Journal to Capture Your Thoughts - ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers

Write down this vision. Write it clearly on tablets so that anyone who reads it may run. Habakkuk 2:2 Voice

I have always wanted to be a classic journaler (is that even a word?) In my ideal world, I sit down to a perfectly ordered home every evening and write in my best penmanship about the amazing day I have had in a beautiful, leather bound journal. During my caregiving days, I felt fortunate if I could write a few words on a post-it note. There were so many thoughts swirling through my head and things to do that I could not keep track of them all.

Writing in a composition book solved this for me. Typically, these black and white composition books are a required item with the annual school supply list. I started using them after reading David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done (GTD). In this book he refers to productivity in a new way where you establish calm rather than living in chaos. In the midst of ‘caregiving chaos’ I craved calm yet didn’t need another item on my burgeoning to-do list. The most important take-away from this book was to capture my thoughts on paper so my mind could do what it does best – envision the future and create the vision for what only I can do.

Active Self-Care

Sweep your mind

This is a concept that I love to do periodically. Sit in a quiet spot and write down everything that is claiming your attention and is your responsibility. At this point stay on task to get it all down on paper. Usually, what you put down on that paper are things that you neglected to do or you put off doing. I most likely create a mind-map first and then come back and put them in my to-do list.

Capture thoughts in writing

Most nights I struggled to get to sleep as the swirl of undone chores and ideas threatened to overwhelm me. There were nights when I tossed and turned and woke up with a headache. The worst part was the feeling that I had forgotten something. I put my composition book by my bed and when I would wake up during the night I would write down what I had forgotten so it could become an action item.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) puts it well as it says, “fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”

Take hold of your dreams
You will find that as you bring order to your chaotic thoughts you will be able to write your vision. What do you feel is something that only YOU can do? What are you dreaming at night?

What is your purpose? As you put words around what God has put in your heart, your next steps will become more clear.

Remember, there is no waste in God’s economy. You may have a book inside you that you need to write so that it will bless many others. Perhaps, you are to write a blog about your experiences as a caregiver.

Prayer
I am so grateful, Lord, that You have placed a vision inside me to compel me to run. I am no longer running from the difficulties, Instead, I am increasing in stamina and courage to finish strong what You have called me to do no matter what others do. I pray for wisdom in writing down the loose thoughts, emotions and impulses so that they propel me toward a life shaped like Jesus. You have come to give me abundant life and I enter into all that You have for me today.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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