I’m so excited to have my friend, Sarah Forgrave join us today! I met Sarah at a Books & Such Retreat a year ago. Sarah is passionate about health and well-being. I ‘ve no doubt that her newly released book, Prayers for Hope and Healing is going to touch many.

Today, Sarah shares words of wisdom for how to navigate life when disease or crisis strike.

I appreciate the fact that she gives us a list. 🙂 (And you know how I feel about lists!) I won’t keep you waiting. Sarah’s words are sure to bless you, or someone you love!

How to Tackle Your To-Do List in a Stressful Season

I’m a to-do list addict. Anyone else with me? I love to track everything that needs to get done and then check off each item afterward.

I not only love to-do lists; I need them.

Without a place to unload my brain, I would fail miserably at nearly everything. Tasks would languish, appointments would be forgotten, and friends would think I’ve lost my mind.

But, as much as I would love to control and manage my life indefinitely, there are seasons when everything gets turned upside down. A diagnosis, a family crisis, an intensified work schedule—all of these can make a to-do list downright laughable.

So what do you do when life throws a major turn of events at you, but you still have to get things done?

There are four steps I’ve found helpful for navigating these seasons of life.

Write Everything Down

If you haven’t already written all your to-dos down, take a minute to do that now. What are the everyday-life items that need to get done, and what are the extra tasks caused by the season you’re facing?

Categorize Each Task

Look at each task and place it in one of three categories:

• Crucial – It has to get done no matter what.
• Optional – It would be nice to get it done, but the world won’t fall apart if it doesn’t happen.
• Not Right Now – It isn’t pressing in any way and can wait until life settles back into a normal pattern.

Let’s look at an example. Say you’ve just received a cancer diagnosis and you’re reeling with questions of where to go from here.

A Crucial task is going to doctor appointments. No negotiation there.

An Optional task might be planning a meal schedule for your family. You would feel much better if you were able to do it, but your family would survive either way.

A Not Right Now task would be cleaning the ceiling fans and baseboards in your house. It may have been on your to-do list prior to your diagnosis, but life will go on without it.

Reach Out To Your Team

By “team,” I mean friends and family who are available and positioned to help. Are there any tasks that can be handled by someone else? Maybe a friend who wants to set up a meal delivery schedule during your chemo treatments? Or if the ceiling fans and baseboards are important to you, is there a housecleaner you can hire to help?

Mark these items accordingly and then make the proper contacts to get the ball rolling.

Do What You Can and Show Yourself Grace

Now that you’ve whittled down your tasks to the most important ones that only you can do, follow through. But always stay attuned to your physical, emotional, and spiritual health throughout.

If your body is worn down, allow it to get the rest it needs. If your emotions are frayed, give yourself permission to “get away from it all” and do something relaxing and enjoyable. If your spirit is dry, the best thing to do is spend time with God.

Once your body, emotions, and spirit are nurtured, all other tasks will fall into place.

Stressful seasons may turn the to-do list upside down, but they don’t have to leave you completely helpless. With a little analysis and a whole lot of grace, you can navigate this time with peace and confidence.

Keep on keeping on, my friend,

Sarah

Sarah Forgrave is an author and wellness coach who loves inspiring others toward their full potential. In addition to her book, Prayers for Hope and Healing (Harvest House, October 2017), her writing credits include contributions to The Gift of Friendship, Guideposts’ A Cup of Christmas Cheer, and the webzine Ungrind. When she’s not writing or teaching, she loves to shop at Trader Joe’s or spend time with her husband and two children in their Midwest home. Visit Sarah at www.sarahforgrave.com, or at the following sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahForgrave

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/SarahForgrave

Instagram: www.instagram.com/SarahForgrave_Author

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SarahForgrave

Prayers for Hope and Healing back cover copy:

Amid Pain and Weakness…There is HOPE

Serious or chronic medical issues bring a litany of painful and confusing feelings that only someone else who’s been in a similar situation could possibly understand. Sarah Forgrave has walked the difficult road you find yourself on. And she empathizes with the uncertain future you face.

No matter the road ahead, you don’t have to face it alone. Even in the depths of your worst emotional and physical pain, God is right there beside you, offering His comfort, love, and peace.

As you read these heartfelt prayers and devotions, let this book be your manual to help navigate the difficult set of emotions that come with health issues. Read it front to back or go directly to the devotion addressing how you feel at any given moment…when you need it the most.

Above all, know that you are never, ever alone.