This Thankful Thursday, I’m glad for a chance to unwind, unplug, build community, rest, and refocus on my relationship with the Lord on a weekend women’s retreat with my parish at the end of the month.

I’ve basically been working two jobs for months now, and that’s not to complain. I love the writer life. Still, only one brings in any income, both require me to be on the computer, and of course, marketing myself as a writer requires me to be on social media.

All that to say–I’m REALLY looking forward to putting down the phone for a few days.

There are some good things about social media, as I’m going to discuss tomorrow, but there is also a very real toxicity.

I need a break. I would like to refocus. I’ll be getting that break, if all goes to plan, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

THIS WEEK I STARTED THE PROCESS A LITTLE

I listen to some political podcasts usually during my work from home hours with the day job.

The last couple of days, I’ve put on the Hallow app instead. Instead of focusing on how society is collapsing and the culture is on fire, I’ve listened to Jonathan Roumie (of “The Chosen”) read the Gospels of Mark and Matthew instead.

Granted, I’m not catching every word, but I don’t need to. I’m very familiar with the Gospels already–an incredibly blessing–and it’s been wonderful to focus on this or that verse the Holy Spirit drew my attention to, in addition to and even during my prayer time the next morning.

(It is my understanding that the audio versions of the Gospel are included in the free version of the Hallow app, though I’m in a free trial right now, so I can’t confirm. Anyways, I recommend the practice of listening to the Gospels regularly. I used to do this on Hallow, before I didn’t renew my subscription last year. I didn’t know the Gospels were free).

MY RETREAT

I see people talk about writer’s retreats a lot, where you go and seclude yourself and just write. Which is great, for sure. But I can only afford one retreat a year, and as a Catholic, I try to go on a religious one–probably not surprising, given I spent nine months in religious formation.

My last retreat experience was in June 2022, so I’m due–another reason I’m very much looking forward to it.

It is my hope to have enough blog posts written in advance not to miss a day here, but if I’m honest, if I miss a day, I miss a day.

I’m not concerned about it. I don’t get a ton of traffic on my blog. It’s a lot of work to blog daily. If I miss a post or two going on retreat, it’s not going to matter.

My time with the Lord is much more important to me.

What are you thankful for today?