Self-care is the Greatest Act of Self-Love

Do you like this picture of the girls and me?  I love it!  It was taken this summer at my parents’ home in South Haven, MI.  Isn't it beautiful?  We are dressed so perfectly in white.  Happily situated in front of Lake Michigan on a gorgeous summer day.  Hmm ... ideal right?  Would you believe that 10 seconds before this picture was captured Valentina was crying and Satya was demanding we skip pictures and head to the park?  It is true.  This beautiful picture was captured right after a mess of emotions.  Let's be real.  Isn't that how life works?

As the year comes to a close I have been reflecting on parenthood.  It is miraculous!  A miracle and a mess in so many ways.  As a mother I find my nervous system shocked daily.  The highs and lows are extreme. I try to take these messy moments in life as lessons.  The mess is much easier to accept when I have cleaned myself up from the inside.  When I have taken time for myself to sort through the daily highs and lows.  We all have them.  My daughters have taught me the need for scheduled acts of nurturing and nourishment for myself. This might be yoga, meditation, walks in nature, girlfriend time, a pedicure, a date night with my husband, or just an hour alone in our home to do whatever I want.  By myself. 

I am continuing to learn that the more acts of self-care I provide myself the more I have to give to others.  Self-care is the greatest act of self-love. ME time contributes to a much deeper WE time in our home.  As my husband often says, "A happy wife means a happy life."  He is such a wise man.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season.  May it be full of acts of love and kindness toward yourself and others.

Love,

Jen