Well, happy Saturday everyone! We arrived back home from our big road trip/camping extravaganza that lasted over three weeks, and let me tell you it felt so amazing pulling back into the driveway of our home! Even knowing the mess that awaited us once we walked in from the way that we'd packed and left quickly, I didn't feel anxious or stressed at all, just relieved and happy.
I felt like I learned so much on our trip and came a really long way towards positive things, but the most of the biggest thoughts boiled down to simply becoming a stronger woman. I had lots of thoughts about loving myself more, and enough to feel stronger and braver than I ever have before. Taking care of myself so that I could better care for my family and others, etc, and now that my brain is full to the brim again (especially after that two-hour heart-to-heart on Instagram live) I have so much I want to pass on and hear your thoughts about too.
You've heard the phrase that you can't pour from an empty glass? Or like how on an airplane they tell you to first put on your own mask so you can better assist others? It's becoming more clear to me that in order to do the most good, to be the best asset to other people, to do the most service and to make the most difference in people's lives, I have to first work on myself. I can't teach my children or others to love themselves when I don't truly love and trust myself enough. Why is that the case? Because the society we live in today teaches us that we're not allowed to love ourselves. We're not allowed to be proud of and talk about our accomplishments, or the how great we think our makeup is, or how high we climbed or how fit we felt after lots of hard work. We've received enough critique from others online or off when we come close to publically recognizing our own strengths and abilities, that not only do we keep them to ourselves, but we start to wonder if those things even really exist. Or, we feel guilty for recognizing them in the first place because we feel we're being too prideful or vain, etc.
The majority of people around you just want love and happiness for themselves and others, but there's another little portion of people that are much louder than the rest. That world doesn't want you to be proud. That world doesn't want you to be brave and to stand out, to be different and to show strength because then you're a threat. Then you must think you're better than them or everyone else. Because they think that if you love yourself and take care of yourself, then that means you're selfish, so most often the default is that we don't love ourselves as much as we should, if barely at all. We don't love ourselves enough, we don't trust ourselves enough, we can't stand on our own two feet and stand up to the opposition on our own, and we think we need others strength and approval in order to feel strong.
Does that sound like you at all? This is me for sure. Me, as well as so many other's I've talked to online and in my own personal life. This is the majority, and I want to try and change that so badly, but starting with myself. So, I've been working on my own self-love/self-care project if you will the last little while in my mind, and now I want to begin sharing more here as I work my way upwards towards the blue sky:)
I look forward to seeing more of you around here:)
♡♡♡
I've been following your blog for the past few months and I'm really inspired by your story. Thank you for sharing your trials and triumphs with the world. You are making a difference <3 Self love is so important - I'm cheering you on, and I'll be working on loving myself more as well :)
ReplyDeleteYou stole the thoughts + my heart in your beautifully said words. I am so grateful for brave souls like yours. I know the heartache + hurt that follows life after loss. I know that though it does forever change life, tragedy, if you really absorb it...you can turn it on to something beautiful. It inspires me + fills my heart to see you so bravely sharing the path to your beautiful. I look forward to following this journey with you. Hugs from Iowa. xo.
ReplyDeleteHi! I met you on the Instagram last year, and since then I've been following your story. I loved the idea of loving more, I'm sure will follow your project.
ReplyDeleteI find myself looking forward to your posts each time I'm on social media. I've been following your journey for about a year. Although I haven't been through what you have I use what applies and pass on to others, that can be encouraged by you as well. Your inspiration to me as a writer and also being my age with 5 kiddos. (I have 4 myself) it's fun to see your little family grow. Self care is so important for us mothers and especially if you're an introvert it's so essential to take time for yourself to re energize and keep true to who you are. Girl keep doing what you do! Love hearing from you every time! Love and Blessings- Natty
ReplyDeleteVery well said! I think it's also so important to recognize the good in others too! Time to teach our kids about the importance of being brave, strong, and so loving! Who else can do this but parents and role models. Thank you for your posts!
ReplyDeleteI know I've shared my journey with you before but I never realized how important it is to care for yourself first until I found myself wearing size 0 jeans.
ReplyDeleteThankfully my husband and I are now blessed with good health. I remember so well last June while on vacation reading of Martin's passing and breaking down in tears. Then 2 days later the unexpected passing of a dear friend who I had just spent quality time with. I realized then how precious life is and to be the best me I could be.
Holding you & your family close in my heart. I'm so sorry people feel the need to say such cruel things to you. They need to be thankful that they haven't had to walk in your shoes.
Have a beautiful blessed day my Sweetest Emily ��
well said. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlways wise and motivating words, Emily :) In terms of working on self-love/self-care, I'd like to recommend the book 'Inner Bonding' by Margaret Paul. Pure gold.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I needed to read and see tonight. You are such an inspiration to me and honestly I've been needing so much self love that I've been running away from it because I feel I don't deserve it. My idea of self love is someone doing it for me. It's so nice to read this from you. Going to work on loving myself <3
ReplyDeleteWhat do you all think of this?
ReplyDeletewww.desiringgod.org/articles/do-you-love-yourself-enough
I feel like I should read this post everyday to remind me to love myself and others better! Ever considered writing a small devotional book? :) I hope you keep us posted on some of the self-care stuff you're doing - we all need inspiration and tips for that, I think! :)
ReplyDelete... And you will! And you're so right! Taking care of others begins with taking care of ourselves first. Love this post! Thank you for sharing your journey - I'm right there with you. Please don't stop sharing bits of it :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy you had a great trip and can't wait to see more of you and your adorable family!
ReplyDeletexx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Emily...Now I'm crying. I pretty much don't love myself most days.
ReplyDelete