7 Ways to Find Hope When I’m Sandwiched In ~ Guest Writer Diana Leagh Matthews

A change of seasons often brings a new schedule, activities, and obligations. Read on as Diana Leagh Matthews offers suggestions to manage a calendar that can be overwhelming, 

There are days when life seems to crowd in and overwhelm. I struggle to take a deep breath.

I’ve been helping my mom –who had two major surgeries within a year. I have a high-maintenance Maltese mix (who I wouldn’t trade for the world) and work two jobs. Some days don’t have  enough hours for me. I know if I want to pour into other people and needs, I need to take care of me and I’m learning to do that-even in the shortest moments and smallest efforts.

How do I care for myself when so many others depend on me? Here are some ways that have helped me:

1. Sometimes it’s taking a few extra moments, whether that’s in the bathroom or the car. A few moments to breathe and clear my head.
2. I turn the music up (or off) and just sing.
3. Carve out time for self-care. I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to take care of me. Whether it’s a long drive, a mani-pedi, or a few hours at the theater. It’s imperative to do something to refresh ourselves.
4. Exercise—we need time to clear our minds and move our bodies. Maybe it’s walking the dog, swimming, or going for a hike. There are plenty of ways to keep moving.
5. Talk with a friend. We all need a good friend so we can share our hearts honestly.
6. Be creative—I find that adult coloring, painting, baking, or creative writing help clear my mind and allow me to take a few moments for myself and give me opportunities to take more deep breaths.
7. Time in nature. I live at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spending time staring at the mountains, on a lake, at the beach, watching the fall leaves, or the spring flowers allow me to appreciate their beauty and draw closer to the Lord.
8. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if our situations will ever change. Yet, there is One who is always there for us. The Lord will go before us and walk beside us on our journey. (Deuteronomy 31:8-9) I remind myself of that daily.

When life weighs us down and we feel sandwiched in by our demands, the Lord is there. Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Share your self-care strategies with us. Do you turn to the Lord for your strength and as your shield? How do you find hope when sandwiched in?

Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She provides programs as a speaker, teacher, vocalist, and presents historical monologues. Leagh’s (pronounced L-e-e) debut novel “Carol of the Rooms” premiered in late 2023. Her second novel “Forever Changed” will be released in early 2025. Leagh lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese and writes about the history behind the hymns at www.DianaLeaghMatthews.com