Real Life Real Faith Wisdom for Everyday Life January Issue | Page 15

Service Thyself
Deon M. Davis
Automobiles signal when they become low on fuel or tire pressure and even alert when in need an oil change. Our bodies also warn us when something
isn’t working.
Too often, we put off proper maintenance, sometimes standing by until it’s too late. Waiting to refuel when your tank is already empty is risky – we can’t
always accurately gauge how much energy we have left – and can be destructive in the long run.
Serving others starts with serving our selves. When we prioritize our self-care, we improve our ability to keep serving. Here’s a simple self-service
checklist to maintain mental, physical, and spiritual health by making sure your own basic needs are met:
MENTAL
Meditation. Focusing on tasks we might usually do without much thought (such as brushing our teeth, or chewing our food) is a great way to build selfawareness and helps us to enhance or switch up routines.
Minimizing. Get rid of things that may take up unnecessary space in your life, and you will find more time and energy to devote to things you do enjoy.
1. Minimize your closet. Turn hangers backwards on items you haven’t worn in over two weeks. If you find some of these hangers aren’t turned back in
two or three months, you may find them easier to get rid of.
2. Minimize the drama in your life. Being in constant contact with others can get overwhelming and is sometimes counter-productive. Disconnect from
excessive communication by taking five minutes out your day to turn your phone off and self-reflect. Think about how many people you frequently
interact with that energize or inspire you! Schedule limited time slots to engage with those who drain your energy so you have more time and energy.
3. Minimize your task or goal list. Limit your lists to things you can realistically complete given a specific time frame, and dedicate your energy to fully
completing the items on your list. If you finish early, make a new list!
PHYSICAL
Breathing exercises. Taking five to 10 minutes at the beginning of our day to breath mindfully and feel each part of our body working is a good way to
familiarize ourselves with our bodies and helps us to determine what’s not working at its full potential.
Stretching. Stretching is a great way to release built-up tension and to challenge our bodies to exceed its expectations. Stretching for just a couple
minutes a day makes us more flexible and prepares our bodies for the most fruitful day possible!
SPIRITUAL
Daily Affirmations. More often than not, our outlook determines our outcomes. It’s supremely important to purify and strengthen our beliefs by breaking
negative thought, speech or behavior patterns. Influence your immediate surroundings with the following affirmations:
1. I am the author of my story. The plot and content of my story is uniquely mine.
2. God is working in my favor. I have unlimited talent and potential and I am guided in my every step towards what is best for me.
3. I am filled with love. I forgive and detach from all people and things that may have harmed me.
4. I am doing my best, and I am happy with what I do.
5. I deserve love. I deserve to be compensated well for my time, energy and ideas. I deserve to be celebrated. I will receive what I deserve.
Writing it down. Journaling our present state, meetings, dates, and future goals are a great way to organize our thoughts and feelings and help us to
create an action plan for where we want or need to be. Writing it down makes it real.
Celebrating. Take some time to appreciate your self and your accomplishments. Applaud your self for everything you’ve achieved today, no matter how
big or small it may be. In some small (or big) way, where appropriate, treat your self!

Love and Light
Deon M. Davis
www.deondavis.com