Quote of the Month
You become who you really are when you start allowing the brightest parts of you to shine without apology, when you begin to realize that there is no substitute for your own love finally flowing through your own life.
~Brianna West
I heard Miley Cyrus’ Grammy winning song “Flowers” and couldn’t help but marvel at the powerful metaphor behind the catchy tune. While Miley is crooning about a recent break-up, the song hit home with a deeper meaning.
I can buy myself flowers
Write my name in the sand
Talk to myself for hours
Say things you don’t understand
I can take myself dancing
And I can hold my own hand
Yeah, I can love me better than you can
Empowerment isn’t indulgence, it’s asserting boundaries, prioritizing self-worth and treating yourself – maybe with a bouquet of flowers!
Chasing Moments of Joy
We could all use a little joy right now. Instead of looking to external sources for those moments to put a pep in your step, decide to say yes to you. Just as you wouldn’t cancel a phone call or lunch date with a friend in their time of need, treat yourself with the same tenderness. Show up for yourself.
A few simple things come to mind:
- Use the fine china. If you have them, use them! No need to wait for a special occasion. The perfect moment can be an ordinary Tuesday!
- Start planning a trip. Start small, like a time of year or a special destination. Even if you don’t have someone to go with, learning to enjoy your own company is a priceless gift.
- Check a long-standing item off your to-do list. Hire professional cleaners for a deep clean, or finally fix that darn silverware drawer that won’t close all the way!
- Dance with abandon. Try “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus!
- Give yourself permission to do nothing for a moment. Absolutely, positively nothing. Sit in the sun, listen to the rain, or stare at the blank wall. You deserve it. Consider the book “Do Nothing” by Celeste Headlee.
Buy the Bouquet
The passing of my mother plunged me into a profound sorrow. As referenced in my book, grappling with meeting my own needs in her absence became a challenge. I had to rediscover how to satisfy my own cravings and nurture myself in the ways she once did, often finding unexpected ways to fulfill myself as she once did. In short, find ways to offer myself food, friendship, and flowers!
This discovery was critical in the founding principles of the You Matter Marathon. Picture the potential impact, both individually and collectively, if we fully embraced these once-radical notions of worthiness, self-care, and providing for ourselves.
Join Me at an Upcoming Speaker Series
When: Friday, May 17th after 7:30pm Shabbat Service (8:30pm start time)
Where: Bornstein Auditorium at Congregation Kol Ami, 8231 Old York Road in Elkins Park
What: How 2 Words Can Change the World: my story of how a chance encounter with a woman in a grocery store turned into the You Matter Marathon, a global kindness and community-building program.
Coaching For A Cause
In honor of my 60th birthday this year, I’m offering 1 hour of free coaching in exchange for a $60 donation to the You Matter Marathon, or a charity of your choosing. Check it out!
My book is now an audiobook! Download it on Audible, Apple, Audiobooks, and Google Play. If you enjoyed the book, tell me or leave a review.
Until next time, take care of yourself.
