Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Having a child (and a daughter, especially) has forced me to really focus on and question the things that I consume. By ‘consumption’ I’m referring to the foods I eat, the items I buy, the books I read, the things I spend my time on,  what I watch on television and even the music I listen to. Over the past few months I’ve been paying attention to the things I consume and questioning whether these things align with my overall values – and what I would want my daughter to spend her time and energy and brain-power on. Are the things I allow my own mind to rest on what I would want my daughter’s mind to rest on? Would I want my daughter to treat her body the way I treat mine?

No, no, no!

It has certainly been a convicting exercise, to say the least.

So, I’ve made some changes. I think it’s great to be intentional in all areas of life, and sometimes it’s easy to simply listen to whatever is on the radio, instead of really thinking about what the lyrics to the songs are telling me. The same goes for ‘trashy’ shows I enjoy watching on TV, but which really add no value to my life. And I could go on and on about the foods I eat that I shouldn’t and the shopping I do which adds little to no value in my life – basically, far too often I’ve been making decisions out of convenience and habit, without really considering whether they’re enriching my life or whether my consumption is in line with my values. Hence my goal this year to make strides to live more intentionally!

I’m trying to change – one small step at a time. Sometimes it’s a ‘two steps forward and one step back’ type of thing, but small improvements are being made!

Don’t mind Clara’s “I just got out of bed and mommy took me to a friend’s house without combing my hair or putting me in real clothes” look.

One of the changes Tim and I have made recently is the music we listen to. I’ve found myself listening to more and more ‘light pop’, country, and Christian music than ever before, whereas previously I listened to ‘top 40’ stations more often than not. (Don’t judge me too harshly on this, please!) I’m aware that Clara can’t really understand what I’m listening to in the background of my days, but she can definitely pick up on the tone, if not the exact message, so I’m making an effort to listen to happy and upbeat songs. I just can’t get myself to listen to only ‘children’s songs’ (although I do love a good Disney station!) so I’ve found that light pop/country/Christian music is what I most enjoy.

One of the (Christian) artists that was recently brought to my attention is Christy Nockels, whose album ‘Let It Be Jesus’ is especially awesome! Let me just say, her music speaks directly to my soul. I absolutely love listening to her album, and it’s what’s playing right now, as I write this post. Her music is upbeat, heartfelt, and inspirational. I love the lyrics of Christian music, because the words are exactly what my heart needs to be reminded of on a consistent basis. This music reminds me to pray more, worry less, and above all, to put my trust and love in Jesus.

Adjusting what I listen to may seem like a small change, but I truly believe it’s a significant one. Every step in the right direction, no matter how small, is still a step in the right direction! 

It’s amazing just how much being a mother has made me question everything I used to do without thinking at all. This little girl has made me want to be a better mom and woman in all things, not just in parent-related things, and for that I am grateful.

To make it a bit easier for you to listen to music that will enrich your soul, I’m giving away a copy of this album for download! Just leave a comment and I’ll use a random number generator to select a winner!*

Next week I’m going to discuss which books I’ve been reading! There are some good ones I can’t wait to share.

Linking up with Jessica and Katie today!

Are you conscious about what you consume?