This morning we awoke to a skiff of snow, followed by freezing rain.
As the ice built up, I wondered if we’d have tree damage or maybe lose power from falling branches.
A couple of times, I went outside and stood on our deck listening for a crash, but when I didn’t hear anything, it got me to thinking about the old question of “if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it—does it make any noise?”
Writing a blog can be something of the same thing — if I write a post and no one comments, sometimes I wonder if it “made any noise.” That’s why I’m always so glad when readers comment on the blog, drop a line at Facebook, or send an email.
Last weekend a friend wrote to let me know she’d enjoyed my “Rest Your Mind” post from last Friday. Then she went on to share how each year she picks something to do ”just for herself” on a regular basis.
She said she picks little things like painting her nails with clear polish each week or putting on hand lotion every time she washes her hands. I love this idea, but that absolute best part is the fact that she never tells anyone what she’s doing.
She’s making a promise to herself to do something nice for herself, something that doesn’t matter to anyone else other than herself.
How cool is that?
It’s easy for people (particularly women) to get so caught up taking care of every one and everything around us, we lose our sense of self.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so committed to making and following through on my focal point. It’s is a way of proving to myself that I matter to me.
When I say “find your focus,” I really mean “YOUR FOCUS” — not a focus for your extended family, not one for your kids, and not one for your partner.
A focus that is: Just. For. You.
- If you want to focus on health, let it be because YOU want to focus on your health, not because someone is nagging you to be more healthy.
- If you want to focus on writing a book, let it be because YOU want to write a book, not because some has said “you ought to write a book.”
- If you want to focus on learning Italian, let it be because YOU have always wanted to learn Italian and this is your year.
As I’m writing this, the sky is turning dark, the cedars drooping under the weight of the ice. Snowy evening always have me thinking about Robert Frost’s traveler, the one who stopped to look at the woods on a night like tonight.
Frost’s traveler had promises to keep and miles to go before sleep.
I don’t know what the promise was that he was keeping…but I certainly hope it was a promise he made to himself.
I don’t comment often, but yes, I do read!! Just feel my vibes coming down the road just a few miles…thinking of you OFTEN!!
❤️🥰 I have a happy thought each time I drive past your mailbox!
I also take time every day to read something, just because! I’ve done this for years, and it keeps me happy during good times and bad, through rough days with kids, lonely times when my husband was away for long periods with the air force, etc. Reading is my “happy place”.
Reading is the original Great Escape!
I don’t comment normally either. Loved the message in this post. I am working on trying to spend more me time.
Thanks for the great ideas!
I’m glad to hear that! When we give so much to others, it’s too easy to lose track of oneself along the way. And your “self” is pretty terrific! <3
i almost never comment, but each time i see you in my mail box, i stop, open read, smile and think about what you’ve shared. thank you
Oh thanks to making a moment to drop by. I appreciate it! <3
Love the blog – makes me stop Nd think of my own well being in a very busy life. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your making time to let me know.
I have trouble keeping my promises to myself. Guilt seems to be a factor and this year I am going to make a sincere effort to overcome it. Life is short and I am realizing it more and more each day. It’s time to keep the promises that I make, or at least make the effort. They are simple things..just for me. Wish I knew how to start?
I am 63, almost 64, in good health and have things i want to do. I need to stop putting myself last? Is that the starting point?
I love to read your blog in the morning Gina..you make my day and make me thoughtful. Thank you
Thanks! I’m thinking I might try for early morning to send out the email — connecting with people before the rush of the day begins. And maybe on weekends, too. I’ll have to see! 🙂