Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

How to take care of yourself

by Leave a Comment

I’ve lived in landlocked Kentucky all my (almost) 44 years. I love it here, but sometimes I feel trapped. Going to the shoreline, even of Kentucky Lake, helps me take a deep breath and regroup. I actually did that in the middle of the week because anxiety and overwhelm were swirling around in my head. I needed to tend to some things at my vacation rental, but I really needed a deep breath of fresh air. 

I’m notorious for going and going and going and doing and doing and doing until I am forced to take a break. I thought I had taken a healthy, long break on Spring Break, but I dived right back into life with decisions and feelings. I needed to regroup, again – and it was only Wednesday.  

Our world loves to talk about self-care. And, honestly, I’m not really into that phrase, but I am into squeezing in some moments of caring for myself as I go about this crazy life. 

In general, when we don’t take time out for ourselves and our regular duties, we can become tired and stressed. Those feelings can build on one another and leave us overwhelmed. This isn’t good for ourselves or anyone around us. Just ask my husband! 

Regrouping to focus on our physical, mental, and spiritual health is necessary. You may not be able to take a whole self-care day, but we can all find some time to tend to our own hearts and souls before we move on to the next thing. 

Delegate duties

I have to remind myself it’s okay to ask for help. My husband and kids live here too. My friends are willing to help. Groceries can be delivered. Chores can wait. Hire a house cleaner. I have to remind myself not everything had to get done in one day.

I love to cook, but sometimes caring for myself involves not preparing a meal so I can use that time for something else. After soccer practice, you’re liking to find us eating some chicken strips or visiting the local steakhouse. On these nights, not only do I not cook, but I also don’t have to do the dishes!

Declutter

Clutter impacts my mental state, so cleaning the house – even quickly – helps restore order and peace. I especially love donating the pile of clothes that don’t fit the kids anymore and taking out the trash. 

Change the scenery 

Sometimes stepping away from chores and work is the best thing. Restoring peace also means I’ll be more productive later. So take that walk – even just down your driveway, around the block, or through the woods. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy, just get in some steps and clear your head. I like to talk with a friend, listen to music or a podcast, or pray while I walk. Sometimes even nature sounds alone help soothe my soul.

I also have to change my mental scenery sometimes. When I am anxious or overwhelmed, I tend to believe lies and have to fight for the truth to come back to the forefront of my mind. Often I do this by talking with someone I trust, praying and meditating, slowing down, and listening to a playlist I put together called “Things That Are True.” (Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.)

Do what you enjoy

Free time shouldn’t always be spent catching up on a household or work project. Rather, take time to do something you enjoy. I’m likely to read a book, watch a TV show, plan a trip, catch up with a friend, or take photos. 

Be grateful

Don’t let the busyness of life drown out the gifts. When I get overwhelmed, I love to turn on a playlist that prompts me to thank God for all the goodness in my life. When I start writing or reciting in my head all the gifts, the overwhelm and stress subsides. Writing a gratitude list helps me appreciate real-life gifts, people, and places when life feels stressful and overwhelming. Gratitude helps me reframe situations: Chores become ways to bless people and trials become ways to see the truth.

Call it self-care or whatever else, but we all need to care of our minds and hearts. I know firsthand what happens if we don’t and nobody we love needs that version of us. 

How do you take care of yourself in the midst of everyday life?

How to recreate favorite foods

by Leave a Comment

We all have that one dish from a restaurant that we absolutely love and always look forward to having. It may be an Indian curry, a Japanese ramen, or a Mexican enchilada — sometimes we just think of them and instantly crave them. But what if you could recreate these dishes at home with much more ease than you’d realize? It’s possible! With a little effort and the right ingredients, you can start serving up your favorite meals at home.

After a recent cruise, my kids have all kinds of ideas about the food we should have at home! But they’re not going to get New York Strip Steak nightly or late-night pizza snacks at home like they did on the ship. Even so, I loved seeing them try new foods, like my boy eating his first lobster tail, which he had mixed feelings about.

Research

To get started, you need to do your research. So start by looking up recipes online, watching cooking tutorials on YouTube, and reading cookbooks. The more you know about the cuisine, the easier it will be to replicate it. Look for the key ingredients and techniques that are used in that particular cuisine. It might be that you need to know exactly what does into chicken gyros or what spices make a Thai curry pop. Doing your research will help you understand the flavors and techniques of the cuisine and give you the confidence to experiment a bit more in the kitchen.

Get the right ingredients

Once you have done your research, it’s time to gather the right ingredients. In my small town, I’m going to need to find these at Kroger or Walmart. I’ve been known to ask Alexa for substitution possibilities! Just make sure to keep the essence of the cuisine intact.

Practice makes perfect

Recreating your favorite cuisine may take a few attempts before you get it right. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Cooking can be about experimenting, so keep trying until you achieve the desired taste. Start with simpler recipes and then move on to more complex ones. I always follow the recipe the first time and then tweak it in the future. Make adjustments according to your taste buds and experiment with different spice combinations. And then it’s always best to share a meal with friends and family who appreciate the meal and gathering.

Some people would say presentation is the key, but we aren’t formal people around here. Sometimes after I’ve spent time preparing a meal, I just want to eat it – on my pretty plastic Pioneer Woman plates. Of course, others may want to break out the garnishes and china. 

Enjoy the process

And finally, recreating your favorite cuisine should be a joy. So make sure that you enjoy it and don’t get too hung up on the outcome. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Be creative with your dishes and try new things. Cooking is a skill that takes time to master, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and before you know it, you’ll be a pro in the kitchen – and your family will thank you!

How to enjoy motherhood

by Leave a Comment

Motherhood is hard. I’m almost 16 years into this rewarding, challenging role. Over the years, I’ve found some ways to help relieve the stressful demands, which can feel constant. Of course, motherhood is a journey. Some days feel like survival is the goal; others give me the time and perspective to take care of myself too! 

Some surveys show 55% of stay-at-home mothers always or frequently feel burned out, which is why we should be aware of ways that help us relieve the stress that can negatively impact mental and physical health. Reducing motherhood stress also can cultivate stronger connections with your family, improve child development, and create a more positive family dynamic. Here are some ways to make motherhood less stressful:

Get dressed — even to stay home

Getting ready for the day can have a positive impact on your confidence and self-esteem, which can, in turn, make motherhood less stressful. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to approach challenges positively and handle them more easily. 

Admittedly, some days I like a slow morning in my pajamas. Plus, and this is no secret to those who know me, wearing comfortable clothes is a priority in my life. But brushing my teeth and showering always make me feel ready for the day. Plus I like to get my hair cut and colored and went through a phase of enjoying going to get my nails done. 

Different people care about different aspects of “getting ready” — and that’s fine! Do what works for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extensive. Perhaps you’re obsessed with 90s hairstyle trends and want to treat yourself to an iconic 1990s hairstyles. Go for it. 

Prioritize self-care

Self-care is a trendy phrase that kind of gets on my nerves. Of course, yes, care for yourself. Go on walks, read books, get a massage, phone a friend. Caring for your physical and mental health is important but looks different depending on our preferences and personalities. 

As a mother, it can be easy to put your family’s needs before yours, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and increased stress levels. By making time for activities I enjoy, I find myself recharged and ready to return to motherhood. 

Ask for help

Juggling the demands of childcare, housework, and other responsibilities can be overwhelming. Asking for assistance can make a big difference. Maybe ask another mom to carpool with you or hire someone to come clean the house. Ask your husband and kids to help conquer a chore list. 

Delegating tasks can also foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration within your family while encouraging your children to develop responsibility and independence. Young kids can help too! Putting away the clean silverware is a great place to start with toddlers. Older kids can put away their laundry and clean up after themselves (when they remember and notice!). I have kids who help with laundry, unloading the dishwasher, and tidying their rooms. 

Asking for help also is one way to create a supportive community of moms who come together to alienate stress and make life more enjoyable. (I wrote about hospitality and why we need one another in my book, “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Gathering & Nourishing People.”)

Establish expectations

Greg and I talk about jurisdictions. We’ve been married 20 years, so we are settled into our ways together! He has things he does regularly and I have my things. Of course, we help one another as needed, but we also trust one another to take care of our responsibilities. Be willing to discuss these things and recognize when changes are necessary. Establishing a strong partnership with your partner can create a more supportive and fulfilling environment for yourself and your child.

When we have established clear expectations and priorities, much of life falls into place. I handle our family’s calendar, so I know our priorities are immediate family, close friends & family, church & school, and other people in our community. The order matters because we have to say no sometimes. We only have so much mental capacity and time in our days. 

Sleep!

Nobody needs to sacrifice sleep! Most evenings, after the kids are in bed, which is becoming later as they get older, I’m also done for the day. Sometimes I will tidy the kitchen and or change over the laundry, and then settle in my bedroom. This is a good time for Greg and me to catch up while the kids are winding down too. We may watch a show together or read books separately. But then we sleep. My goal is 10 p.m. to 6:15 a.m., when my alarm goes off most mornings. I usually get close. I also like tracking my sleep on my Apple Watch and have my phone & watch go into sleep mode at 9:30 pm. In sleep mode, I don’t get any notifications. 

Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, decreased concentration, and a weakened immune system, making parenting even more challenging. I’m not a napper, but this is how some moms, especially ones with young children, survive. Our overall well-being improves when we prioritize sleep and rest.

Plan fun

Planning fun helps it actually happen! I know, we all want fun and adventure to happen as life unfolds — and sometimes it will. But often we have to schedule blocks of time to go on adventures or enjoy fun at our home. 

These kinds of memories help me remember the joy of motherhood, which, truly, helps wipe away the stress. Often fun still involves teaching moments, but our kids will remember the trips, snow days, game nights, and sporadic adventures! This also helps break up the monotony of our daily routines. 

Embrace imperfection

Pep talking myself here! I can look at a situation, place, or person (including my children!) and see improvements. I can anticipate scenarios and work to prevent mishaps, but life still happens! I’m constantly working on embracing imperfections — in myself, my husband, my kids, and my home. Obviously, my whole family, definitely including myself, are all better off when I loosen my grip and rest in reality. 

Embracing imperfection can teach our children the value of mistakes and resilience, helping them build important life skills. It can also create a more optimistic outlook on motherhood, leading to greater enjoyment and satisfaction.

Recognize accomplishments 

Motherhood is a constant responsibility and often the rewards are delayed. But stop and think about all we accomplish in a day, reflect on an encouraging conversation with a child, or remember an interruption that turned into a blessing. 

Being a mother comes with many daily challenges, and you need to recognize each minor victory and accomplishment you make in your motherhood journey. Doing this can help reduce stress and remind us why we are investing in our families. 

We can do this, mommas!