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Giving to ourselves is a constant dance between being supportive and available for those we love and making sure our needs are met as well so that we can be our best and find our calm.
During this past week a few events occurred, one expected and one unexpected, that involved people I love going through difficult experiences both unexpected and unwanted. I was touched that both saw me, as well as others they loved, as someone they sought support and love from. Both have since overcome a great hurdle in their journey, but are mending, healing and will need time, love and
strength from those around them as they continue forward.
When we have such moments in our lives that ask of us to give more than we have given in the past or to give differently, it can be easy to over-extend. Sometimes we may not realize we have over-extended ourselves until we are breaking down in front of the cashier because we cannot find our debit card or spilling the stress of our lives over the phone to the bank teller whom we have called
to ask a simple question. In such situations, it is a sign to tend to ourselves.
We can still offer support and love to those who need us and to whom we care deeply about, but in order to do so well, we must care for ourselves first and regularly. With more practice and self-awareness, we can prevent over-extending ourselves, offering our time in amounts that work for us while knowing what we need to live our lives well. The best practice I have found to do this is to
communicate clearly and kindly, reassuring of your support, but explaining honestly what you can do, offering other supportive ideas if you cannot be or do what you might have done if you had mistakenly over-extended.
Our lives follow their own storylines and the chapters don't open until they are happening before us, but what we can do is know what we need, set healthy boundaries and communicate lovingly and clearly. On the flip-side, we can be supportive when we are on the other side of such a situation asking for help and honoring when others are giving what they can, even though it may not be all
that we think we need. Perhaps this nudges us to seek out other avenues of help or discover new knowledge about ourselves or even the world and others. Either way, be sure to give to yourself as regularly as you give to those who need your time and love.
Speaking of love and comfort - fall and apples! This last week's latest episode of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen shared how to make the classic French dessert - Apple Tart Tatin, and this coming weekend's episode (Saturday's) shares how simple it is to make a luxurious French classic sauce that will elevate any dish you drizzle it atop.
Also, the new French handbag company that is making beautiful luxury items for half the expected luxurious price is shared in the weekly Style Inspiration post. Needless to say, I am saving up for one. This week's episode of the podcast prompted many readers and listeners to tune in and purchase the book that inspired the episode, and the regular monthly post sharing what made me smile
is full of the gifts given in September.
Wishing you a lovely weekend and first weekend of fall (or spring :)). Thank you for subscribing to the weekly newslette, and until next Friday, I will see you on the blog. Bonne journée.
