Another week is coming to an end, which means it is time for our Sunday Reset.
Throughout Week 2 of my 10 Steps to Self-Care Challenge, we made a simple statement:
“Say exactly what you mean.”
Although those words sound straightforward, putting them into practice can require courage. Sometimes we say yes when we want to say no. At other times, we stay quiet because we want to avoid conflict. Additionally, we may tell ourselves that everything is fine even when we feel exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed.
Therefore, today’s reset is an opportunity to slow down and reflect honestly.
WHAT DID YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY THIS WEEK?
Think back over the past seven days.
Was there a moment when you wanted to say no but said yes instead?
Perhaps you needed help but didn’t ask for it. Likewise, you may have agreed with something simply because you didn’t want to disappoint another person.
On the other hand, maybe you DID speak up this week.
Celebrate that progress.
Clear communication does not require us to become harsh or disrespectful. Instead, we can learn to express ourselves honestly while still treating other people with kindness.
SAY EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN TO YOURSELF
This week’s lesson wasn’t only about conversations with other people.
We also practiced being honest with ourselves.
For example, instead of saying, “I need to buy something,” we learned to pause and ask whether we were actually tired, stressed, bored, or looking for comfort.
Similarly, instead of saying, “I need to get my life together,” we practiced finding what we really needed.
Maybe the honest statement was:
“I need more rest.”
“I need help.”
“I need quiet.”
“I need to stop overcommitting.”
“I need to take better care of myself.”
Once we name the real need, we can make a choice that actually supports it.
RESET YOUR HOME FOR A PEACEFUL WEEK
Our physical surroundings can also affect how prepared we feel for a new week. Consequently, I like using Sunday to take care of small tasks that can make Monday feel calmer.
Start with one area rather than trying to clean the entire house.
Clear the kitchen counter.
Prepare your clothes for tomorrow.
Fill your water bottle.
Look at your calendar.
Put away items that have collected during the week.
Prepare something simple to eat.
Next, choose your three main priorities for Monday.
Preparing tonight cannot cut every stressful moment tomorrow. However, a little organization can help us begin the week with less rushing and confusion.
RESET YOUR MIND AND SPIRIT
After preparing your physical space, give yourself time to become quiet.
Turn down the noise for a moment.
Next, take slow breaths. Write in your journal if that helps you process your thoughts. Most importantly, spend time with God in prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to bring our concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving. As a result, we don’t have to carry every worry into the new week by ourselves.
Release what happened last week.
Then ask God for wisdom about what deserves your attention in the week ahead.
WEEK 2 SELF-CARE CHECK-IN
Before we move on from Step 2, ask yourself:
Did I say what I meant this week?
Did I communicate a boundary clearly?
Did I ask for something I needed?
Did I say no when I needed to?
Was I honest with myself about stress, spending, rest, or my schedule?
Did I speak truthfully while still showing kindness?
You do not need a perfect score.
Instead, look for awareness and progress.
Perhaps you noticed that you apologize whenever you set a boundary. Maybe you discovered that you avoid difficult conversations. Alternatively, you might have realized that clearly expressing yourself actually reduced stress.
Whatever you learned, carry that awareness forward.
PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STEP
Tomorrow, we will begin Step 3 of our 10 Steps to Self-Care Challenge.
Before moving forward, however, remember that we are not throwing Step 2 away.
Each step can become another tool in our self-care toolbox.
Therefore, I will continue practicing clear and respectful communication.
Say yes when you mean yes.
Say no when you mean no.
Ask for help when you need it.
Admit it when you need rest.
Most importantly, be truthful with yourself.
As we close Week 2, remember this:
You can be honest without being unkind.
You can set boundaries without explaining every detail.
You can communicate your needs without feeling guilty for having them.
And you can protect your peace while still treating other people with love and respect.
That’s part of self-care, too.
References
The Holy Bible
Philippians 4:6-7
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Caring for Your Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Consumer Tools
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/
