Barbara Brown Taylor has made a practice of asking others and herself that question often*.
Salvation is a word for the divine spaciousness that comes to human beings in all the tight places where their lives are at risk, regardless of how they got there or whether they know God’s name. Few of us can choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them. To be saved is not only to recognize the alternative to the deadliness pressing down on us but also be able to act on it.”
This morning when I awoke, I started a list. Shallow and thoughtful. Spiritual and materialistic. Here is what is saving my life right now.
- Gratitude. It is easy to feel grateful in the sunshine, but it is literally a life preserver in the dark. Gratitude can reach through sadness and wrap your heart in a hug.
- Alone time. Sometimes I don’t even know how I feel about some things until I have time to sit with it and process. Or write. I’m an external processor, so I greatly value chatting with safe friends – but I crave time spent alone. Just me and my thoughts – a total luxury.
- Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops. I add a pump of this to my daily moisturizer and it turns into THE BEST tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used. I’ve never liked tinted moisturizers, liquid foundation, or another else besides mineral powder. (I’m ancient, I know.) A pump of this just adds a gorgeous natural glow to your face without the sun damage. I also sometimes add a pump to the moisturizer I use for my neck and chest.
- God Winks. Hugs from heaven. Signs. Whatever you may call them. I need them on this road map of life. My heart needs them to heal. God is so gracious to send them in the sweetest and most unexpected ways.
- Bargain Mansions on HGTV. I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up – I want to watch Tamara Day renovate mansions. I’ve always loved renovations (as long as I am NOT living in them, which is always 100% the case.), and have been telling Handsome Hanson that we need to find a house to renovate. I’m not a huge tv watcher, but stumbled on Bargain Mansions this weekend and didn’t leave my house until I had watched both seasons. The characters (Tamara and her dad, Ward) are a breath of fresh air – their egos don’t get in the way of watching the design unfold.
- Milk Bottle Cookies. I’m almost kinda sorry for introducing you to your newest addiction. All of her cookies are a work of art and a gift to your taste buds. My current favorite cookie, Cookies n’ Cream, is the perfect marriage of chunks of Oreo cookies folded into her famous blonde dough. If you are local, they currently deliver Sunday and Monday’s. They ship as well! Give them a follow on Instagram for updates and new creations.
- Good, solid yoga pants, soft pajamas pants and sweatshirts. I don’t care what you say, my soul can breathe easier in soft materials. What is it about getting older that we get particular about our fabrics?
- Joy filled, life giving, healthy friendships. This could also go under gratitude and God Winks. Pay attention to those who show up for you, and then reciprocate. Pay attention to who is breathing love into your space, then grow more of that.
- Laughing. Some days life throws a hammer down on our funny bone – and it just isn’t funny. Find a way to lighten up. Google funny videos on YouTube. Just laugh.
- Recognizing the Divine in nature and people is saving my life right now. There is so much good…open your eyes to it.
What is saving your life right now? Get in the habit of asking yourself that, take the time to listen to the answers, then fill your cup with more of the goodness.
Sending you all love and light –
Brooke
*Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor.
