We teach our kids to put other's before ourselves... and their needs before ours. We teach them to treat others the way we would want to be treated. And they are good lessons. Important lessons. Necessary. But somewhere along the lines... we need to remember balance. That there should be some. And that it is okay to take care of yourself... once in a while. For these few weeks, when my kiddos are off seeing the world... it becomes easier. With not so many needs to focus on, mine become clearer... and more in reach. And with not so many needs to focus on, there is a little more energy to go around... a little more motivation.
Over nine years, I have painted almost every room in the house. And yet... the walls of my own bedroom remain stark... windows bare with the exception of one curtain that I hung and decided I didn't care for. It is the room I share with the love of my life... the room that catches all of the items that do not have their "place"... the room that I'd just as soon close the door on and forget. But the excitement over our bright new bathroom overtook me and lent a motivation that even I could not set aside. I knew that I didn't have the energy left to paint my room... not even one wall. But I thought that maybe I could at least show it a little love. And so... armed with ideas from all over the blog world (thank you,) a three dollar can of spray paint, some free frames (that have yet to be filled), and a couple of bedsheets transformed into curtains... I somehow managed to create a space that makes me smile when I walk in. A space that says You are worth it (yes, every cent of the $12 spent!) A space that fills needs my heart was longing for... a place that says I love you.
A gift given by me... for me. It sounds selfish to say it out loud... but I have treated others the way I would want to be treated... and I have put other's needs before mine on a daily basis. In all fairness, I need a turn. And it is amazing... how much a little treat is worth to this girl's smiling heart. A gift worth unwrapping... at least once in a while.
12 comments:
Good for you...this is your sanctuary. (well, it should be) I am glad you are giving it some attention...enjoy it my friend!
Oh, good for you! Good for you! I know what you mean: "It sounds selfish to say it out loud. . . " But it doesn't sound selfish to us! It's really not selfish to attend to the needs of your own soul. I am happy and proud for you!
Such a powerful post. I love it Dawn!
It's about time. Who deserves it more that you? I mean unless you want to come brighten up my digs!
Great post.
wonderful wonderful wonderful. :) Good for you. I need to do this very thing.
Thank you for your words of encouragement!!! Enjoy your special room!
Everyone needs to take a turn for themselves once in awhile.
Good for you.
Good for you! I admit, our bedroom is always the last to get "done"...whether it is decorating, cleaning, or anything.
~ Sarah
don't feel guilty for an instant!
and I'll be waiting for a future post , when you announce that you've finally painted too!
it's hard to remember that our kids will learn by our example in the tender moments we show to ourselves, they refresh I think.
Yes you do! It will make you a better and happier mom!
sandy to
Hurray! Now on to the paint and post a few pictures for us! :-)
I am right where you are. Over 10 years ago, we switched bedrooms with our daughter. We painted her room a pretty yellow and fixed it all up for her. Our room is still a badly sponge-painted pink with a bows and flowers border. (My husband is most secure in his masculinity!) But now, this same little girl (who's room has been painted 3 times since then) has moved out. And I'm going to fix up our room. To make the haven it ought to be. I already have a can of paint!
Good for you!
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