The past few weeks and months have been busy, and stressful for us all. The American economy is in the tank, the DOW is free-falling and job losses continue to cause pain and suffering among our fellow Americans. I was watching Campbell Brown Friday night on CNN and was mortified to see that so-called “Tent Cities” are starting to spring up in California in the Sacramento area. People who have lost their homes and jobs are literally living in tents out in the open space.  But by the grace of God there go I. . .

 This can’t be happening in America was all I could think to myself.

Despite the fact that I was smart enough to move my money out of the stock market before it fell under 7000 (what was left of my portfolio that had lost 37% since last September) all of this economic stress and strain is causing a lot of FEAR and worry in all of our lives, and to top it off for me I buried a sister friend and former colleague on Thursday afternoon who had been shot to death at church no less by her husband.  All of this worry and stress was causing my spirit to feel heavy and burdened.

I was feeling a lot of “heaviness” and I decided to follow my own advice posted on the BLOG in early February about taking a day of rest and fellowship with yourself and God at least 1X per month. I took from late Friday through this Sunday morning to rest, reflect, pray, be STILL, read scripture, FAST, and disconnect from the world (no phones, no TV, no email, no Facebook, etc.).  I awoke this morning more refreshed, focused, centered and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

My simple advice to everyone who has been following this new blog is to truly STOP what you are doing and take some time for YOU.  For professional women always on the go and for working moms in particular, stress will cause illness, depression, and strain in the lives of your family if you are not operating optimally. Take a time out for you–your life and well being as well as that of your family depends on it. That is not an overstatement.

I spent the weekend basically detoxing physically (fasted from food and drank lots of water and cleansing teas) and emotionally (lots of people pulling at me 24/7–calling me, texting me, lots of projects, travel, demands, NOISE, etc. being made on my person daily).  I know many of you out there are in the same boat–so take a day or half-day and if you can’t afford to go to the spa in this economy (who can?)–then make a bath at home, put on some nice music, reflect, take a walk, go spend a weekend with a girlfriend who lives in a sunny warm climate–and shop, laugh, drink some wine or just sleep in one Saturday and dare the spouse/kids to mess with you (LOL).

Last point, I find that when I am feeling a “spirit of heaviness” I need to check myself spiritually. Fasting helps me to do this because it forces me to reflect inward and pray.   Heaviness can be described as “despondency” or “depression” or simple oppression of our spirits from the weight of the world around us. 

Heaviness drains joy, positive fellowship and worship out of our lives also.  This is where I have been for a minute and I knew I needed to check myself or I was headed into a downward spiral on all fronts. I simply exchanged my garment of heaviness for one of praise and gratitude. I spent some quality alone time with myself, with my spirit and with God and when I came out on the other side I felt lifted and re-energized for the week ahead.

Feeling burn-out lately? Then take a minute to REST your spirit, and renew yourself by restoring your fellowship with yourself and the Almighty. I promise you it will work, and you will feel better all over. It will become a routine in your life that you look forward to.  I call it “date night or date weekend” with God.  Give it a try and tell us how it changed you for the better.

If I have not love, I am Nothing. . .

Sophia