But they would continue until I at least cracked a smile. Annoyed, I usually laughed a little because they were so darn cute. Thank God for Kevin’s sense of humor over the years. But I remember fighting it. I wanted to wallow in my depressed state. Leave me alone and let me be, I thought. Most times it took everything in me to put on a happy face in social gatherings. It was exhausting to hold up that mask. I actually got pretty good at hiding my depression when I needed to. Of course, church was a different story. It was usually very hard to keep it together when a sermon touched a nerve, or a song would trigger the tears. Many days I couldn’t hold it together. Sometimes I cried for days.
I don’t know why I felt guilty about finding joy. Maybe I felt so bad about myself in the midst of my sadness that I didn’t think I deserved to have times of joy. 

Guess what? It is ok to feel and express times of joy! You deserve it. God wants you to have joy in His presence.

I often felt the most peaceful when I listened to some music I liked. It is those times—even if we are alone in the car—to sing for joy to the Lord because He has given us another day. Be thankful for that. Sing at the top of your lungs! Be joyful in His presence. It is even ok to feel joy around other people.
​
I must confess that today, sometimes I leap around the house flinging my arms like a ballerina. The kids laugh at me. I call it “fairy dancing.” It’s quite fun and difficult not to smile and laugh while I’m doing it. It brings joy. Try it when no one is looking. Then encourage others to join you.


  • Do you feel the need to fairy dance today?
  •  It’s ok to experience joy when you are depressed. Don’t fight it.
 
Dear Father,
Thank You for joy and laughter. Remind me constantly it is ok to smile and laugh. I deserve to be joyful. Sometimes, Father, it is really hard to do find joy in the pit of despair. Bring me joy, Lord. Thank you!
In Jesus’ name, I ask,
Amen

    SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
    You will be entered in a free book drawing.

Submit
4 Comments

Facing Fear

9/3/2020

0 Comments

 
By Tammy Pfaff
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Picture
Fear literally causes a physical reaction in us. Fear is a feeling that bubbles up inside of us. Fear can happen in just about any situation. Sometimes our reaction protects us. Other times it hurts or hinders us. Fear can cripple us, even take us down if we let it. We can run from fear or we can face our fear. The Good News says, we don’t have to do it alone.
I’m afraid of a lot of things. I’m a little afraid of driving on the highway. I say a prayer before I make an attempt. Some are scarier than others in fact, there is one highway in our city of Philadelphia that I will not use. The Schuylkill Expressway. I’m ok with that.
I’m afraid of scary movies. I can’t even handle major action-packed films without getting a little crazy. My heart races, I hide behind a pillow, spontaneously jump up out of my seat and run for the door. I often come back for more because curiosity gets the best of me. I do the same thing over again.
Some things in life can be really scary, especially in the world we live in today. According to the CDC, we have over five million cases in the U.S. today. It is a very scary situation we are in. The epidemic of Covid-19 has our nation in a state of fear. (Most of us anyway. Some are not taking it serious at all. That is a different story altogether.) But most of us are fearful of the current situation. Some have to put themselves in danger more than others because of what their job requires. Anxiety and panic attacks are bound to increase across the country. How are we handling these anxieties? 
Many years ago, early in my struggle with depression, I developed panic attacks. They seemed to come out of nowhere without rhyme or reason. Thankfully most of them happened in the privacy of my home. After talking to my psychiatrist, I realized I was afraid of the attack, afraid that I would stop breathing and die. He asked me what would happen if I gave into the fear and let the attack playout?
I had to gear up to do this exercise and trust that God would have my back. One afternoon I faced my fear. I began to hyperventilate as usual. This time, instead of panicking, I didn’t fight the attack. I let it happen. Although I still had to breathe into a paper bag to slow my breathing, the duration of the attack was cut in half. I survived. My fear lost its power over me. The attacks diminished.
That exercise might not be possible with different symptoms of panic attacks. But I have learned by my own experience that if I follow the instructions in the verse above, I can conquer anything. I seek God’s presence, ask for strength and guidance. I still have anxiety from time to time, but I’m no longer afraid of its power knowing God has my back.
How are you handling your fears? Have you learned different ways of dealing with them? Consider sharing, you never know who you may help.  Be a blessing to someone and share today. 😊
 
Dear Father,
Every fearful situation is different. I thank you Lord, knowing I don’t have to face my fears alone. I don’t have to be discouraged because you will strengthen me and be with me. Help me to move through them. Equip me Father. You will conquer my fear. Protect me Father. I have faith that am in Your hands today.
In Jesus’ name I ask,
Amen.

    By signing up for my newsletter, you could be selected to receive a free book.

Subscribe to Newsletter
0 Comments

Setting Boundaries by Tammy Pfaff

8/6/2020

2 Comments

 

Setting Boundaries

Picture
Moses’ father-in-law replied,
“What you are doing is not good. 
You and these people who come to you
will only wear yourselves out.
The work is too heavy for you;
you cannot handle it alone.”
Exodus 18:17−18 (NIV)
We use a baby gate for our new pup Loretta just like we did with our babies. We do this to set boundaries to keep them safe. Recently Loretta ate a big hole through our baby gate. She is a little crazy. But we love her just the same and do all we can to keep her from harm. Setting boundaries for ourselves keeps us safe as well.

Setting boundaries and asking for help are the hardest lessons I have had to learn. Here is the secret when someone asks you to do something or to make a long term commitment: Say, “Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to you.” Never say, “Yes,” out of obligation. Never say, “Yes,” out of guilt. Take time to think about what you honestly can and can’t handle before giving an answer.

Over the years I have volunteered at my church for different ministries. Serving in ministry is good. It is important to pray and seek guidance. Once when I was very sick with depression, I didn’t know how to say, “No.” On one occasion I agreed to teach Bible lessons for our Vacation Bible School program. Knowing they were short-staffed, I said, “Yes,” out of guilt. After decorating, I taught a room full of kindergarteners for five evenings during the hottest week of June. Although it was successful, I crashed the following week. I took on more than I could handle. I should have asked for help or declined. Saying, “No,” doesn’t mean you won’t have another opportunity down the road when you are better able to make the commitment.

When you have time to think and pray about a commitment, consider if it is something your heart desires and won’t wear you out or cause stress in the process. Later, simply reply what is in your best interest, a simple “Yes” or “No,” is sufficient. If you feel you must explain, keep it short, but stick with your answer. Don’t be pressured. It just isn’t healthy to do more than we can handle.

There are times we become overloaded with regular activities that are beyond our control. Ask for help! Just as Jethro suggested to Moses, sometimes a task is too big for one person. We will ware ourselves out. I’m not saying we shouldn’t push or challenge ourselves to make commitments. I am saying if you are overwhelmed with something that must be done, ask for help! Don’t let guilt or pride hold you back. Although we sometimes don’t like to admit it, we all have limitations. Learn what those limitations are. Don’t max yourself out. Keep your mind and body safe. Learn to set boundaries and ask for help. In this way we will better serve God, others and ourselves.
  • Am I overwhelmed or taking on too much?
  • Have I overextended myself by saying yes out of guilt?
  • Can something be postponed, delegated or can I ask someone for help?
  • Take pride in what you accomplish.
  • Do your best and accept your limitations each day.
  • Cut yourself a break now and then and do something that might bring
    ​you joy, peace or a sense of accomplishment
    .
Dear Father,
Give me the strength to carry out what You have planned for me today. Empower me to say “no,” or ask for help when I need to. Help me to be ok with setting boundaries and rid myself of any guilt. Let me hear Your guidance and equip me to carry out Your will. Help me to serve in the way that would please You.
In Jesus’ name, I ask,
Amen

Subscribe to Newsletter
2 Comments

Structure

7/27/2020

0 Comments

 

Structure

But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40 (NLT)
Picture
I have four children. Each time I brought my newborn home, it was important to try and get them on a schedule. It sometimes took a while because babies usually have their own schedule when we bring them home from the hospital. Children do better on a schedule. Routine is good. I have found over the years that it is good for me too. Even Paul thought the Corinthians should have structure in the church.

I don’t work well under chaos. I get overwhelmed grumpy and unorganized. Sure, my desk is usually in somewhat of a disarray, but my daily schedule is usually planned with time allotted for appointments. Yes, sometimes a wrench is thrown in and I have to make adjustments and that may even cause a little stress. But, on average, I do better with a schedule.

The same goes for organization. A few of my children and I have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). One child could not grasp the idea of organization in elementary school. Papers would be all crumpled in their school bag. It drove me nuts. Thankfully he had some great teachers to help him with this concept.

I must confess, every time I can’t find something, my husband Kevin will say, “if you put it where it belonged in the first place, you would be able to find it.” Of course, that doesn’t always sit well when I’m scurrying around looking for my keys, but he is right.

What does this have to do with me you might ask? Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Maybe it is time to organize and reevaluate your daily and weekly schedule. Prioritize, delegate and maybe learn to say, “no” when you need to.
​

My daughter made me a weekly schedule and printed it out for me during a time when I had way too many things going on. I was stressed. The list really helped me. She combined the many notes and to do lists I had scattered about on my desk and created a weekly schedule. It made my life so much easier. Seeing the week ahead of me, helps me to prepare myself mentally for what is coming up. Maybe the list will help you too. See attachment below.
schedule.pdf
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Subscribe to Newsletter
0 Comments

Feeling cooped up with bored kiddos?

3/25/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
With all the extra precautions taking during this outbreak of the Corona Virus, we might be feeling cooped up and a little stir crazy with restless children. What are somethings we can do during this challenging time? Here are a few ideas to help with restless children and fun for the whole family.

Indoors
  • Include them in cleaning tasks followed by rewards
  • Read
  • Board games
  • Play-dough
  • Puzzles
  • Follow along to dance videos
  • Skype relatives
  • Make cards or crafts
  • Decorate cardboard boxes
  • Makeshift tents out of sheets or blankets
  • Indoor themed tea party
  • Dress up/make family videos with short skits
  • Make paper kites
  • Colorful hopeful picture messages
    to hang on doors or windows
Outdoors
  • Let them play out in the backyard. Provide them with things on hand:
  • Bubbles
  • Frisbee
  • Wiffle Balls
  • Basketballs (if you own a basketball net)
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Jump rope
  • Treasure hunt
  • Homemade tent
  • Backyard picnic
  • Bike riding with supervision and
    ​safe distance rules
Maybe now is a good time to let them fill plastic Easter eggs with little trinkets taking turns to hide and find.
If you have creative ideas, please share.
0 Comments

Hobbies and Ideas for Self-time

3/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hobbies can be a great way to build confidence and relieve stress. I love hearing and learning about others who have different hobbies then my own. I’ve dabbled in several different types of hobbies over the years, such as reading, building puzzles, and scrapbooking. I have even researched my family history. I have also painted wooden plaques, refinished furniture, and collected antique jars. I have had different seasons of hobbies. I think it is a great way to enjoy ourselves and try new things. The possibilities are endless. We can even learn how by taking classes, asking for help, learning from books or search how-to videos on the internet.

If you don’t have a hobby, consider exploring to find one you enjoy. It may be trial and error. You may find more than one. It is good to try new things that are a healthy solution for self-time. Let it be challenging but start out on a small scale. Find one that is interesting and brings you joy. Be careful to avoid costly hobbies. Stick with ideas that are free or inexpensive. Find the best deals and creative ways to cut costs on hobbies.
​
Below are some ideas to consider. I am sure there are many more to explore. Remember to work on hobbies in moderation. Don’t let it take over your life. Maybe a friend or family member can join you in starting a hobby. Make sure it is a healthy hobby for you personally. Of course, keep it safe by trying to use what is easily available at home. Many ideas can be achieved with free access and research online. Others may have to wait until after it is safe to venture out. The possibilities are endless.

  • Read, join a book club or write reviews
  • Computer Games
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Adult coloring books
  • Decorate wooden boxes
     or bird houses, etc.
  • Make mosaic pictures out of
    colored foam sheets or paper.
  • Pottery or picture painting with
    craft paint, Acrylics, oil or water
  • Origami
  • Jewelry making
  • Puzzles
  • Word Puzzles
  • Seek and Find
  • Crosswords, jigsaw
  • Sudoku
  • Chess
  • Writing letters, postcards
    or short stories
  • Calligraphy
  • Create Zines
  • Card making
  • Scrapbooking
  • Create and write a blog
    about things you know










​
  • Learn an instrument
  • Grow plants, spices, orchids, etc.
  • Collecting stamps, postcards,
    sports memorabilia or antiques
  • Photography
  • Toy trains
  • Wood working
  • Small used furniture refinishing
    such as stools or small tables
  • Dancing lessons
  • Yoga
  • Hiking
  • Sports, local basketball teams, etc.
  • Kite flying
  • Build and paint small model cars or planes
  • Leather tooling
  • Wood Carving
  • Baking, decorating cakes, etc.
  • Crocheting or knitting
  • Quilting
  • Sewing
  • Geocaching
  • Learn a language
  • Volunteer programs, for churches,
    schools, animal shelters, etc.
0 Comments

Explore the Possibilities of Keeping a Journal

8/13/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Many Benefits
There are so many benefits in keeping a journal. Journaling can help us start each day by emptying the clutter from our mind. It can even help us to organize our thoughts and motivate us to accomplishment tasks. Journaling gives us a sense of creativity. It’s a feel-good exercise for the brain.

Relaxing
Journaling can help us to relax and alleviate stress. It can reinforce positive affirmations or rid ourselves of negativity. We can use it as self-time to sit quietly with a cup of coffee or tea in a comfortable place in our home or office.

Simple
A journal can consist of a small simple notebook, sheets of paper fastened together or even a book filled with blank or lined pages. It can contain as little as one to three sentences. It can be a random thought to release a negative thought or conduce a positive start to our day.

Organized
Today bullet journals are popular. There are even blogs on bullet journals. They can help organize thoughts, schedules or subjects such as traveling ideas, raising a child, setting goals, etc.

Creative
I once did a project for a support group. We decorated the front and back cover of a composition book, with cut-out magazine pictures pasted as a collage. When they were completed, we shellacked the cover with a coat of Mod Podge to keep the pictures in place, leaving them with clean edges.
I also created a personal goal journal in a folder I filled with plain white paper and fasteners. I pulled pictures of things I wanted to accomplish with titled pages. I included Bible verses and quotes, typed up dreams and ideas for my future. I even checked off the goals I achieved over the years.
There are many types of Journals:
The sky is the limit when it comes to journaling. They can be made out of just about anything and consist of endless ideas.

Meditation
I keep a daily journal of letters written to God as a prayer. It is my prayer journal. Sometimes they are half a page or several pages long. They include a date at the top of the page, thoughts I might have that morning, sometimes negative, sometimes positive. They usually include a request and a praise to God for an answered prayer. Sometimes I even vent out my frustrations or anger I might be struggling with. My favorite journals have soft embossed covers, some with a band that snaps the book closed. I have a collection of completed journals I keep on my bookshelf.
My daughter Emily is an avid journaler. Emily keeps several journals and uses them often. Some might be simple while others are more extravagant. They are usually very organized, written out in neat colorful pens that may have different color coordinations. She likes Moleskine journals which are usually a little more costly.
 
Here is what Emily has to say:
I have three notebooks I use constantly. One is my Jot Book, where I quickly throw things that I don’t want to forget. I also have my daily Bullet Journal, where I write down anything I need to do for the day. And lastly, I have my journal which is more like a Traditional Diary.

Jot Book
This is for quick notes and scribbles. If someone recommends a tv show I can quickly pull this out and write it down. Nothing too emotional here. Just notes. 

Bullet Journal 
This is the core of my existence. The bullet journal is my life saver and is a very therapeutic process for me. I use it for my work life and my home life. During the first 10 minutes of work I write down a bulleted list of everything I need to do that day. I often get overwhelmed about how much I have to do in a day, and when I don't write it down I easily forget things. Writing it down and putting it into a list, helps me to manage stress and anxiety. Every time I complete a task, I get to cross it off and I get a great sense of accomplishment even from doing just one task.
 
On a normal day my bullet list might contain larger tasks such as, “complete X files and send to boss for review.” But on a bad day where I feel emotionally and mentally drained, I might write down smaller tasks like “take out the trash,” “get shower,” “feed the cat,” because I need the motivation just to get out of bed and do something. On those days, being able to complete just one task makes me feel good. 

Traditional Diary 
In my Traditional Diary, I write about the good and the bad in life. A huge part of my anxiety involves focusing on bad situations and over analyzing. Writing them down is the only way I can get them out of my head and move on with my day. So, I’ll write all of my bad thoughts down, close the book, and try to let the conflict end in my head.

My journals are very personal, so even though I put a lot of work into them and make them pretty, I choose not to share them with others.
​
The Perfect Fit
While Emily has the perfect fit and style for her, everyone has different styles and preferences. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a book style and the way in which you write in it. It can include pictures, drawings, labels, you name it. Have fun and create your journal today. Experiment. Find what works for you.
Here is a website that discusses the general journaling methods: 

Beginners guide to keeping a journal
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    March 2020
    August 2019
    November 2014
    October 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013

    Categories

    All
    Devotions
    Short Ditties
    Splash Of Poetry

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly