Such simplistic words, and an easy concept, but sometimes formidable in practice.
I have few single girlfriends these days, but when I'm able to dive into deep, thoughtful conversation with one that shares my current place in life, I really relish what comes from those chats. Recently, I spoke with my best friend in New York, and we shared our deflated points-of-view on dating and the idea of even making an effort to find a compatible partner-in-crime.
And we kept coming back to a mutual agreement: we're young, we're capable, and we've been blessed with free evenings and weekends to do whatever the hell it is that we want to do. Not what an imaginary he might want to do...no, we aren't required to share this time in our lives with anyone but ourselves. Today, we do not have to compromise with anyone but ourselves.
And when you look at it that way, it really is a beautiful thing.
So on my journey to falling in love with myself and being more proud of the woman that I am, I am pushing myself: To ingrain exercise into my routine without having to initiate a mental pep talk each evening. To once again become a reader. To get ahead financially. To remember to change my car oil on time, every three months. To not go to bed with dishes in the sink. To continue to treat myself to fresh flowers every week. To pour myself a glass of wine, just because I feel like it. To continually strive to be a kinder, more mature version of myself.
What conscious efforts do you make to become a better version of yourself?
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(photo source.)
What conscious efforts do you make to become a better version of yourself?
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(photo source.)
7 comments :
It wasn't until I got married that I realised what a blessing single life can be too, in all of the ways you mentioned above! I wouldn't trade my husband for ANYTHING and I *love* my life with him, marriage is amazing, but you definitely have more struggles in terms of finances and free time to do your own thing. I really struggle to fit exercise in because he hates it (he's naturally slim, argh!) and we end up spending our evenings doing hobbies we mutually enjoy so that we can spend time together. Anyway, you're spot on with this :) lots of love x
I think for me it's remembering keep myself as a priority. It's not easy to have great relationships with others if I'm not fulfilling some basic needs.
I agree with Sandra-making myself a priority. It's all about priorities, and if you start putting everyone and everything ahead of yourself, you'll burn out!
I do the things that make me happy and feel fulfilled-church, exercise, cooking, baking, reading, etc.
Thanks for the reminder...I keep forgetting to love myself or fall in love with myself first. Off I go buy myself a bottle of wine and have a date, with myself.
Sending cards to my best friend in LA...
Oh, and everything else you just said ;)
As a married girl, I'd said the same is also true in married life. I think sometimes we have this notion that a loving relationship is going to fulfill all our needs. But I don't think it's meant to be that way. To ask my husband to fulfill all my needs is beyond his ability and ultimately unfair to him and me.
You best care for others when you have cared for yourself. So the journey continues on into marriage as well. Adrian (my husband) has always been close with his sister so I encourage him to spend time with her without me because she fills that family need in him that I can't always. She, being older, has always been there for him and has seen him grow and change in ways I haven't. She's known him since he was just baby Adrian. Similarly, I make time for my family and my friendships with other women because that's important to me.
I think whether single, married, divorced, whatever stage of life we are at, it is important as women to take the time to take care of ourselves. To explore our interests and dive into our passions and talents. To appreciate ourselves and to continue growing and becoming the women we knew we were always meant to be.
Ok, I've said too much. :)
I finally fell in love with myself right before I turned thirty. I treated myself to dinners and movies, shopping, alone time, the theatre... it was fantastic! Being married, sometimes I forget to really love myself too. Thanks for the reminder :)
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