The Weekly (Joy)Cap
Week of April 19th- April 26th (24') | Prioritizing Work & Rest, Balancing It All, & New Podcast Recs
This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
Happy Saturday friends,
As I’m writing this reflection, it’s 6:40 am, and I just tucked my oldest son back into the bed to quickly finish off this week’s (Joy)Cap. I usually write bits and pieces during the week and save the reflection for last.
It’s been another quiet week, over here as we work to solidify potty skills with my youngest. However, my husband and I managed to get the kids out of the house for a quick visit to the park on Tuesday.
This week I’ve been reflecting on my work. As I’ve shared many times, most of my work gets done in small pockets of time — 20 minutes, 30 minutes, a hour here and there, usually during quiet hours after the kids go down for their nap, the night, or before they are awake. Most of those times, I am squeezing in time for work and rest.
I was catching up with my college best friend earlier this week and she reminded me of how much of a work horse I used to be. Although, I wouldn’t have thought to describe it that way, she was right. I maximized every moment, doing my best to tackle my to-do list as much as I could. Any down time was an opportunity to be productive, to get things done. At the time, rest wasn’t an option. How could I rest, when there was always so much to do?
Soooo much has changed since then, and I am grateful. Now, I relish rest, prioritizing it and finding moments to include it in my days. Why? Because we are more than our work. The Lord has used this season of motherhood to highlight and heal the toxic mindset I had towards work and rest. I shared more about this in a Note I posted a few days ago.
I didn’t realize that productivity was a stronghold for me. While I blame some of this on toxic hustle and self-help culture (there’s a post coming on this soon), a part of this is also becauase of the way I am naturally wired. Sometimes, I struggle with wanting to still produce and work at a high a level, but I am learning to be okay with what I can give in this season and giving myself permission to rest when needed, remembering that work and rest are good.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Watching the kids play at the park. After a long few weeks inside potty training, I was grateful that we were able to get all the kids out the house for a park date. I’m noticing more and more that we all thrive when we get a little fresh air and sun.
Getting our car out the shop. After months of being a one-car household, we were finally able to get our second car out the shop this week. Now that we are wrapping up potty training, I am looking forward to getting the kids (and myself) out of the house, taking advantage of the spring weather while it’s still here.
Joining the
Instagram Live. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining from over on Instagram live to discuss balancing it all as a mom of multiples. I could literally talk about this for hours, but our hour-long conversation really captured this season of life, motherhood, and carrying multiple callings. Look out for the replay that is coming soon!
Currently Reading 📚
I’ve been reading The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson slowly — taking notes, praying through the prompts, and working through the study questions. Within the book, Sally teaches how we can model our parenting after the ministry of Christ. I love how she highlights and connects scripture with teachable parenting moments, making the concepts practical and tangible.
I’ve been seeing a lot of hype around Ali Hazelwood, especially with her latest release, Bride. I’ve also heard good things about Love Hypothesis and Love, Theoretically, so I jumped on this when I saw it sitting on the shelf at the library. Although it’s a little nerdy (heavy on the science speak), it has great banter, and I’m a sucker for good banter.
I tagged Well at Work by Esther Sternberg, MD on Libby a few months ago. While I typically keep fiction and Christian non-fiction in my reading rotation, I’ve been looking to add more work-related reads back onto my TBR. Many of my corporate and coaching clients struggle with burnout and creating a healthy work environment, so I thought this would be a great read.
For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
I decided to check out this podcast based on Joanna Gaine’s recommendation in the latest Magnolia issue. I had no idea Joanna and Chip produce have an audio production company and produces podcasts. This Morning Walk is a podcast, hosted by author Alex Elle and award-winning creative director, Libby Delana, that shares the transformative experience of a walking practice. This short episode invites you to zoom in and notice the beautiful details that make up your life.
Scripture memory is one of the spiritual disciplines I would like to cultivate this year. Scripture memory helps us to anchor ourselves in truth and remind ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness. In this episode, Hunter Beless and Glenna Marshall discuss the importance and power of memorizing scripture. If you feel weighed down or weary, this podcast will refresh you as you lean into the Scriptures for strength and encouragement.
You don’t have to wait to live out your calling. In this episode, Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton reminds us through Scripture that God uses ordinary, everyday moments to mold us into His image and equip us for what He has called us to do.
Fave Substack Read of the Week 💻 💕
“Remember that resting isn’t always sleeping, resting is an act of trust. It’s that heart nudge that says, even if things feel overwhelming, ease is still a choice and joy is at my fingertips.” -
of
This was a perfect follow-up to my last few Susbtacks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you don’t have much to give, Josefina’s writing is like a warm hug, offering encouragement and gentle but practical tips.
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Share with us in the group chat, leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
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Just reserved Well at Work from the library! Thanks for the recommend!