These Gerbera Daisies have a very inspiring story.  I rescued them from the clearance rack at Lowe’s.  They were parched and losing their vibrancy. I knew with a little love, fertilizer, sunshine, and water, I could restore them back to their beautiful state. Now, several months later, they are thriving and producing the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen.   It took time, patience, and many other factors that contributed to their restoration.

Like the Gerbera Daisies, sometimes in life we lose our sparkle and zest for life.  Tough times tend to bring out versions of ourselves that are not pleasant.  They can also tend to change us for the better, if we allow positivity to take precedence over negativity. It’s easy to lose sight of who you were and who you want to be, when you’re going through a rough situation.

Nature can share a  mountain of knowledge, if you allow it.  Just like the Gerbera Daisies have taught me about rejuvenation, you too can refresh your soul from the inside out by trying out a few of these strategies.

Reflection-Take time to reflect.  Who am I?  Who do I want to be?  How can I “bloom where I am planted” currently? What do I need to change or do differently to bring more peace and balance in my life?

Time-Refreshing your soul doesn’t always happen overnight.  It takes time, so don’t rush the process of rejuvenation.

Productivity-I don’t know about you, but I feel super charged when I have had a productive day.  Make a list and start knocking things out that need to get done.  Nothing can revive your spirit more than knowing you have accomplished something.

Charity-Giving feels good and recharges your batteries.  Whether it’s a donation, time, or brightening someone’s day unexpectedly, find a cause you’re passionate about and do something.

Faith-Religion brings a certain peace to the soul that cannot be duplicated. Faith gives us hope, hope brings purpose, and purpose creates fulfillment. Being fulfilled sustains joy, therefore your soul changes in a positive direction that only unfolds if you believe and follow the new path or road that presents itself.

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As a military spouse, I know how important it is to keep your soul rejuvenated.  We do many things behind the scenes that many people don’t always see. It’s easy to lose sight of ourselves when we have to take care of everyone else. We cannot be the wife our husband needs or the mother our children deserve if we’re always burning the candle at both ends.

Make time to take care of yourself. Then, like the Gerbera Daisies, you can flourish and be your best self for your family and community.  Don’t let the tough times make you bitter. Let them morph you into a better version of yourself. After all, God never promised to prevent bad things from happening to good people, but what he does promise is to make something beautiful from your pain.

© Wendi and Strength 4 Spouses, 2017.