Why do I have to let my plants almost die before they get my attention enough times that I’m willing to stop what I’m doing and give them the water they need? I do this again and again. I’ll look at them and think, I haven’t watered them in a while. I probably need to water them. And then I think, No they can go a little bit longer.
We have some peace lilies that often have to start dramatically drooping before I will finally take care of them. They always bounce right back but I’m sure they would appreciate more consistent care. They don’t die but they don’t bloom as much as they would if I nurtured them more regularly.
Self-care has been a struggle all my life and I immediately saw a correlation with plant care (or lack thereof) this week. Why do I let myself get completely frazzled, exhausted, and burnt out before I stop to give myself rest, play, inspiration, and put myself in contact with other people for support and encouragement?
A therapist observed once that I tend to run until I hit a brick wall. Then I’m knocked down for a few days or longer, depending on how hard I hit the wall. Her goal was to help me see the brick wall in plenty of time to stop before hitting it.
Even without sufficient self-care, I still manage to get things done. I don’t die of self-neglect. But how much more would I enjoy life and bloom if I gave myself regular love and time for replenishment?
We can’t make up for a lifetime of ignoring our needs in one day and we can’t make up for a lack of self-care even yesterday because yesterday is already gone. But we can make a choice to be present today, tune in to our spirits and ask ourselves what we need most right now.
A friend said yesterday that the thing we need most is often the thing we put last. Why do we do that?
In every form of procrastination and avoidance there is a payoff or we wouldn’t do it. That is a subject for another day but we are getting something out of avoiding self-care or we would not continue putting ourselves last. I wonder what that is for each of us? Sounds like a good question to ponder. Maybe a good journaling prompt?
Self-neglect doesn’t have to be our choice today. I am always amazed when I take the time to ask myself what I need, how quickly the answer comes. Who else is willing to ask the question today and listen?
I hope you will have the willingness to honor the answers you receive and show yourself in some small way (or some big way) how valuable you are, not just the person who can get things done but also the part of you who needs rest and play. I hope you will honor your best friend today. You’re worth it.
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Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share this with a friend. Until next time...
To your gifts!
Angela
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Local Speaking, Art and Book Event
Today! April 30, I will be speaking at a community event to kick off a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. Coffee starts at 9 am and my talk will start at 10 am.
For the first time ever, I am sharing my faith journey, from living life on the road as part of a traveling ministry, to running away from church (literally) and hating God, to finding an unlikely bridge back to a sweet place of healing.
My books and nine paintings will be available for sale and I'm also donating a painting which will be auctioned off this morning to raise funds for improvements to their historic cemetery. Hope to see you!
P.S.
FTG Readers Group Rocks! I'm so grateful to walk this journey with you all and I love reading your comments in our
Facebook Readers Group. Please join the conversation if you're not already a member. Your voice is important!
Book Reviews Help So Much!
If you haven't already, would you please leave a book review on
Amazon and/or
Goodreads? Thank you in advance for taking a moment to do this and much appreciation to those who already
have!
