Being conscious of checking in with ourselves consistently can make a large impact on your daily mental health and relationship with God. We've all been here: the day goes by fast, you were more distracted than you thought you would be. You're feeling off but you take a shower, it's already the end of the day, and you head to sleep. OR you cope- scroll through social media mindlessly, binge a few TV shows, indulge in a hobby.
These things aren't necessarily wrong. They only become harmful to us when we engage in them, not to blow off some steam, but to keep us from facing our present realities because we don't want to deal with them.
Maybe you want to name what you are going through, but are at a loss for words. Figuring out what is going on internally seems daunting so you might as well not poke the sleeping bear. This is a check-in that I recommend to others. It is not original by any means but it is effective when you take the time.
This check-in can help you form words and phrases around what you are experiencing in the following categories: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. In another post, I talked about the spirit, soul, and body connection. This check-in can shed light on how one influences another, which can bring clarity to what you are experiencing and therefore move you into some action steps (because you gotta' move forward!)
Here are some examples: Mentally: I'm feeling behind
Emotionally: I'm stressed
Physically: I'm relaxed
Spiritually: I'm scattered
Mentally: I'm focused
Emotionally: I'm bummed out
Physically: I have a cold
Spiritually: I'm struggling
Mentally: I'm clear
Emotionally: I'm insecure
Physically: I'm tense
Spiritually: I'm strong
By acknowledging these 4 categories, get curious about any connections. For instance, in the last example: maybe you have to attend an important event, or you are speaking publicly, or you are meeting up with a friend for coffee: You may feel clear headed and prepared but struggling with some insecurity, which effects your body with tension but you are feeling spiritually strong and ready. You know God's word and he's going to carry you through the night.
See how those can possibly intertwine? Check-ins can bring an understanding to what is going on within you and how you are responding to what is going on around you. Now, invite God into it. You've named what's going on mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually- pray and ask God to direct your steps. Maybe he shows you in his word, maybe it's counsel from your Pastor, maybe there's a practical next step you can take, or maybe he's revealing something to you so you can process through it and heal. Maybe he's showing you - this is what you should do.
Check-ins can be done at any time! Before or after an activity, meeting or conversation. It could be a family gathering, picking up your child from school, dinner with your spouse/date, or a staff meeting, etc. I will always recommend journaling, you can use this as a guide as well.
Hey- now seems good! Time for a check-in. 😄
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Maybe you need some guidance sorting the above out, I would be more than happy to support you and come along side of where God is leading you.
If you are interested in a life coaching session, you can explore options here. I would love to see if we would be a good fit together.
