Intentional Time
This morning when my alarm sounded, I decided to do something different. Instead of snoozing like I usually do until 5 minutes before my class, and looking like a zombie while I teach, I got up. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and test out a new makeup palette that I got the other day. (It sure helps motivation to get up when you have something fun like that to look forward to!) Lo and behold, I checked my phone and realized that my first student canceled class! Now instead of 20 minutes to get ready, I would have almost an hour.
The freedom to slow down and be deliberate with my routine was so, so refreshing. I could take my time testing out this strange thing known as contouring, style my hair, and even get a few minutes of reading and prayer in BEFORE my class. By the time the clock counted down to 00:00, I was relaxed, peaceful, and ready.
I got rewarded today with my student telling me, “Teacher, you are so beautiful!” Now, going through this whole routine just to get a compliment from a little kid halfway across the world isn’t the point. It feels wonderful, that’s true, but what is even better is that today, I FEEL beautiful. Doing my makeup and taking time to read and pray is self-care. While the evidence may show at first on the outside, it also bubbles out from within. During class today I was happier and more engaged with my student.
So, what is the point of me telling you this story? If you want to feel beautiful, you have to be intentional with it. You can’t just roll out of bed and let the day control you. You need to wake up and reflect, whether that is through reading, prayer, meditation, etc. Nourish your mind, would AND body so that whatever happens during the day, you have a full cup to pour from. I promise it’ll help you feel better as you go about your day, whether that’s spent with kids, at work, at school, or wherever. Just be intentional, and your beauty will show, inside and out.