What I Refuse to Cross Off My To-Do List

This has been one of those weeks where the schedule almost got the best of me. You know the kind—the ones where you’re working hard all day, but somehow the boxes don’t get checked as quickly as planned. I keep an old-fashioned paper planner on my desk (yes, the kind that existed before everything went digital). Call me old-school, but I still love a pencil and an eraser.

The problem this week wasn’t lack of effort—it was time. On Tuesday, I still had things left over from Monday. By Thursday, I was working on tasks that were meant for Wednesday. It felt like pushing a big ball uphill, only to have it roll back a few inches every time I made progress. Nothing terrible, just one of those stretches where everything takes longer than expected and a few unplanned things sneak into the mix. I don’t love weeks like that—and honestly, next week isn’t looking much lighter either.

But here’s the part I’m holding firm on: there are some things I’m not letting budge, no matter how crowded the schedule gets. My self-care time.

Many of you know that rheumatoid arthritis runs in my family. My mom has been disabled by it since her early 50s, and my sister lives with it too. I started experiencing joint swelling and pain in my mid to late 30s, and I learned pretty quickly that ignoring my body wasn’t an option. Going plant-based made a huge difference, and adding yoga became a true game-changer.

So even when life feels busy and demanding, I won’t forfeit my ​walks with the dogs​, my strength training, or ​my yoga​. I may shorten a walk or scale back a stretch session just a bit during hectic seasons—but I won’t eliminate them. I know from experience that when I stop caring for my body, my emotional and spiritual well-being, and ​quality of sleep​ suffer right along with it.

Life will always try to crowd out what matters most if we let it. I’m learning—sometimes the hard way—that taking care of myself isn’t selfish or optional. It’s necessary. The cost of neglect is far greater than the inconvenience of protecting that time. And right now, that’s a price I’m not willing to pay. I must take care of this body so I will feel well enough to continue in the Lord’s work, and the ministry he has given me.

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

February 8, 2026 Morning Brew

Join Me for Morning Brew: Devotions + Deliciousness

These devotional reflections come straight from the Morning Brew section of my newsletter—little sips of encouragement paired with practical, everyday faith. If you’ve enjoyed this story, I’d love to send more like it your way, along with fresh plant-based recipes and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. Consider subscribing so we can continue walking this journey together, one nourishing bite and one uplifting word at a time. Subscribe now!

For more faith-based articles, please visit my Faith & Food page. Christian guest authors are helping me rapidly grow this category. Feel free to share your thoughts or favorite devotionals in the comments—I’d love to hear how these posts bless your day.