You’re allowed.

I am guilty of wanting to have everything in my life worked out RIGHT NOW!  Can I get an amen? I think it comes from my childhood … from a deeply rooted need to please, and the false belief that I had to “make things right” for everyone else around me.

However, in my late 40s and early 50s, life began to unravel due to the death of my sister and then the subsequent death of my father. I was forced to re-examine some of my core beliefs.  Things like: “Am I really responsible for everyone else around me?” and “Do I really need to care for everyone else first?”

I think the lovely quote above is a reminder that we don’t have to figure it all out today. But, what if we took one step towards our own self care each day?

What is one thing you can do today that brings YOU joy?  What if you did one little thing every day? 

I give you permission, my friend.  And every time you choose to make your own health a priority, you will be silently inspiring a younger generation around you to do the same.

Go take care of yourself.  I dare you!!

Forget not …

I’ve always found the natural world to be my “reset” button.  No matter how harried my life becomes, when I go outside, the chaos subsides.

When the wind caresses my face and lifts my hair, it’s inviting me to calm down.  The rhythmic blowing of the leaves and grasses; the sounds of birds singing and animal noises; the heat of the sun on my skin; or the light of the moon and stars … it all reminds me that I am small and yet part of something larger than myself.  Regular breathing, steady heartbeat, feet tapping the earth … it all calms me.

And when I forget how much my body craves the out of doors, I find beautiful quotes like this one to remind me:  Elizabeth, get outside!

Question:  Are you someone who is soothed by being outside?

Food For Thought:  If so, when was the last time you went outside?

Challenge:  Take 10-15 minutes (minimum) to go for a walk outside.  Take a deep breath of fresh air, feel your heart beat, and let your feet tap the earth.

Here is a secret.

Our oldest daughter just went off to college, and suddenly I find myself with so much more free time on my hands.  For the last 18 years, it feels like I have put a host of my hopes and dreams on hold.  But it’s been so long since I focused on the things I love, that I almost can’t even remember what they were.

Then I read this quote, and it landed in the center of my mama’s heart.  How do I remember what it was that I love to do?  Find something that sounds interesting and start there.

I will find the rhythm of my own heartbeat again.  One clumsy dance at a time.

Question:  Have you put your hopes and dreams on the back burner?

Food For Thought:  Does the thought of reviving them make your heart leap a little?

Challenge:  Think of one thing that you really love (or used to love) to do, and start it back up.