Need practical advice for cultivating a happy heart? Each day, I prioritize practicing prayer and Bible study, reminding myself that happy hearts come from within and that every small decision to tend to the soul can bring about positive change. Here are 10 tips to help you cultivate a happy heart this summer.
As summer approaches, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I love the longer days, warmer weather, and the opportunity to spend more outdoors. But at the same time, I know that the busyness of summer can quickly take over and leave me feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts, and overloaded.
I’ve always rushed to please God. When I became a mom, Busyness became my banner, and I longed to make a difference. But I soon realized that my constant need to do more, to care for hurting kids and parents, only led to chaos … even in the summer months.
It’s taken me some time to learn that staying centered in God’s love through chaotic circumstances is the key to everything. If I’ve learned to cultivate a happy heart during the summer when everyone is out of schedule, you can too.
For me, heart happiness is rooted in understanding and embracing God’s love daily. The external should stem from the internal. Our outward actions should flow from the wellspring of joy from God’s love within us.
As an author of more than eighty books, a speaker, podcast host, and homeschooling mom of ten children (and caregiver to my grandma!), people often ask me how I keep up with it all. The answer is simple: I take time to nourish my soul. I get my heart happy and focused on God in numerous ways, and it’s from that filled-up heart that I pour out. I tend to myself so then I can care for others.
Most summer days are organized chaos at best. But during these crazy days, I’ve discovered that mess can be beautiful. The commotion, mayhem, and pandemonium have catapulted me straight into God’s embrace. There’s nothing more beguiling than resting there, soaking in His love, and feeling His approval as I focus on the beating of my Lord’s heart.
But it can be challenging. When I don’t connect with God to settle my heart, I feel it’s me against the world. Everything and everyone making demands of me, including my children, become hindrances and obstacles to the life I deserve. Is summer supposed to be about relaxing and having fun? That’s not always the case.
The good news is Jesus died so He could live a new life within us. We need to remember this. We need to access the life of faith we can experience from God-in-us. And we can access this even on summer days.
So if I’m going to live, I want to thrive. And if I have to face the mountains of “Rushmore” and “Do-more,” I want to be surefooted.
That’s why I’ve made soul care a priority in my life, especially during the summer months when life can feel even more hectic. I start each day with a few minutes of prayer and Bible study, turning my thoughts to God’s big plans for me, my family, and the world. And when my emotions get the better of me, I remind myself that they’re just signaling that something is going on in my heart and that I need to connect with God to settle myself.
Happy hearts aren’t dependent on what we have or do. Instead, it’s the inner workings that change outward attitudes. I’ve learned every small decision to tend my soul and turn my heart to God brings change. Who knows what kind of beauty and joy might flourish from a nourished soul this summer? It’s time to find out! Here are tips to help you do just that.
10 practical tips for tending to her soul and cultivating a happy heart:
1. Start each day with a few minutes of prayer and Bible study, turning your thoughts to God’s big plans for you and your family.
2. Take time to be still and reflect, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
3. Make self-care a priority, whether taking a bubble bath, walking in the sunshine, or digging in your flower bed.
4. Connect with other moms who share your faith and values. Meet up at the local lake or for a park date.
5. Practice gratitude by journaling about things you’re thankful for daily.
6. Set healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed and overburdened. It’s okay to say no to summer activities, even if they sound fun.
7. Learn to say “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities.
8. Focus on the present moment and savor the little things, whether a snow cone or a quiet mom,ent with your child.
9. Make time for an arrest, whether taking a nap, reading a book, or meditating on a favorite Scripture verse.
10. Feel free to ask for help or support when you need it, whether from a spouse, family member, or friend. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
These tips for self-care during the summer season keep my soul strong. I hope your heart stays happy this summer like never before!
Takeaways:
- Staying centered on God’s love is the key to everything.
- Heart happiness is rooted in understanding and embracing God’s love daily.
- Our outward actions should flow from the wellspring of joy from God’s love within us.
- Every small decision to tend to the soul and turn the heart to God brings change.
- Happy hearts aren’t dependent on what we have or do.
- The external should stem from the internal.
- The mess can be beautiful.
- It’s from a filled-up heart that we pour out.
- Avoid feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by setting healthy boundaries.
- You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Additional Resources:
Introducing Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer, the perfect guide to finding joy and peace amidst the chaos of life. As a busy mom of ten, author, speaker, and caregiver, Tricia knows firsthand the importance of soul care and finding happiness from within. In Heart Happy, she shares her journey to cultivating a happy heart rooted in God’s love and provides practical tips and encouragement for readers to do the same. Whether you’re overwhelmed or need inspiration, Heart Happy will help you find the peace and joy you deserve. Don’t miss out on this life-changing book. Get your copy of Heart Happy today!
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