In missions track in CGA we have recently learned a lot about a little thing called self care. Often times missionaries in foreign countries see the needs of people and can quickly become overwhelmed and feels as if there is much to "do". Every waking moment is spent trying to provide, feed, heal, and shelter. Every moment is spent trying to play God. Although all of these things are good things- we are called to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked- they are not completely our responsibility. We are to act as the hands and feet of God- His tools. Not as God himself. This is where self care comes into play. In any phase of life, we have to take care of ourselves as well. For some people, this means having some chocolate ice cream before bed, for others it means going to the pool and unwinding. Self care looks completely different from person to person, but one thing that's the same for everyone is that it is essential to our health and success as a missionary. It's OKAY and even encouraged to get that massage every once and a while or take a semi-annual trip to the beach. #treatyoself

One way I practice self care is by laughing. Google dictionary defines laughter as the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of contempt or derision. I do this through making time to hangout with people I know will bring life and laughter.. Or even just watching YouTube videos of puppies barking at their own reflection. On the extremely rare occasion, I'll #treatmyself and go to a comedy show or play. If you haven't had the chance to laugh today, maybe this picture will do the trick.

Is it a dog... or a muffin???