Loving and accepting ALL of you!

Many people honored Valentine's Day yesterday; whether you celebrated it or not, I hope it was a day of knowing you are loved. 

Depending on where you are in your season of life, it may have been a great day to celebrate with your significant other, or it could have brought up triggering memories of the past. Or it was another day. 

Last year, during this time, it was rough for me, having lost my late husband only ten months before. 

As I reflect on last year, I remember keeping it together most of the day, yet later in the evening, I sobbed uncontrollably, feeling an overwhelming amount of grief that rushed through me. 

It was one of those ugly cry moments, which gives you an indication of my emotions. 

Yet, as I opened up to feel it, my body and spirit felt a big release. 

At that moment, not only did I allow all that needed to come through, but I also didn't make my emotions wrong. I honored them instead. 

Honoring our emotions without self-judgment is self-acceptance, which adds to our self-love tank. 

When we take the steps to pour back into ourselves, we bounce back stronger and healthier. 

Surround yourself with healthy people who add to your tank, not deplete it. 

And remember, it's not about being perfect or rushing to the finish line. 

Smell the roses, notice the sunsets, and breathe in the fresh air around you. 

On my journey over the years, I've realized that small things are the big things. 

When we begin to accept and love ourselves just as we are (nothing needs to change), we gain another level of compassion for ourselves and others. 

Pouring into your daily cup will overflow, benefitting your world and the world around you.

I'm happy to say that my cup is fuller this year, and my heart is smiling again! 

Doing the work pays off. :)