A daughter dabs gently at her mother’s mouth, as she feeds the older woman and holds the thin, papery hand that once dried her tears over a broken toy or a broken heart.
A professor challenges her class to pose a dynamic solution to the problem before them.
A newlywed grieves a job lost, a dream deferred for her partner, who got laid off today.
As women, we embrace compassion and support, selflessly playing cheerleader to others. We listen, coax, encourage and boost our loved ones in their quests, ushering them through their dark times. We remind them of their successes, their accomplishments, and their creativity.
Why then, are we sometimes slow to recognize our own achievements? Our uniqueness? And why are we equally hesitant to celebrate them?
As girls, we are often raised to accord more significance to the needs— and even the whims— of others, more importance than our own. There is a time and place for that, as any mother knows. But when we carve out some time for ourselves—even mere minutes— we are sending a powerful message, both to those around us, and to ourselves.
We need to own our skills, to embrace our mindsets and to value our way of engaging the world. We need to claim time to recharge and rejuvenate.
My challenge to you: find a way to celebrate yourself— this week, this month, this year. Hang a sign on the door—literally or metaphorically—and declare this hour, this day, this weekend yours.
It’s vital.
It’s graceful.
It’s overdue.
How do you take time out to celebrate yourself?
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