If you’re wondering why I’ve included a DIY/Thrifting page

on my author website, there’s really a very sane explanation.

Very sane.

As in, filled with S.A.N.I.T.Y.

The “S” Step in S.A.N.I.T.Y. is to STOP repeating the same negative behaviors and expecting different results. And for many of us who struggle with setting healthy boundaries, one of the things we need to stop is getting caught up in the chaotic and crisis-filled life of someone we care about—someone whose poor choices consistently spill over into our own lives. For co-dependent enablers like me, it’s a vicious cycle. Can you relate?

Folks, the bottom line is that we’ve got to stop trying to fix other people and fix ourselves first. And we’ve got to change the mindset that it’s selfish to take care of ourselves—because that couldn’t be further from the truth. What makes you happy? What do you enjoy doing? When was the last time you did that?

 

For me, gardening, crafting, thrifting, and do-it-yourself projects not only bring me peace of mind, but peace of heart as well. Digging in the dirt and planting flowers and herbs is exhilarating! Searching for treasures in flea markets and antique malls is thrilling to me. Envisioning the result of what a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work can accomplish is refreshing. Rolling up my sleeves in my garage workshop is my idea of good, clean fun.

And it’s during those times when I’m knee-deep in creating something out of nothing that my mind is at peace, and I know God is in control. Times when I’m not focused on my problems, pain or on the pressures of life. Times when my perspective shifts, and I can begin to see things with more clarity and less calamity.

How about you? When was the last time you did something fun that you love?

 

It’s never too late to jump off the gerbil-wheel of insanity. It’s never too late to change your perspective and learn how to set healthy and hopeful boundaries. SANITY is possible and one of the best ways to find it is to find what makes you happy—and do it!

Stop putting your own life on hold—because it’s the only life you have.

Whether it’s DIY/Thrifting like me, or gardening, cooking, painting, writing, photography, exercise, or any number of favorite past times—the point is that if we’re serious about finding SANITY, we must set healthy boundaries with our negative thoughts, painful memories, and with our bad habits. We must break the cycle of hoarding our hurts and begin to intentionally do things that bring us joy.

Check out my DIY “Before and After” photographs on Pinterest and see what I do when I’m not writing books or trying to dig myself out from another boundary-related problem. 🙂

[fts_pinterest type=single_board_pins pinterest_name=allisonbottke board_id=my-diy-decorating pins_count=6]
What brings you joy and happiness? What creative outlet has God given you? Is this expression a part of your life today, or is it something you packed away with your childhood dreams? Have you been so caught up in the drama, chaos and crisis of life that you’ve forgotten how to enjoy life?

I challenge you to unpack that craft box, sharpen your pastels, dust off your sewing machine. Clean off your tool bench, set up your easel, buy new strings for the guitar that’s been sitting in your closet for years. Jump off the gerbil-wheel of insanity once and for all. And I invite you to look at some of my DIY Before and After pictures below and consider this — God is the ultimate Creator — and if you’ll let Him, He can do a miraculous Before and After work in your life as well.

Give Him a chance.