Dr. Brandi’s thoughts!

It’s been a week. God has slowed me down and brought me to tears.  He is so good!

Today a beautiful friend to all that she met, passed away from a long battle with cancer. She was a faithful relationship builder who also lived life to the fullest by making lasting heartfelt memories with her family and community. She’s on my legacy list to be more like Val! 

Thursday morning, I sat in my ladies bible study as we studied Experiencing God. The question was asked “do you focus more on God’s will or more on the person of God?”  That hit me deeper than I thought it would. I sat their pondering that I usually focus on seeking Gods Will but do I really know God? Have I kept up on that relationship building even with our creator?  Another moment of tears and clarity arouse for me as the Lord grows me closer to who He created me to be.   I need to slow down and learn to BE and truly connect with God and my other important relationships.  I am a doer and I tend to move fast and check off lists to feel content.  

Can I say that it’s not filling my soul or spirit to be a doer! Living life without true connections/relationships is an empty life.  At the end of our life its the people we connected too that will leave our legacy! We need to start building those genuine relationships now, starting with God first and then seeking to love and connect intentionally with others. 

What would it look like to BE instead of always DO?  in your family? work place? community? 

Life is precious, don’t go through it so fast that you miss the relationship building, love, joy and purpose.  

Good sleep hygiene extends beyond nighttime rituals; it encompasses a holistic approach throughout the day to ensure restful and rejuvenating sleep. Strategies for achieving better sleep include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, minimizing exposure to blue light in the evening, and creating an environment conducive to sleep with comfortable bedding and minimal noise. Additionally, managing diet and exercise by avoiding heavy meals and caffeine before bed, and engaging in regular physical activity can significantly impact sleep quality.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques also play a crucial role in preparing the body and mind for sleep. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Keeping a journal to jot down thoughts or worries can further clear the mind and make it easier to fall asleep. For those who nap, it's suggested to keep naps short and earlier in the day to not disrupt nighttime sleep.

Incorporating these habits into daily life can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and improve overall sleep quality. It’s about creating consistent routines that signal your body it’s time to rest and support its natural sleep processes. For ongoing sleep difficulties, consulting a healthcare professional might be necessary to address underlying issues. Embracing a comprehensive approach to sleep hygiene is key to achieving the restorative sleep your body needs.