"Love yourself first and everything else will fall into place. You really have to love yourself first to get anything done in the world."(Lucille Ball)
How many of us in our youth, or even now, don't take time to get to know ourselves...love who we are? When I told my 11 year old son my intentions to become a better person and how I was going to do it, he responded with "That's going to be hard work for you Mom." As funny as that was, it was prophetic. It is hard work, and it will continue to be.
The past twelve months have brought many challenges and triumphs. January brought with it a bout of Bell's Palsy for me...I was lucky though. Not as serious as it could have been - scary, but not deadly. With support, I conquered another run with the Team in Training, raising more money for research and development for Blood Related Cancers. I had an amazing trip to Maui with an inspirational friend I will celebrate later. I trained for triathlons, and even won one (first win ever!). I began to take a closer look at how I can grow and improve as a person, a parent, a leader and a friend. This journey has taken me to investigate mindfulness...more purpose, more listening, more relationship building and more.
Right now, I might be inclined to say that I like who I am becoming. Some days are diamonds, of course; others, not so much. The "other" days are why I celebrate my friends.
"At times our own Light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." (Albert Schweitzer) How true is that?!
So...I welcome this year to celebrate others as I continue to grow from their love and light!
