I think it’s fairly safe to say that this is a group made up of do-gooders. Our quaranspring has been spent washing, cutting, sewing, and delivering. We care about others. We want to see the world be better. We would work ourselves to the bone for the good of our community, we would sacrifice anything for our families and loved ones.
But… do we spend even a fraction of energy, love, and concern on ourselves?
Treating yourself well can prompt a knee-jerk reaction of shame or resistance. It feels indulgent, selfish even to indulge ourselves when so many in the world are in need. When we could be spending that time, money, or emotional energy investing in others.
We can only pour water out of pitchers that are filled. If we allow ourselves to be drained dry, eventually, we will have nothing left to give.
Take a step back and think about why you love to love others. Don’t we all want people to know in their bones that they are precious? Worth someone’s time, effort and attention? That they matter?
If we are constantly telling others these messages but denying that truth in our own cases, after a while those proclamations of love begin to seem hollow. Service, and acts of kindness, when begun with pure motives, end with a bitter aftertaste of resentment. We begin to judge, withhold, and mumble under our breath. We forget that we volunteered to do the thing in the first place.
If any of those things make you itchy under the collar, TAKE A TIME OUT RIGHT NOW! Go for a walk. Drink a tall glass of water. Take a nap or call a friend or pray or read a book. Do the thing your gut is telling you you need to do right now. Tell yourself that YOU are worth the time, energy and love that you invest in others. And don’t come back, until your pitcher is refilled.
JoyPlusGrace 
I am so proud of you!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Love this!
LikeLike
Si happy to see this come to fruition.
LikeLike
This blog will make us so happy to stay connected.
LikeLike
Look at you jumping into the pool and from the high dive.
LikeLike
Believe in yourself. You are truly a good writer that draws in your audience!
LikeLike