Shellie Bowdoin's Blog, page 6
May 21, 2020
Survey Interest In A Future Online Study | Find Your Weigh Update
The FAB Journey
It’s been a while since I have given you an update on Find Your Weigh and I also want to survey interest in a future online study. I’m excited to say that God has blessed this project even in the midst of a pandemic. In fact, I now believe that God led me to release this book and Bible study at just the right time. Who knew that everyone would be stuck in their homes facing some of their biggest food struggles…boredom and stress?
Freedom Journey Fund
Several months before I released Find Your Weigh, I felt impressed to donate all proceeds from the paperback version of the book. Since its release, I have developed an exciting new partnership with Happy Horizons Children’s Home in Cebu, Philippines. This ministry rescues girls who have been trafficked and offers them hope and a future. We have started the Freedom Journey Fund.
YouVersion Devotional
In January, I released a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion app the same day as I launched the book and the Bible study. Since then, over 10,000 people have subscribed to this video devotional. I have received some awesome testimonies.
“I just started this book (page 23) and already I know that it will change my life regarding my weight issues. God has brought me this study first by simply finding the devotions on YouVersion. Thank you so much for being obedient to God’s calling on your life and bringing to light what my heart has been searching for. I look forward to the next few weeks together and to the rest of my life being free from this struggle. “I can do all things through Christ.” God bless you.”
– Dina
Interested In An Future Online Study?
Recently, I have received a number of requests for a Find Your Weigh online study, so I wanted to give you an opportunity to express your interest by filling out the survey below. Previously, I was resistant to commit the time and energy to this type of platform. However, God has shaken a lot of my “plans” in recent months, and, above all else, I want to be obedient to His leading…his ways are always the best.
CLICK HERE FOR SHORT SURVEY – INTEREST IN ONLINE STUDY
I want to say thanks to all of you who have supported this effort and joined me on this journey! I have been so encouraged by your comments and testimonies of how God is speaking to you through this book and study.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
May God continue to lead each of you as you pursue his plan and calling for your lives.
~ Shellie
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
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May 13, 2020
Cruise My Closet | Find New Outfit Combinations
The FAB Journey
I am focusing on one of my favorite aspects of “normal,” everyday life…fashion. Honestly, this post reflects more hope than practice as I am sitting here in a t-shirt and shorts without one event on my immediate schedule. Still, I realize this is the perfect opportunity to shop my own closet for outfits to wear when I am finally unleashed on the world. It’s time cruise my closet to find new outfit combinations.
Yesterday, I actually caught a wave of optimism and I am riding on it! I was struck with the hopeful revelation that we’ve made it this far and yes; God will take us to the end. Life will go on…we’ve already got months behind us, and we will eventually emerge to live amongst people once again.
How many times have you uttered the “I don’t have anything to wear” phrase? In my opinion, this statement runs a close second to “I’m bored,” because I believe both have an evident remedy. If you’re bored, get up and do something.
If you have a closet full of clothes and still think you have nothing to wear, then it’s time to cruise your closet to find new outfit combinations.
First, you will need to take stock of your current wardrobe.
Cull through your wardrobe.
Get rid of everything that no longer fits. It’s time to dress the body you have today.
Narrow down your sentimental outfits.
It’s ok to have a few sentimental outfits but be realistic about how critical the outfit is to the memory.
Take stock of your foundation pieces.
Do you have the necessary wardrobe pieces to build upon? If not, it’s time to make a list of essential foundation pieces that you need.
Closet My Cruise – Find New Outfit Combinations
Focus on a few specific clothing pieces you would like to use in different ways. Today, I pulled out a Calvin Klein striped maxi skirt. I’ve kept this piece for years because I know it has untapped potential as a foundation piece in my wardrobe.
Mix and match this item with various foundation pieces. This is your opportunity to try things you wouldn’t normally gravitate to. Also, you can experiment with new ways to tie, belt, and layer the item to make new outfit combinations.
After looking through my closet, I came up with seven different ways to wear this maxi skirt in new ways. I switched things up by using jewelry and belts. Then, I layered on different clothing pieces.
Notice that I chose bright-colored shoes and jewelry to break up the black and white palette.
Which one is your favorite?
I really enjoyed taking the time to dream up new outfit possibilities for the future. My closet cruise gave me an emotional retreat from the sameness of my current life and brought joy.
We are wired to thrive on hope…just knowing that things can and will be better gives us the strength to press on.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Here’s a video with some of my recent thoughts for keeping hope alive!
It’s my heartfelt desire that each of you would walk in hope today and every day. Whether it’s family, baking, fashion or funny videos; search for sources of joy. Then, that joy can overflow into hope.
~Shellie
Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
The post Cruise My Closet | Find New Outfit Combinations appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
May 6, 2020
3-Minute Makeover | Make-up Tutorial
The FAB Journey
I’ve spent a lot of time with me, myself, and I over the past seven weeks of home quarantine. At first, I pretty much approached my home time as I would any other season. Home has always been a place where I let down and relax, which pretty much means no makeup, no hair styling, a t-shirt and shorts.
But, as the days dragged on and melded one into another, my zero-effort routine began wearing on my emotional state. So, in recent weeks, I’ve been more conscious of my personal appearance…not because I have anywhere to be, except more present and purposeful for my own peace of mind.
I talked about this inside-outside connection in a Facebook video a few weeks ago and I am including that video at the bottom of this post in case you missed it the first time around.
I have wanted to do a video makeup tutorial for a while and I finally had ample time to sit down and give it a try. Today, I am showing you my 3-minute makeover. This is what I do when I need to run out to the grocery store, or in the case of home quarantine, host a Zoom meeting. I hope you enjoy it.
As believers, we know that our physical appearance has no bearing on our relationship with God; however, we are called to live in relationship with God and man. Let’s face it….we humans look at physical appearance and this is no secret to the one who created us.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Fashion and beauty treatments will not be necessary for our heavenly bodies. Yet, enhancing our appearance can boost our confidence, which in turn affects how we interact with others and how they interact with us. And this 3-minute makeover is easy to fit into your day.
Here’s to God’s grace for every moment and in all circumstances!
~ Shellie
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
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April 23, 2020
Where’s My Norman Rockwell? | When Life Is Less Than Ideal
The FAB Journey
I must admit, my present-day picture seems less than ideal, and, right now, my real life does not resemble a Norman Rockwell painting. Frankly, it’s easy to regard my current situation as one that must be endured, rather than lived. I’ve heard Covid-19 described as this generation’s defining moment and I have to admit we’ve had a pretty cushy go of it up to this point.
Norman Rockwell actually lived through the Spanish Influenza of 1918, as well as, WWI, WWII and Vietnam. He, like many of our grandparents, lived through hard times and continued on.
In 1916, the 22-year-old Rockwell painted his first cover for The Saturday Evening Post, the magazine considered by Rockwell to be the “greatest show window in America.” Over the next 47 years, another 321 Rockwell covers would appear on the cover of the Post.
The last six weeks of strict home quarantine has me asking,
“Where’s my Norman Rockwell?”
This surreal experience colors my world in a completely different way; almost as if a new filter has been applied to my life picture. Just like sunglasses on a sunny day, this filter has removed the glare of must-dos and appointments and shifted my gaze to new priorities…to keep myself functioning and whole.
I am also closely examining my daily routines as they are now completely of my own design. How do I use my time? Am I doing things to nourish my body, soul and spirit? What are my real priorities and does my daily life actually reflect those priorities?
This season of forced solitude has also challenged me to focus more on others, which is quite ironic since I find myself alone more than ever before. The computer that used to draw me away into an endless stream of projects is now my primary tool for reaching out!
However now, without the distractions of “normal life,” I am keenly aware that God alone can replenish and renew my innermost being. Not only can He do it, but He longs to live with me and He promises to be the source when I come to the end of myself.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Rockwell said this about his art,
“Maybe as I grew up and found the world wasn’t the perfect place I had thought it to be, I unconsciously decided that if it wasn’t an ideal world, it should be, and so painted only the ideal aspects of it.”
Undoubtedly, Covid-19 has broken all illusions of the ideal, perfect life. There’s not a camera filter that can remove the reality out of this picture. We are not impervious to disease, nor can we hide behind our own human ingenuity or scientific achievements. We’re just not as smart or invincible as we thought we were.
God is still God and we are not Him.
We see the reality of daunting statistics and troubling headlines. However, God’s word promises that there is a new day ahead when the skies will clear again.
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
So, I’ll trust God with my picture.
I’ll give him my days and wait to see what brush strokes he adds and what new colors he reveals.
And, I hope…when the virus is finally checked and I walk out into a world where I can hug who I want; where uncertainty no longer looms in the corner of every waking moment…
I hope and pray that the rest of my life will reflect a greater reliance on God by allowing Him to color my everyday life with His masterful hand…my own unique Norman Rockwell.
~ Shellie
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
The post Where’s My Norman Rockwell? | When Life Is Less Than Ideal appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
April 15, 2020
Stress Eating | I Eat Because I Am Stressed
The FAB Journey
We are now half-way through our series on the Top 4 Excuses For Being Overweight. So far, we’ve tackled two of the biggies. Let’s look back to see what we have learned so far.
I Eat Because I’m Bored – The reason why people who have weight problems gravitate immediately to thoughts of food when they are bored is because they have trained themselves to look to food as the answer to their every whim.
I Eat Because I Like The Taste Of Food – You eat because you are motivated by food’s sheer yumminess. People who can’t seem to resist the intoxicating draw of food need to look at food as their drug of choice.
If you suffer from either of these excuses, I encourage you to look back at the first two posts in this series. If you would like to dive deeper into the “why” behind your food struggles, check out my book, Find Your Weigh.
I Eat Because I Am Stressed
Stress is an inevitable byproduct of being human. We all face situations and circumstances that are beyond our control, yet our modern-day society can trick us into thinking that we should be in control at all times. Although technology makes many life tasks easier, it also makes us feel like we should have our act together all the time! You may be saying, yep that’s me…I eat because I am stressed!
So, how does all this stress affect our weight? One common defense mechanism is the fight or flight mode. This is the tendency to either stand up to your problems and responsibilities or run from them. All of us cope with stress differently. Some of us stand up to the problem, look it squarely in the eye and deal with it without another thought. Others of us find it difficult to process stressful events, which triggers the flight response.
And where does the stress eater run? Yep, straight to food. Food provides immediate satisfaction because it stimulates the pleasure sensors in our brains and, most importantly, it doesn’t talk back.
Food provides immediate satisfaction, it stimulates our pleasure sensors and it doesn’t talk back.
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But, while it may not talk out loud, it can wreak serious havoc on your metabolism. How does stress affect our metabolism?
Studies have shown that hormones play a role in elevating the desire to eat foods containing carbohydrates during prolonged periods of stress. When our brains receive stimuli that indicate a period of stress on the body, they respond by releasing cortisol, a hormone whose primary function is to raise blood sugar and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. In response to higher blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases extra insulin, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar rather quickly. This, in turn, causes a craving for foods rich in carbohydrates – e.g., comfort foods.
Solutions To Stress Eating
1. Do Not Allow Yourself To Become Hungry
Hunger itself produces stress. Hunger is your body’s way of signaling that your fuel tank is empty and needs refilling. Actually, the physiological feelings of hunger can closely resemble our physiological response to stress: irritability, inability to think clearly and light-headedness. Now, pair the natural feelings of hunger with a stressful situation and you have the perfect breeding ground for poor food choices.
It helps to take hunger out of the picture. Make sure you plan healthy, satisfying snacks to be eaten throughout the day at 2-to-3-hour intervals. Make sure that these snacks are rich in fiber and protein and low in sugar. Anyone who has read many of my posts will know that I highly recommend nuts as a go-to snack because they satisfy hunger and they consist of healthy fats. If your body is well-satisfied, you will have more energy and attention to focus on the element of stress.
2. Recognize Your Physiological Triggers To Stress
All of us react differently to stress. For some, stress can interfere with one’s concentration(reading over the same page multiple times), others may notice a slight tremor in their hands and still others react by becoming increasingly agitated or easily provoked.
If you are a stress eater, it will help you greatly to pinpoint and identify your trigger. Then, you can equip yourself to deal with the stress in positive ways that don’t involve food.
3. Predetermine An Activity That You Will Perform When You Notice The Triggers
Ok, you know your trigger, now what? You need to predetermine a calming action. It can seem counterproductive to take a time-out when you are stressed with too much to do. However, performing a calming action gives you the focused opportunity to acknowledge your stress and deal with it proactively.
Here are some possible calming activities (several of these can also be performed simultaneously).
Remove yourself from your location. Walk around the block or the office. (Physical exercise releases feel-good endorphins).
Take some deep breaths.
Recite a favorite poem or verse.
Listen to a song.
Flip through a slideshow of your favorite pictures.
Chew a piece of peppermint/spearmint gum.
Journal your immediate thoughts or frustrations.
Repeat a memorized affirmation.
Call and vent to your spouse or friend. (Preferably someone who is not involved with the situation. They can provide perspective. Note: do not go to the same friend repeatedly as this can wear them out.)
Table the stressful activity, if possible, to allow yourself time to reflect and brainstorm an effective resolution.
Now, in terms of stress eating, here is the key. You must vow to yourself that you will not resort to food before you have performed a calming activity.
vow to yourself that you will not resort to food before you have performed a calming activity
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Wait to eat until you are no longer experiencing the physiological trigger. This will help to reinforce the habit of mindful eating. Reducing stress will not only help you bring your weight in check; it will also enhance your outlook and relationships.
Have you been following along with this series? Have you successfully integrated any of the solutions so far? If so, I would love to hear from you. It would be a great encouragement!
~ Shellie
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
(This post first published in May, 2015)
The post Stress Eating | I Eat Because I Am Stressed appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
April 9, 2020
I Choose Joy | My Top Ten Joy Bringers
The FAB Journey
I’ll be the first one to say that the last four weeks have been a stretch for me…emotionally, spiritually and physically. I am confident that this quarantine will eventually end and I will once again have the freedom to leave my house. And, I can guarantee a few words that will not be coming out of my mouth anytime soon…”I think I need a few days at home!”
How many times have I yearned for some downtime in the whirlwind of daily life? Now, my life IS downtime.
I am forced to confront my thoughts and explore my priorities. I can’t hide behind my schedule when my list of must-dos has narrowed to the most mundane of tasks…waking up, brushing my teeth, eating (when I am actually hungry), keeping clean and going to bed.
It’s in this time of “not much” that I’m forced to confront my own emotions and fashion my perspective. I can’t change the situation of the world, but I can control how I will view my life and current circumstances. The easiest, yet most destructive choice would be to give in to the fear and uncertainty of daunting statistics…that route is essentially spelled out for me in the daily headlines.
But then, I hear the steady call of faith, “...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1.
If I lean in, I recognize that familiar sound…it’s the same voice that’s guided me for decades. I’ve followed this call as a follower of Christ and it has always lead me in the right direction. Yes, today’s path is totally different from anything I have ever experienced in my lifetime, still, I can place my hope and future securely in God’s hands.
So, how am I going to take control of my perspective as I head into the fifth week of home quarantine?
I will walk by faith and not by sight...I choose joy.
My Top Ten Joy Bringers
Listening in silence as my grown kids laugh and chat
We have been doing weekly family chats that unite our immediate family from three different locations, across two separate continents. I just sit back and listen.
A piece of dark chocolate at the end of the day.
I have heard a lot of people talking about the alluring draw of food when they are stuck at home. Of course, this is an issue I deal with extensively in my book, Find Your Weigh. It helps me to reserve my sweet treat for later in the day, so I have something to look forward to.
Shoes!!!
My oh my, how I miss my shoes! But, that doesn’t mean I can’t paint my toes and do a little catwalk for one.
A clear blue Manila sky.
We live on the twelfth floor of a high-rise, so we don’t have access to a yard. However, the slow-down of traffic over the past month has resulted in beautiful blue skies and views that go on and on.
The realization that God sees us all right where we are.
Sometimes, we can convince ourselves that we’re all alone in the world. I came across this clever “Where’s Waldo Coronavirus Edition” article and it hit me…this is exactly how God sees us! It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, God focuses right in on you as if you were the only person around.
Wondering at the innovation and courage of the human spirit
I have been so encouraged to see fellow believers pushing themselves into new areas. For some, it’s learning a new software program and for others, it’s summoning up the courage to leave family and friends to volunteer as a nurse in a New York City hospital.
Panda videos
Need I say more? They make me smile.
Hands lifted high in worship…anywhere, anytime
How awesome is it to have the opportunity to cruise several different church services, right from your living room!
Sweet fat baby feet
Sweet babies are born every day and they bring joy to all of us. Life goes on and each new day brings new possibilities.
Divine Appointments
I love watching God do what only He can do. He will use your joy to bring hope to the hopeless, but first, you’ve got to choose joy.
~ Shellie
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
The post I Choose Joy | My Top Ten Joy Bringers appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
March 31, 2020
When Boredom Strikes | 8 Things To Do Instead Of Eating
The FAB Journey
Eating really is fun, isn’t it? It is probably the most agreed upon expression of culture and community around the world. No matter where you go or what you celebrate, food is almost always the center peg around which everything else revolves.
It’s not surprising that we immediately gravitate to thoughts of food when we’re bored. After all, food is where the party is! But there’s a problem with running to food every time you have a lag in activity…food has calories and typically “fun” foods have even more calories. And unfortunately, our bodies just can’t process an overabundance of calories without turning them into fat storage.
So, it’s time to come up with a plan B for those times when our brain tries to tell us that food is the answer to our boredom. Here are some suggestions of things you can do instead of eating when boredom strikes.
8 Things To Do Instead Of Eating
1. Go for a walk.
Remove yourself from temptation and flee from the fridge. It’s time to get the blood pumping a little bit. Walking helps to clear your head and it stimulates your other senses as well. Plus, walking actually provides a fitness benefit, so you are essentially killing two birds with one stone.
2. Call, text or tweet a friend.
Your mind drifts to food because you want stimulation, so you need to search elsewhere than the kitchen. Use your food cravings as a reminder to reach out to others. A good conversation can do wonders for redirecting your attention.
3. Clean something.
It’s funny how quickly our mind turns to food and how slowly it considers cleaning the kitchen floor ;)!
4. Organize something.
Consider that stack of old pictures, the pile of shoes in your closet or jumble of plastic containers in your kitchen cabinets. Taking the time to organize something bring order into your life in some small way.
Actually, an increased sense of order can also spill over into your own thinking. Some people turn to food because they can’t take the messiness or chaos of things around them. By taking control of some aspect of your life, even if it is only matching the proper lid to its corresponding container, you gain a sense of accomplishment that eating a bag of chips can’t supply.
5. Research an upcoming vacation.
Find something else to get excited about that doesn’t involve food. Start researching for an upcoming vacation. Look for hotel deals, attraction discounts and tourist reviews.
6. Paint your nails.
Painting your own nails takes time and concentration. Not only that, but you can save a good bit of money by doing them yourself. You can use the money you save to go on that vacation you’re planning!
7. Give Yourself A Facial.
The internet are full of natural concoctions for various facial scrubs, moisturizers and masks. Instead of going to the kitchen for a snack, round up some food options and do a DIY facial.
8. Look through your closet for new wardrobe combinations.
For women, clothes are one of the few things that can run a close second to food and may even inch it out from time to time. Look through your closet for new wardrobe combinations. Mix and match different separates that you have never tried before. You can also look at your favorite blogs or Pinterest boards for inspiration. Find inspiration outfits and then try to copy them with items you already own.
You Have To Short Circuit The Immediate Eat Response
All of these are great ways to get your mind off food, but first you have to short circuit the immediate eat response. The time to come up with alternative activities to eating is BEFORE you put any food in your mouth. Snacking is often an unconscious activity. You grab a bag of chips and before you know it half the bag is gone and you can’t hardly remember it going in.
The good news is this…once you have trained yourself to recognize your tendency to eat when you’re bored, you can actually develop a habit of listening to your stomach for cues of when to eat.
~ Shellie
Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
(This post first published in October, 2015)
The post When Boredom Strikes | 8 Things To Do Instead Of Eating appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
March 24, 2020
Feeling Covid 19 Quarantine Culture Shock? | A Few Expat Tips
The FAB Journey
So, are you feeling a little Covid 19 Quarantine Culture Shock? It’s been long enough that the novelty is long gone, yet the end is still unclear. Girlfriend, I’m hear to say, “I feel ya!”
Some of you may or may not know that I have served as a global worker in Asia for over 25 years. And in that time I’ve experienced a lot of stuff. I’ve lived in cities with only one other English-speaking family. I’ve experienced earthquakes, typhoons, mudslides and I added a volcanic eruption scare this year. I’ve lived through no internet, no water, no electric and no water or electric. I’ve spent years away from my extended family and kids and yes, I’ve been robbed twice.
But, this Covid 19 pandemic and the necessary quarantine is a first for me.
Typically, I have always looked to the US as my oasis from the challenges of overseas life, but now I see that my American friends are wading through the same unfamiliar waters. I also realize that while I have grown accustomed to navigating the unknown, this sensation is likely new and challenging for many of you.
My friend and fellow global worker, Heather, recently pointed out that this new quarantine evokes feelings similar to the culture shock she and I have experienced in our cross-cultural life. So, I’ve invited her to share her thoughts to encourage you in this journey.
As I’ve scrolled social media and seen countless posts regarding the outbreak, I have begun to recognize some signs of a familiar friend/foe of the expat…Culture Shock.
It might sound strange, but hear me out. Culture shock usually refers to the range of emotions we feel when we’re taken out of our familiar culture or context and dropped into unfamiliar territory. We realize the way we’ve always done things isn’t working. The communication we’ve relied on has changed. Our surroundings feel scary and different and hard. Tasks that used to be simple are no longer so. We feel homesick for what used to be. We are ready to conquer the world one moment and curled up in fear the next.
Sound familiar?
If it does, here are a few things I’ve learned in dealing with culture shock in a foreign country that just might be applicable to you, wherever you are, as you find your way in a new culture of pandemic and quarantines.
A Few Expat Tips To Deal With Quarantine Culture Shock
Don’t ignore your feelings, but don’t be ruled by them either.
It’s important to process honestly what you’re feeling and thinking. Talk about your feelings with trusted people. Admit when you’re afraid or anxious, but then choose to operate in what you know instead of what you feel. And make sure what you “know” isn’t only what you see on the news or social media.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
When I was a new expat in our host country, I felt helpless. All the things I used to do by myself became tasks I had to re-learn, and I needed help. Do you feel overwhelmed because you suddenly have to home-school your kids, adjust your budget, change your daily routine, learn to work from home, shop/cook/eat differently? Ask for help! I bet you’ll be amazed at the support you receive.
Give grace upon grace to yourself and others.
This whole crazy pandemic is hard, friends. And there is no way to expect anyone to navigate this situation perfectly. People are going to speak and act in fear and grief and desperation and (gasp)…you will too. You’ll be short with your spouse or kids. You’ll complain too much. You’ll wish you had been more prepared or had a bigger savings account. Remember…grace. Receive grace, extend grace. Be kind to yourself and others.
Take it one day at a time.
You don’t need to be thinking about next month or even next week. You’ll have grace to deal with those moments when they come. Don’t try too hard to project or plan for the future because you’re expending energy on possibilities, rather than on what’s right in front of you. In our host country, plans change daily! Keep your morning routine. Pray and read the Word. Play a game with your kids. Figure out the next meal. Pay the next bill. Call your parents and check on your friends. There’s grace for today, and when tomorrow comes…there will be grace for that too.
Remember what hasn’t changed.
In the midst of culture shock, it is imperative to remember that even when the world feels upside-down, there are some things that haven’t changed. When we identify what those are, it helps us stay grounded in the chaos. Maybe it’s a Friday pizza night tradition; tucking your kids in bed each night with a story and a prayer; or walking early in the morning.
Make a list of all the things that haven’t changed, and find a few to focus on that will help foster a sense of consistency and familiarity in your life and family.
I hope you find these things helpful. Hang in there, friends. Culture shock is not fun in the moment, but I can say from experience that it grows us in beautiful and profound ways if we let it.
You will never be the same, but when it’s all said and done, I bet you’ll be glad you aren’t.
I know I am.
Heather is a life-long wanderer, having lived in 8 states, 2 countries and 16 houses. For the past 15 years her amazing husband has made the journey much sweeter, and their three children have added lots of fun (and a little chaos) to the adventure. Heather and her family currently reside in a mountain village in SE Asia where she spends her days homeschooling, making all the things from scratch, learning language, taking too many pictures of cute grandmas and water buffalo, and drinking lots of coffee. She blogs at: fallisfiveasianadventure.com
Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
The post Feeling Covid 19 Quarantine Culture Shock? | A Few Expat Tips appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
March 18, 2020
Make Meaningful Connections During Quarantine
The FAB Journey
You can almost hear the sound of screeching as the world literally comes to an abrupt halt. Just like that…we’re in lock-down mode because of the corona virus. And for many of us, it’s the first time in as long as we can remember where the calendar is blank and the hours are plentiful.
But, here’s the thing, we’re not used to time and we don’t know how to deal with our thoughts without the myriad of distractions that come with modern-day living. We are activity junkies and most of us are just starting to suffer from withdrawal.
I’ve had a few days to reflect and I believe that we’ve been given a golden opportunity to reclaim some meaningful connections and there is not one excuse standing in our way…no social obligations, no sporting events, no dinners out.
Today, I’m sharing my plan for making meaningful connections over the next few weeks. Hopefully, this will inspire you to find productive ways to utilize this time for more than binge-watching Netflix programs; although there’s plenty of time for that too!
Make Meaningful Connections
God
– If you don’t already have one, use this time to establish a habit of daily quiet times for Bible reading and prayer.
– Read through the New Testament. YouVersion has a mobile app with a variety of reading plans to help keep you organized and motivated.
– Make a list of goals and growth opportunities and then, begin praying through them on a daily basis
– Choose an inspirational book or bible study to read through with a friend. Set up regular times for online chats to discuss what God is saying to you.
Family
– Schedule regular group video chats with your family members. Look through your photo albums/digital files and plan to pull out some pics to laugh over and reminisce.
Friends
– Make a list of at least 5 friends who you have not spoken too in more than a year. Contact them via social media and plan a video call. If it’s a friend from years gone by, take the time to search for old yearbooks and pictures that you can share during your call.
Those Without Hope
– Choose 5 friends who you know don’t have the same relationship with God as you do. Reach out to them in a message and let them know that God put them on your heart and you are praying for them.
– Post encouraging things on social media. This is your opportunity to offer hope in a time of uncertainty. Share what you are learning about God and yourself.
Those Who Are Hurting
– Determine practical ways to extend generosity to someone in need. People are hurting financially and many have lost their complete incomes in light of the shutdown. How can you be God’s hand extended in a real, practical way.
Make contact with your pastor or church administrator and ask if they know of people in your church who currently have no income because of the shut-down.
Contact your stylist, nail tech or personal trainer and offer to pay them even though you are not using their services.
– Use social media as a prayer journal. Take time to pray for people who are voicing needs or uncertainty during this time.
Even before this virus hit, you may have questioned the state of our world and the degeneration of moral values. You may have wondered how you could ever find common ground with people who don’t know Jesus as you do. In fact, you may have prayed for ways to make a difference.
Now, here we all sit in the same boat; sharing the exact same uncertainties and restrictions. This is the opportunity you have prayed for.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
This is a new day and a new challenge for all of us, but we are not alone. We have the resident presence of the Holy Spirit and we have a community of believers. It’s time to call on that community for encouragement in the face of the unknown and it’s a golden opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships.
~ Shellie
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March 11, 2020
Corona Virus – We Have Hope
The FAB Journey
Wow, how fast the tide has turned. One day you hear of a new Corona virus and the next thing you know countries are literally shutting down. I have to say that the whole issue has been an intriguing study in the ramifications of the modern world. Yes, the world is literally just a flight away, but then evidently humans are the not the only passengers on planes.
The corona virus threatens this jet-setting world in ways that boggle the mind and it continues to spread despite all attempts to control it. Of course, humans have always been vulnerable to the spread of disease; however, the advancements of modern medicine have lulled us into an elevated sense of security and separation. But now that the virus continues to shows signs of spreading, so does the sense of fear and apprehension.
The time has come for us to open our eyes to the possibility that Corona may come knocking on our door. The question is, “What will you do if it does?”
A friend of mine is currently undergoing cancer treatment and he recently wrote a challenging post on social media,
“Everything does not happen for a reason – but God gives reason to everything that happens” for those who love him. The differences are immense.”
How can your hope expressed in faith bring reason to this environment of fear and uncertainty?
Throughout the history of the Christian church, our hope has galvanized our response to disease and calamity. It’s our hope that invests us with strength and courage when our human instinct calls us to shrink back in fear.
In the 4th century, the Roman Empire was rocked by a deadly plague. People fled Caesarea in desperation as the death toll rose. But, the Christians did an interesting thing…they stayed.
“…when the plague hit in the early fourth century, the populace was already weakened and unable to withstand this additional blow. The populace began fleeing the city, one of the larger ones of the Roman Empire, for safety in the countryside. However, in the midst of the fleeing inhabitants, at least one group was staying behind, the Christians. Bishop of the city and historian of the early church, Eusebius, recorded that during the plague, “All day long some of them [the Christians] tended to the dying and to their burial, countless numbers with no one to care for them. Others gathered together from all parts of the city a multitude of those withered from famine and distributed bread to them all.”
This act of compassion eventually turned the tide of persecution and set Christianity apart. As Eusebius went on to write, their “deeds were on everyone’s lips, and they glorified the God of the Christians. Such actions convinced them that they alone were pious and truly reverent to God. (same)”
I want to encourage you with this simple, but powerful truth…to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
We do not know what the future days will bring, but regardless of what happens, this world is not the end for us.
How will you react…how will you respond? What will you do if your neighbor or co-worker contracts the virus? May God give us all the courage to stand on our hope and give reason to those who have none.
God has not changed, His word is still true and our hope is what will sustain us in the days ahead.
~ Shellie
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