We all know how drained we can feel when choosing to stay and work things out. Here's some ideas to help you fill your cup!
Listening to uplifting music can soothe the soul. Sing along...make a joyful noise!
Start a scrapbook! Title it: "My Many Blessings"" You don't have to spend much $$ to do this hobby. You can find cute decorations for your pages by cutting out pix on cards you received, saved, and now don't know what to do with! Cut out the signature and paste it under a corresponding photo. Get creative. Use glitter, ribbons, paper bag, wrapping paper scraps, old movie tickets, markers, crayons- you get the picture! Have some fun! And when life isn't so fun, you can get your album out and "count your many blessings!"
Gardening is another wonderful way to relax and put your mind on something useful. Even if you have never grown anything before, or think you have a 'black thumb'! Playing in the dirt can be a lot of fun! Brings back memories of when we were kids, or maybe thoughts of your own mom and her garden! It's a challenge to grow something, and rewarding to see that you can still accomplish things. And it's not an activity that makes your abuser feel 'threatened'!
Needlework is a dying art form. How 'bout making an heirloom to pass down through the generations of your family? Don't forget to sign your name and date the piece. You may not feel that anyone would treasure something you do now, but in years to come... they will hold it close to them,knowing that your hands also held this expression of love, and it will bring your hearts together.
Paintingis so much fun! So you aren't Rembrandt, but then again...who knows what talents lay waiting to be given the chance to be expressed! Although art does have some critics, there are many more admirers. Don't forget the fun of finger painting, either! Painting is a great way to express yourself, and can be great 'therapy' for stress relief.
Breaking the Routine (Prayer time alone) will refresh your worship and renew your close feeling to God. When was the last time you read the Bible while sitting under a tree? Wouldn't it be enjoyable to meditate on God's Word while watching the sun come up over the horizon? Find ways within your own home area to break your routine...maybe you have a porch you can sit outside on,or a chair beside an east window to watch the sunrise, even the city rooftops can have beauty when bathed in sunlight! Sometimes the habits of our devotional life get in the way of our growing closer to God. So let's break the routine of the usual and add some variety to our personal time alone with God. In His worship, Jesus found solitary havens away from the busyness of people and ministry(Mark 1:35). We need to do the same.
We were all created in the image of a creative God and we reflect our Creator when we let our imaginations give birth to new ideas! So don't be afraid to try something new!
