By Brandi Schunk
We all have those days where we could use a little encouragement, a course correction, or a pat on the back. Podcasts can be a great way to do just that!
I used to think I didn’t have time to listen to podcasts. I longed for time to myself to sit back with my notebook and take in all the wisdom and guidance from those who have been there, done that. I longed to fill my own cup, as it seemed to be spilling out all over the place. And then one day someone asked me, “Can’t you just put on earphones and listen while you do chores?” Brilliant.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I resisted at first. I had a list of reasons and excuses why listening as I worked would never work for me. “I don’t use wireless ear buds and the cord will get in the way.” “I need to be able to hear my children in case they need me.” “I won’t be able to write down those little nuggets of wisdom.” But, as I talked with my friend, I realized that maybe, just maybe, she was onto something.
I decided to embrace the approach of “What if it will work?” and I got creative and committed. I found my headphones and ordered a small part to make them work with my phone. I let my kids know that I would be tuning out and unavailable while doing the dishes, or making dinner, or whatever it was I was doing while listening. I found where podcasts live on my phone (had no clue that was there!) And then I pulled up some speakers who have been influential and encouraging on my journey and added their podcast to my library.
I started being intentional and making it a point to listen to those podcasts whenever it was possible. Maybe the podcasts were on homeschooling, parenting, being an entrepreneur, following Christ in a counter-culture society, or something else of interest to me. The point is, I began growing myself, filling my cup, strengthening my resolve, adding to my skillset and tool belt, all while doing something I was going to do anyway.
And here is the kicker- my kids don’t need me. Well yes, they always need me, but they have been generous in giving me that time. If they see me with headphones on, for the most part, they save their questions, concerns, or, let’s face it, complaints, until later. And now mommy gets a much-needed break. Sure, I’m cooking dinner, or washing the dishes, but now it feels like a vacation, a getaway. I scarcely notice the task in front of me as I become engrossed in the uplifting message being shared with me. It’s like the speaker is talking directly to me, to my heart.
So my encouragement to you today is this: find ways to fill your cup. Find ways to interrupt your habitual thought patterns and introduce new ideas, or firm up the foundations of your beliefs so you are equipped to stand strong in the face of the enemy, even and especially when that enemy is your own thoughts.
You got this! And God’s got you.
Brandi Schunk is a homeschooling, homesteading, working wife and mama of two.