Troys Journal Blog

How do you know when its time to rest and not push through.

Today is the last day of Term and anyone who has been a full time teacher knows how that last week can be exhausting. This week my body was wanting rest. How did I know...well I ended up going to the doctors two times in 3 days. I wasn’t sick as in I didnt have a cold or flu but there were little unusual aches and pains in different parts of my body. It scared my daughter as I am usually a trooper and I push through. 

I had to reassure my 15 yr old that I wasnt sick, I just needed to rest and be kind to myself.

I'm learning that theres a quiet kind of strength in knowing when to pause. It doesnt mean giving up, it means tuning in. Sometimes, rest is equally as important as community.

Below are 5 signs you might be time to rest.

You’re tired, but wired.

  • You cant sleep but you’re also not truly awake. Your nervous system is on edge and your body is asking for calm. (This happens to me)

Decision making feels heavy.

  • Even small choices like what to eat and what to wear or whether to leave now feel overwhelming. ( For me, I know Im fatigued as I head for the sugar intake)

You’re disconnected from joy.

The things that ususally lift you up like music, nature, connection-feel flat or far away.

( Normally the ocean is my pick me up; however I can still feel tearful when Im in desperate need of recuperation)

You feel like your running from something.

  • Sometimes rest helps us to stop long enough to face what weve been avoiding-gently, bravely, without judgement. (For me, Im normally running from the desire to chill out!)

You keep asking for signs.

  • Here's your sign. Rest is not laziness. It's preparation for whats next.  

What if you gave yourself permission to let rest be your medicine and not just your reward?

What if you took that nap, ran that bath? Delayed that drive?

Let your body and soul just lie there and breathe. I did this yesterday. Just lay in bed and rested.

Sometimes rest if the most productive thing you can do.

 

 

Tears to my eyes.

This morning, I found myself feeling a bit sad and overwhelmed. As a teacher and a busy individual striving to care for myself and those around me, I noticed my energy beginning to wane.

Feeling rather isolated, I called my sister to share a prayer with me.

As she prayed, I heard her say, "because she’s not a workhorse, Lord. She’s a person."

She then envisioned a multitude of gems surrounding me, symbolizing the blessings and messages from God—reminders of love, care, and affirmation.

God cares for each of us, not merely for the purpose of our labor and service, but because He created us and cherishes His creation. He desires for us to thrive, to be filled with life and love, which reflects His essence.

Interestingly, a new colleague thought of me last night and surprised me at school with a beautiful book she had crafted. To me, her beautiful book and her thought to gift it to me, meant so much. It represented a true gem, shining in the darkness and  brought tears to my eyes.

This is my story of the day,  worth recording and celebrating with gratitude.

'Into the Re Set Journal you go, little gem'

The author of the above booklet is Keren Lesley Campbell.

 

 

 

Your mirror moments are your growth moments.

Your journal serves as more than just a notebook; it acts as a mirror for introspection.

Journaling involves responding to questions that prompt deeper inquiries about your actions, motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement—this practice is known as self-reflection.

The primary objective of self-reflection is to identify patterns related to your limiting beliefs, enhance awareness of your skills, and align your actions with your values and goals. It functions as a tracker to assess whether you are on the right path, enabling you to realign if necessary or to adapt by letting go of ineffective strategies or implementing new ones.

Self-reflection fosters acknowledgment of your emotions and allows you to monitor your personal growth. It encourages you to understand the underlying reasons behind your actions, rather than merely listing what you have done.

There is a saying that goes, "You may not be where you want to be, but you are certainly not where you once were."

Reflecting on your journey, what is one achievement your past self is so thankful for today?

 

How to Establish a Lasting Journaling Habit

Greetings, fellow soul scribes!

For many years, I recorded my thoughts on scraps of paper, blank notebooks, and even in scrapbooks. 

However, consistency in journaling eluded me amid the chaos of raising children, managing household responsibilities, and nurturing my marriage.

I understand that many, including my old self,  might find it challenging to maintain a consistent journaling practice. 

Now that I have prioritised my personal growth and mental well-being, and have created a journal I genuinely cherish, I am eager to write daily.

 This reflective habit enables me to stay focused and purposeful with my time.

 For those seeking guidance on how to journal consistently, I have compiled a few straightforward steps.

Establishing a Lasting Journaling Habit

  1. Start Small and Simple: Even a few sentences daily can be effective. For example, express feelings or gratitude.
  2. Choose a Resonating Style: Find a journaling style that suits you, like prompts, bullet points, or gratitude entries.
  3. Integrate into Your Routine: Link journaling to daily activities, like morning coffee or bedtime reading, and set reminders if needed.
  4. Avoid Perfectionism: Focus on consistency rather than perfect spelling or grammar.
  5. Use Prompts for Inspiration: Start with questions like “What made me smile today?” to stimulate writing.

Journaling can nurture your soul and help manage emotions. It doesn’t need to be daily; even a few times a week can be beneficial. Share your experiences and explore guided prompts through the Re Set Journal. Follow for more journaling tips!

Change your life one word at any time.