Gift to Self

Have you ever wondered why and how you end up giving so much of yourself and your time to others, but hardly take the time to replenish your own energy or nurture your own dreams? As the saying often goes, you can't pour from an empty cup, or as I like to think of it, an empty airtight jar--nothing going in, nothing coming out. While it is beautiful, honorable, and often necessary, to serve, love, and give to others, it is even more beautiful when that serving, loving, and giving comes from a place of abundance and overflow--when we are radiant and full, so we can't help but to want to and yearn to share. When we know, discover, and care for ourselves, we prepare a table of abundance and have greater capacity to extend that grace and care to others. It is also a widely held adage that we should treat one another as we would like to be treated--wouldn't that always be with the utmost tenderness and intention?

Convinced? Looking to get started on this new journey? Welcome, we'll venture together! There are many ways to give this gift of love and care to yourself. I am talking about much more than the trendy and sometimes elusive self care practice. While it's valid tool, it is just one way that individuals can replenish their energy supply and boost their gratitude tank. Currently, there are three main categories of activities that I choose to engage in to fill my own cup.

1. Recreation: I have, and always have had a plethora of interests. I love that in "real life", I don't have to choose just one, but I can pursue and engage with all of them if I choose to. It is delightful that I finally learned that there is SO much more to life than work, and I actively display that through the lifestyle that I live. From working out and cooking, to reading and writing, to discovering new arts and culture offerings and listening to audiobooks and playlists while cleaning, to planning future travel adventures and fun surprises for the people I love--my life is full of joy that extends far beyond the confines of a title or a three letter acronym added to my name.

2. Connection: I thrive in environments where I am free to be me and the people around me embrace authenticity and collaboration. I love connecting people with other people and with opportunities and I light up when I see alignment between the different corners of my social circle and those alignments turn into real life relationships. It's a beautiful thing to curate and support community. While I admit, it has been tough to embed myself into a new community and find my place in a new area, I have truly enjoyed and learned from every moment--from the false start connections, to the accidental friendships, to the casual engagements to the unexpected but enlightening conversations. All of the events, all of the groups, all of the social things, have given me life.

3. Reflection: Never before have I been so aware of my movements and leaned further into evaluation, planning, and introspection. This is the first time in my life where I have been able to slow down and feel more present, more in tune, and more thorough. I don't have a perfect system but somehow it just feels right. I just seem to know when, where, and how to plug in and ask myself important questions, or still myself, pause the music, and let go. When it's time to take a walk, take a drive, let the tears flow, or lay down. It doesn't mean that I don't still struggle with doubt or unease, but it means that I allow myself to be. I am learning how to be a better version of me. And I am so grateful. I am learning what it means to be seen, but this time by the person in the mirror.

So, this is me. This is where I am starting this journey of giving to self. It's simple but it works for me. I hope you will take the time to learn, to discover, and to nurture the gift of giving to you. Stay connected, and let me know how it goes.