Saturday, January 12, 2019

The Roots of My Writing

I've been thinking a lot about what things are at the root of my writing. The things that have to be nurtured and tended so that my writing can flourish. Recently, I narrowed it down to two roots.


I think for me, the two roots of my writing (or really any of my passions) are my faith and my health. While that may sound broad, it covers both the spiritual and the physical.

So lately I've been giving more thought to how I can deepen my faith in Jesus and how I can better address my health.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still an active Christian and I don't have bad health per se. But I want to get better at intentionality in both of these areas this year.

As far as my faith goes, I'm reading more nonfiction books that are instructional in the faith. Elisabeth Elliot and C.S. Lewis, anyone? ;)

As I mentioned in my goals post last week, I'm also trying to read through the Bible chronologically and focus in on a morning routine.

While those may sound like little things, they've been casually on my to-do list for years and simply haven't happened. 2019's the year. And today's the day.

For my health, I don't have anything major on a diagnosable scale. But I think we all want to function at full capacity, and there are plenty of little things I'd like to conquer that will help me in that regard.

So in order to work on things like better digestion, less wrist pain, and fewer respiratory problems, I am paying for my own supplements.

While my family uses essential oils, eats fairly well, and is generally health-conscious and naturally-minded, paying for my own supplements instantly makes me 1000x more likely to take them daily.

And just since trying a new brand of natural products focused on gut health, I've seen improvement!

So even though none of these changes are huge, theure important and require consostency. I want to encourage you all to look at what root things fuel what you do every day. I think beliefs and health are big ones for everyone, but you may have another area you want to shore up.

Maybe give it some thought and see what you come up with.

My mom's always reminding me that now is the time to establish routines and good habits. Before I live on my own or have a family. Not tomorrow--today.

In that vein of things, I've started a second Instagram account for the faith and health aspects of my life. So I'd love to chat with you over there if you have any interest in getting more intentional with me!

If I were to pick a third important root, it's community. So thank you all very much for the community we have here together. :)
Do any roots you need to tend to immediately spring to mind? What passions do you want to be able to pursue more fully?

10 comments:

  1. I totally am going to go follow your account, as soon as I finish leaving this comment.

    I really love reading about how people are taking care of themselves, both spiritually and physically, to the end that they're better able to do life. It's so encouraging to me. I hope that these changes will help you out a lot in the long run! Keep up the hard work!

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    1. Aw, you're the best. *cries*

      I don't think I realized how much I liked it either until recently. Everyone needs that kind of relatability and encouragement in their life, I think.

      Thank you!!! I'm amazed at the changes I've thus far.

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  2. I read Through Gates of Splendor in '17, and that was so encouraging and motivating and just wow. Even got my non-reading sister to read it. :)

    This year I'm really trying to buckle down on memes...I spend way too much time scrolling through pages when I could be using that time for way better things. And I think it's just better for my mind to not be focused on short little jabs of humor but have to really concentrate on things for longer than 5 seconds before going to the next thing-and also not being entertained. :)

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    1. I've heard such good things about that book.

      Ah yes, I could really work on this too! Not memes particularly I guess, but scrolling for sure. Managing time well is a true discipline! It's so great that you're willing to be honest with yourself.

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  3. I really agree! For me I've had to learn to take time to refuel with friends, movies, and books. I've had to remind myself that I can't function without sleep - so I've made an habit trying to go to bed earlier. And water and fresh air + exercise are the other things important if I want to keep writing. So I've been making sure to have plenty of those (fresh air is hard in the winter ;/). I need to work on eating better still. But I really like what you say your roots are.

    keturahskorner.blogspot.com

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    1. It really does take a lot of reflection and experimentation. Sounds like you're doing a great job figuring out what works best for you! Keep it up. :)

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  4. Love this! You are a wise & encouraging human <3

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  5. This is so good, Abi! It's vital to get back to our roots and priorities. I'm excited to see where the Lord takes you!! ♥

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