Nurturing Yourself

This picture reminds me that what we put out there is what see reflecting back at us. So be kind to yourself and you will love what you see...inside and out.

"Pay attention to your relationship with yourself. – One of the most painful things in life is losing yourself in the process of loving others too much, and forgetting that you are special too. When was the last time someone told you that they loved you just the way you are, and that what you think and how you feel matters? When was the last time someone told you that you did a good job, or took you someplace, simply because they know you feel happy when you’re there? When was the last time that ‘someone’ was YOU?" By Nicole Wilkins

As women we tend to give so much of ourselves to care and nurture others. We sacrifice our dreams, emotions and hearts to ensure others needs are being met.

We often forget that we too need to be nurtured and taken care of. We need to feel valued and loved.

In the midst of caring for others we sometimes lose ourselves. We forget who we want to be and we lose our sense of worth.

We spend countless hours planning out our days making sure everything is running smoothly. We worry about bills, laundry, relationships, kids, husbands, dinner and upcoming events.

Why don't we do that for ourselves? Why don't we love ourselves, nurture ourselves and plan out our futures?

The common excuse I hear so many women make is "I just don't have time". We are so tied up filling gaps, playing roles and taking care of others that we neglect ourselves.

What happens when one day you wake up and realize that you are not who you want to be? Or that you don't even know who you are anymore beneath the layers of unhealthy weight, emotions, endless chores and responsibilities.

It can be hard to get back to the place of loving yourself, feeling worthy and deserving. We become so accustomed to making everyone else feel good that we forgot how to feel good.

Just the thought of smiling for our own pleasure, or doing something that makes us feel happy and free brings an uneasiness. We often feel guilty or selfish for allowing ourselves to feel that way.

Nothing is wrong for wanting to love and appreciate yourself by engaging in things that feed your soul. Of course many of us love taking care of others and feel a sense of peace knowing everything is in order but what if it's not. What if one thing is just left out of place and you take 30 minutes to fill your own cup?

We don't always have to have it all together. Life is not "perfect". Even in the imperfections there is joy and completeness. Even in the tears laughter can be found.

I speak this from my heart because I am a self confessed "perfectionist". Always trying to make everything "right" and in order. Nothing can be out of place without me blowing a gasket.

I have had to learn how to pull back and allow things to just be. Things are temporary but relationships, happiness and peace are forever.

Taking time to be still in my own silence and allowing the emptiness to fill my soul is what brings me joy. It is what fills my cup. Not allowing myself to be caught up in what others think is perfect but rather letting the spirit of God position me according to His perfect will.

This journey has been about repairing that relationship with myself. Allowing myself to be freed from the emotions, pain and disappointments that have paved my travels along this long road.

I am learning to accept that I am perfect. Not in this human form but perfect in God's spirit. How I perceive myself to be...."I AM". So rather than focus on what is external I must stay in tune with what is internal and nurture the change coming forth from soul.