In taking some time to look back on these past two years, I've thought back often on "Eat, Pray, Love" (GREAT BOOK) and my own venture into getting to know me and what I like, and what I dislike and how to love myself for who I am. I've come to learn a lot. I've learned I like my independence, I like to go to bed earlier than some, that I can totally do pancakes on Sundays for me and the dog and the world won't fall apart because I'm not at my parents' dinner table.
Don't get me wrong, I've had my struggles. Driving yourself to the hospital in 40 degree weather in the midst of what you think is your last breath is not cool and calling my parents during the drive probably wasn't good for their health either. But wow - after it's all over do you feel empowered. Like wow, I can take care of myself.. I can do this. I promise you I didn't feel like it then, but if you spend a little time looking back you'll see you're a lot stronger than you think. And ultimately it helps you to know more about what you want versus what you need.
I did a recent exploration of Glamour.com and came across an awesome blog post titled "36 Things Every Single Girl Must Do Before She Settles Down." (See article here). I loved it and immediately sent it off to all my closest friends, including the ones who are married because I truly believe that women become stronger when they don't forget about who they are as individuals. I take that lesson from my mom, in that it's okay to not be with your husband every waking moment. You both love each other but forgetting about who you are as individual doesn't allow you to love yourself. Who ultimately is your first priority? You.
Ladies - "You can't love nobody 'til you love you" (Murphy Lee said it best). So this is the beginning of my own introspective journey into loving me and I plan on getting there by doing all the things that I want to do to make me the best person I can be.
First Steps Below:
- Run a 5K - planned for the end of July
- Go on some dates - In progress
- Take a trip by myself for fun - AND enjoy it
- More to be added with time
- Gone to the movies (and still do) by myself - and love it just as much as I would with someone
- Not afraid to have a drink at the local restaurant by myself
- Tried a new activity - see Run a 5K - I'm training for it now!
- Begun to get into the groove of who I am at the core - including blaring loud music wherever I go
- Been single to a wedding - totally fun when you have good company
**I need to make a special note here that I am able to start this journey thanks to my amazing best friends who never cease to help me be a better me and to remember who I am and what I'm capable of. Thank you to all of you ladies AND men out there who help me when the going gets rough... and ultimately for helping me to remember what makes me happy.