When’s the last time you gave yourself a gift? Like not a sweet treat, or a new pair of shoes, but actually a gift that gets to your soul. One that is not material either, but more lifting to your being. Same as my last post where I created embroidered bears, I’m wanting to share with you in my thoughts, in this DIY freestanding pouch, and with a giveaway. {{applause}}

As I’m always purging and going through things that I haven’t used or no longer need, I came upon these two zippers I originally purchased to make purses. However, I don’t use purses much, but I sure have fun creating them for myself AND I made a sling bag instead from a linen shirt I found.

For today’s project I’m using remnant fabrics from my popular insulated lunch bags. I no longer am making as I need an industrial machine to keep up with demand.

My goal for today is to make a little something I’ve been meaning to create for myself. A replacement makeup bag, and one for you. At the same time, I want to encourage you to do a little thinking. While I had plans to create a pattern based on my high school makeup bag – yes, I had it that long, but I am also gifting myself time today. Plus, I rarely wear makeup, so I’ve not had a huge need, but it was time to see to this for me.

FREE

You see, after spending countless hours this week caring for my kids, my home that needed repairs, my dead truck, etc., I have no time. So, by using this free pattern by Noodlehead I’m able to whip two of the small size up in an hour. WIN-WIN! Thank you, Noodlehead.

Not only are these perfect for most anything, but they’re also super easy to create in several sizes. I’ll share the information how you can enter to win the lighter stripe bag in a bit, but for now, let’s chat while I work.

First, I want to hear from you. Specifically, you ladies/mothers that are always putting yourself last. Yes, I know we are to care for our children and loved ones. The downfall to that is then we tend to get so caught up in caring for others that our person becomes obsolete.

What do we love to do that we’ve set aside? If you recall, I share before about overfunctioning in this post and in the video below.

NOW IS THE TIME

With that in mind, let’s talk more about how to cherish yourself and be true to you. Maybe you figured out that you are putting yourself last, so what can you do about it?

• what’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but never made time for?

Now is that time. For me, in the last few years I’ve learned to play the ukulele and I’m pretty good! I always wanted to learn another stringed instrument and even the drums. The easier choice is a uke, so I treated myself to a soprano uke and had at it. It’s therapeutic, engages my brain, and totally fun. Drums are on the horizon.

• take a breath.

Every single day do just that. Take ten minutes to sit and do nothing, stare at the back of your eyelids, snooze. Let your brain turn off with no music, no phone or computer, no books, no stimulation.

• no guilt.

Stop yourself when you think, “I shouldn’t be doing this, I don’t have time.” If you loved ones have everything the need for the moment and the house isn’t going to fall apart, you have time. Don’t guilt yourself into skipping this time to make you a better advocate for yourself.

• plan to eat healthy.

It’s so easy to fall into a trap of just getting some food no matter what it is or how much. Make a plan so you can prepare to eat healthy for that day with plenty of water. Who’s guilty of getting so busy they forget to hydrate? {{raises hand}}

• take a walk.

Yes, take a walk or run or lift weights (women need to lift for bone density!). There is research backing up how much benefit there is to simply taking a walk to reduce stress, lower cortisol, boost immunity, and bring peace. (¹) God made creation for us to enjoy. Take off those shoes and go for it! (my barefoot journey begins HERE)

• find joy

Literally take the time to find at least one thing joyful about the day. Eventually, I bet you’ll have not just one, but a dozen reasons why you find joy.

WHERE’S MY FOCUS?

As a Christian who has found that organized religion has become a hot mess, I’m making sure I’m not losing focus on God. The evangelical church has told me many lies that I have allowed to mess up my focus.

My Savior loves me so much and the truth is in His Word. The problem is that some translations, both new and old, have mistranslated from the original Hebrew and Greek. I make mention of this beginning in these previous posts in reference to submission, divorce, and women in general. Malachi 2, Ephesians 5, etc. have been errantly translated in some texts in such a way that keep women in abusive relationships. Rather are to show how we are to love and respect both men and women equally.

In my own relationship, I felt that God cared more for my marriage than for me after many years of trying and trying. It wasn’t until He opened my eyes to the lies that I found He DOES care for me more than my marriage. He wants me to take care of myself and I am precious to Him.

ALL ABOUT LOVE

As you can imagine, there are reasons why we need to take care of ourselves. How can we be true examples to our children if we show them a bad witness to self-care? Even Jesus knew He needed a break and got away – Mark 6:31. Let today, and every day thereafter, be the day that you treat yourself with importance.

With that in mind, I made an extra DIY freestanding pouch to send to one of you. That way, you have a reminder to take care of YOU. Fill it with something that you’ll need to touch daily – a sweet treat, your own toiletries… you get the idea. Tuck in some promises that remind you of how loved you are.

Even Ivan wants to remind you to take time to rest. tee hee.

GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. Easy entry – just complete the widget below with no strings attached. Winner will be emailed so be sure to check your spam.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SHARE

It’s time to hear from you! Let’s inspire each other – share the ways you take care of yourself. I know we can build a community of support so we are assured we’re not alone. Leave some comment love below and also share this DIY freestanding pouch with others.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter as I’ll be sharing another adventure. Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are more sewing fun projects like this DIY freestanding pouch: