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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Love this, Natalie – and you know I’m taking notes! 📝 I love that how you try to preserve your Sabbath, especially. I’m fascinated by the fact that we forget that Sunday is the first day of the week, and setting it aside to rest, pray, worship, love and be with each other – without distractions, is something I’d love to do better at. Just thinking about it as the first day of the week, and starting with intention and rest, sort of helps to reframe it doesn’t it? Thank you so much for this. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve managed to put all these good things in place. I also love Pray As You Go – there is an app as well as the podcast, and I find the Ignatian meditation on a daily scripture so much of a mini retreat in end of itself.🙏💕🥰

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Natalie's avatar

I agree, Jenni, that starting the week with intention and rest sets us up for the week ahead. Even for people who don’t practice any faith, setting aside one day a week for rest and rejuvenation is beneficial. So glad you found this post helpful! 💗💗💗

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

💖

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Liz Alterman's avatar

This arrived at the perfect time, Natalie! I have been joking that this is my "Summer of No." (Your #1 tip! 🤣) I just started listening to "Happy to Help" by Amy Wilson and I'm hoping that will *help* me too! My mom left her car running in front of our house for an hour on Easter so I will share your newsletter with her too! Thank you for these wise words! xx

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Natalie's avatar

I’m glad I’m not alone leaving a car running 😂 I’m so happy this post was so timely for you! Good for you for having a summer of no! You have got this. 👊🏻

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Liz Alterman's avatar

Thank you! Last year, I told myself I was going to have a "year of yes" and I think I took it too far! :) Have a wonderful Mother's Day! xx

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Ashley's avatar

Oh! Natalie, I wanted to mention a little tool

I use when I’m invited to do something and I just don’t want to add it to my plate - I say, “I’m so sorry, it sounds fun but I already a commitment that day.” The “commitment” being to my self and my well being. Hope that makes sense xx

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Natalie's avatar

Well, that’s genius!

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Ashley's avatar

I love this! Keep it simple, it’s my life motto I suppose. Being an introvert by nature, I crave quiet time and not being over committed. There have definitely been times in my life when I have way over done it, but that never ends well. I love starting my day early with coffee by candle light. I light a scented candle in my living room and leave all other lights off. I enjoy my coffee and listen to the Lectio365 app, then just put on quiet worship and start my day slowly. It’s so important to slow down… I loved your quote at the end, perfect! Xx

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Natalie's avatar

I love how you start your day, Ashley ❤️ Keeping it simple is a great motto!

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Joy Reinhardt's avatar

Very good read! I've left my car on multiple times because my brain is always working toward the next thing that I need to do. Simplifying sounds like an amazing plan. Well done!

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Natalie's avatar

Thanks, Joy! Simplifying is in your future, too 😉

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