Friday Five #13: What's Saving My Life Right Now

My personal survival guide

I first read the question “What’s saving your life right now?” on the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog years ago (you can read an explanation of the origin of the question here). The question encourages you to think about things in your life that are helping you instead of only dwelling on the things stealing your joy. This feels like an important practice for me right now, as this year has felt really challenging so far, in big and small ways. I had lots of plans for my writing this year: sticking to a posting schedule, working on some publication goals, and completing drafts that have been sitting on my computer for a while, but instead this month I have barely managed to write a word. My mental and creative energy seems depleted, and I confess that I have allowed the troubles of my heart to weigh me down. So today I am offering up this simple list as a way of reminding myself (and perhaps you too) to keep chasing beauty and joy.

Photo by Matti Johnson on Unsplash

What’s currently saving my life:

1. Poetry. I bought this book at McKay’s back in August, and I just remembered it recently. “Snowflake” by William Baer is one that has captivated me. Even though I haven’t loved every poem I have read, I have been reminded of how much poetry moves me and speaks to my soul in ways few others things do. (If you’re thinking, “Didn’t Erin just write about how much she loves poetry?” you are correct. I did.)

2. Music. Given the fact that music is its own kind of poetry, it’s no wonder I find so much comfort in songs. I have been wearing out this playlist and this album, especially this song. Sometimes what I need is a melancholy instrumental piece, and other times I need a rousing rock anthem. There’s a song for every mood, and I am all the better for that.

3. Epsom salt baths. Baths have become an almost-nightly ritual for me, and adding these salts just takes it to another level. It’s enough to almost make me forget we have a terrible bathtub for soaking in. I grab my Kindle, set a 20-minute timer, and let the warm water soothe me. The scent lingers in the air, and I feel so much more relaxed after I am finished.

4. Lame jokes. I like to think I have a good sense of humor, but the fact that even the silliest of jokes makes me laugh means I probably am not super discerning. Nevertheless, a well-timed “dad joke” perks me right up. I got Stephen this book for Father’s Day last year, but truthfully, it was for me. :) Examples: Q: “What’s the opposite of ladyfingers? A: Mentos.”

   Q: “What has 5 toes but is not your foot? A: My foot.”

5. Sitting outside. In typical Tennessee fashion, the weather has been all over the place, but on days that have been sunny, I have tried to make a point of soaking up the sun’s rays. I am indoors far too much, and the simple acting of titling my head towards the sun helps calm me and reminds me that I am not merely lifting my head to the void but am offering up thanks to the One who deemed it good to shine light on us.

Now it’s your turn. Tell me, what is saving your life these days?