If you are a regular follower of my blog (or if you happen to know me in real life) you may notice that I talk a lot about "busyness." It seems to be a recurring theme in my life, and one that deserves an entire post all to itself. 
But today, I am popping in between a crazy school schedule, music lessons, winter prep, and NaNoWriMo, to leave you with a few practical bites of encouragement that help keep me smiling even in the busyness. 

As soon as you wake up, spend time with Him. Even just a few minutes in the morning completely focused on Jesus will set the tone of your entire day.
Besides having a regular morning routine, I have found it fun to have an online devotional set as my computer home page. As soon as I open the internet, the first thing I see is a new dose of encouragement. (Right now, I am enjoying the She Reads Truth blog)

Sometimes all it takes to lift me up when I am having a bad day is a dose of praise. Listening to music, playing worship on the piano, or even just quoting a Psalm helps to get me from stressing to praising.
A song I have been enjoying lately (both listening to and play on the violin) is Worn by Tenth Avenue North. Trying praying through the 100th Psalm to give God thanks and praise - or simply read through it slowly and soak in His goodness!

I once heard that the surest way to overcome insecurity is to quit focusing on yourself, turn towards others, and smile. Stress, like insecurity, is sometimes simply focusing too much on ourselves. Even in the busyness, take time to smile and care about the people around you.
Challenge: Try your hand at a random act of kindness today. Do something out of the ordinary - acts of kindness done in secret are often the most fun!

This is about as practical as it gets, haha! Feeling overwhelmed? Take a break. Breathe. Enjoy the sunshine or soak in a latte and enjoy a book for a few moments. Sometimes all it takes is a few moments away from the craziness to be refreshed and ready for the next challenge.

It is easy for me to begin looking as far down the road as I possibly can. What will this action do for my future self? If I make this decision, how will it effect me in years to come? This is usually a good thing, but I have found that, for myself, it often leads to thinking of possibilities and problems that are nowhere in sight. I forget to live today and simply do what Christ would have me do right now.

What are a few ways that you keep life fun, vibrant, and purposeful amidst the busyness? Do you have a favorite scripture verse that you turn to when stress starts to set in?

Have an amazing November!