Yesterday I posted on Instagram about how I had gone to the airport to see my 17year old son off on his Humanitarian trip, and how for 2 weeks there will be pretty much no contact because cell service in the Philippines is slim to none. I hope I am one of those mothers that doesn’t worry so much that I stress my kids out, one that has so many fears that the lack of communication will lead me into frantic mode – especially when I know what he is doing is so worthwhile and good for him!
We actually did receive a phone call at 12:30am this morning from Canyon in the airport in Japan using wifi he managed to make a call. It was so nice to know that he was at least part way to his destination (only 2 more plane rides and a boat ride until he was there). In fact, I don’t know what happened, but he actually seemed humbled already and thanked Brandon and I for supporting him in his fundraising and his decision.
I don’t know about you but when I see a glimpse of my kids showing appreciation and gratitude, or even that they accomplish something, it makes all the sacrifice, arguments, disappointments and challenges almost disappear.
It made me wonder if I actually show enough appreciation to those people that have helped me along my path? Do I recognize and show those I love how what they do for me means to me? You may have heard of the book “The Five Love Languages”…I read this book quite a while ago and thought I had it figured out, but I am finding more and more each day how important it is to show a person how much they mean to you by using THEIR love language. Mine is primarily acts of service – or basically put, I like it when someone shows me love by doing something for me. It’s not that every time, because there are definitely times when I like to be told things, times when gifts are important to me, and so on – but my primary or most important love language is definitely acts of service. If you haven’t read this book I highly recommend checking it out. It works for spouses, kids, friends and family – pretty much it can be the thing that makes all the difference in any relationship you have! I figure, whatever help I can get I am up for.
I always like to tie in fashion and style to my posts because I feel that the better we feel about ourselves the more likely we are going to be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, etc. It may sound shallow but I promise it’s a real thing. Taking care about how you look is important not just for how others will see you but also for YOU. Even if you say you don’t care about the latest trends, or if you don’t feel it’s worth your money to spend it on new styles, trust me on this. I have worked with lots of Women that may not dress is the latest styles or even know what they are, and that is totally fine.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t necessarily mean that you are spending money all the time. In fact, looking good and feeling good come from knowing that YOU are important and as such you want to show the world how you feel about yourself. Have you ever owned something that was a heirloom or something that was a gift that had a lot of sentimental value? Did you shove that thing in a drawer or proudly display it and take care dusting around it? My guess is that it’s the latter – that you were very careful about how you treated it, and where you displayed it. I believe the same should be true of how we treat and care for ourselves. Don’t be your own afterthought, spend some time on yourself, and as you start to love and take pride in yourself, everything will change. Others will see you the way you see yourself!
As I head into this weekend, I have determined that I am going to show myself some love by doing something for myself. By showing appreciation to the many amazing people I have in my life, and just loving!
I hope your weekend is amazing…
Oh, and by the way, if you decide that a way to show love to yourself is by buying gifts or shopping- I have put some shoppable links of my outfit below 🙂