Summer is my favorite season but this summer has been hard. When things became overwhelming, I made 3 life-giving decisions that have made all the difference in the world.

• I deleted all news apps off my phone. There is something to be said about being informed about what is happening in our world and in our communities, but watching and reading the news was not helping me be the best version of myself. I wasn't more loving. I wasn't more empathetic. The constant bombardment of watching people tear each other down while not making any strides to actually solve any issues was too much, so I quit and it has been life-giving!

• I stopped my morning bible and prayer routine. Ok, before you think I've lost it completely, let me tell you what I started doing. My husband and I started having coffee outside in the mornings. We also go for a morning walk. And I have been using the 30 Days to Resilient feature on the Pause App put together by John Eldredge and team. It's been quite some time since I have heard God consistently and clearly. But as I've spent time just being with Jesus and giving everything to Him, something has shifted. My soul is starting to come alive again as my roots grow deep down into Jesus.

• I stopped using social media platforms for my ministry. Yes, you read that correctly. I no longer have my Facebook and Instagram accounts for Women in Ministry United. Why? Well, there are a few things. First of all, I have struggled with what to post and I didn't want to put something out there just to put something out there. That doesn't feel authentic to me. I also realized that social media platforms are not the place where people are showing up to have candid conversations about their soul. Most come to check out, not check in and that's ok. So, why keep trying to come and do something in a space that isn't working? That didn't seem to make much sense. But I do wonder if a private Facebook group would be something of interest. I'd love for you to let me know. You can drop me a line HERE.

What decision could you make to breathe life into your soul? What isn't serving you well? What isn't helping you be a better person and share the love of Jesus? What is keeping you from being compassionate and empathetic? What life-giving decision would make all the difference to your heart, soul, family, relationship with God and ability to show up well for yourself and others?

Margin for the Unexpected: EP:015

John Eldredge: He has written many books but one of my favorites is Get Your Life Back. He and his team also created the One Minute Pause App which includes 30 Days to Resilient. Also check out the Wild at Heart Podcast.

Would you be interested in a private Facebook group to have conversations around creating healthy rhythms and boundaries and caring for your soul? I'd love to know. Just click HERE and share your thoughts.

Connect with Jen

You can now find our website at jenhowat.com and you can email me at jen@jenhowat.com. I also hang out on instagram @jenhowat