Ten years and 2 days ago, I became a mother.  Though people had told me “everything changes once you become a mother”, I didn’t really think it would be EVERYTHING!  But it was, and mostly because my perspective changed.  I now had the responsibility to care and nurture for another human being besides myself. 

What I have learned in this caring for another, is that I have not been doing such a good job in caring for myself.  And it is only in caring for ourselves, that we can truly care for others.

So speaking as a Mother, I want you to first take care of yourself. Just hug yourself. Thich Nhat Hanh in his book, You Are Here and on a #SuperSoulSunday interview with Oprah said: “Hold your emotions and cradle them in your arms.  Care for them as a mother would care for her infant”.  I love the visual image of this.

Whether emotions are joyful or sorrowful, we physically hold our loved ones close. When taking time to care for yourself, investigate what emotions you're feeling now and hold them close and nurture them.  Give yourself the love and attention that you may not be getting from those around you.  Let go of the expectation that someone else needs to nurture you.  Fill up with self love.  If you are not filled up, then you have nothing to give.

Namaste,

Stephanie