The List You Need to Make

Hey, my friend. I have a simple suggestion for you today. There’s a list you need to make. It’s one I’ve made myself in recent days.

Not a to-do list. A list of the things that bring you comfort.

Because when you’re overwhelmed, grieving, sick, anxious, or lonely, it can be really hard to think of what might help.

So make the list now, while you’re doing okay. Are you ready?

What kind of movement feels good to you? Maybe it’s walking outside. Maybe it’s dancing in your kitchen. Maybe it’s stretching or simply sitting in the sunshine.

What food or drink brings you comfort? Maybe it’s a particular tea, a bowl of soup, or your favorite dessert.

What activities help you settle? Coloring. Doing a puzzle. Reading a familiar book. Baking. Sitting outside. Listening to music.

Is there a particular piece of clothing that makes you feel safe and comfortable?

Is there a room—or even a particular chair or spot in your home—where you feel most at ease?

And who is the person you can call when you need to hear a familiar voice?

You might even make a list of Scriptures you return to. Songs that remind you of God’s presence. Simple prayers you can pray when you don’t have many words.

Here are a few things on my list:

• A soft blanket
• Listening to someone sleep
• Slipping on my sweatshirt’s hood

What’s on yours?

Now, please know that this isn’t a list of things that will make the hard season disappear. It’s simply a way of remembering: These are some of the things that help me feel a little more like myself. And when life gets hard, you won’t have to figure everything out from scratch. You’ll have a list.

So take a few minutes today and start making yours. And then keep it somewhere you can find it when you need it.

Let’s gently prepare for the hard days by noticing what brings us comfort on the ordinary ones.

I’ll see you next time.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Episode 170: 2 Ways to Journal When You Can’t Find the Words
• Episode 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons
• Episode 135: Identifying Signs You’re Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It)