As regular readers of my blog might realize, this year I’m sharing my monthly themes, based on my word of the year, at the start of the month – that is the first Monday and then doing a round up at the end of the month. This being a month of love, I’ve decided to be intentionally self-compassionate. In February, I’m blooming for myself.
What Does Blooming For Myself Mean?
As part of my focus on healing last year, I did start off on a journey of self-compassion.
Setting realistic goals has made a vast difference. I’ve realized that making mistakes is just part of being human. I try not to waste time dwelling on failures. Instead, I try to focus on the lessons and how to grow from them.
Self-care is becoming a regular thing for me now. Whether I’m taking a breather, treating myself, or just being kind to myself, it all helps me be more compassionate to myself.
In February, I intend to do this more intentionally and mindfully.
As I was confirming my February theme in my head, this beautiful piece of writing popped up in my Facebook feed by The Most Important Vow – by Julia Fehrenbacher . What a reminder to be self-compassionate this is!
Go ahead, give it to yourself—
soft pillow of peonies, or whichever flower
you love best, pink pen that stains
the paper with poetry, pocket-size delights
that make you smile for no reason.
Go ahead, place both hands
on your own world-weary heart,
say I love you a thousand times
a day—especially if you don't mean it yet.
You are a goddamn miracle. Don't you see?
It is time to un-cuff your own hands,
to set free the hostage that is damming
your heart, to turn off every thought
that makes a case for your unworthiness.
Go ahead, write yourself a love letter
every day forever, let it gush—
gush out, gush free, gush all over every
thing, everyone. Vow to be radically, fiercely,
stubbornly, triumphantly on your own side—
for better, for worse, for richer,
for poorer, in sickness and in health
from this day forward.
More books, more music, mindful walks, art journalling, singing, playing with my sweet dog, joking with my husband, meaningful talks with friends, watching a movie or two – are things that I’m going to be doing intentionally this month.
What are your plans for February, dear reader?
Today I’m linking in to Martha Ingrao‘s WQ #159. Her post will be up on 7 Feb – I’m a little ahead!
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Hi Corinne – my post this week was on generosity, and I think being generous with ourselves is often something we struggle with. I have all that I need, but to give myself a little treat now and then is such a joy. I think we need to get better at finding those little moments of joy and allowing ourselves to savour them. Loved this post and your final quote.
Yes, Leanne. As I mentioned in my comment on your post, I find it harder to be generous to myself than I am with others.
I wish you a lovely February. May you bloom. Self-care is the best gift that we can give ourselves. Lots of love to you.
Wishing you the same, Balaka! ♥
I loved reading the beautiful piece – The Most Important Vow.
I love the colours of your garden. February is a good month to bloom and to be in love. Looks like I am already there, basking in love, having mentioned the word ‘love’ once in all my 3 above sentences 🙂 Here’s wishing you a lovely February, Corinne.
I was so pleased that this poem came my way, Anamika.
Ha ha…wishing you a lovely February too.
So wonderful to know that self care features right at the top of things in your life, Corinne! I’m doing the same too! Loved your post.
Wishing you many more beautiful moments to nourish the heart, mind and soul in February!!
Thank you for your lovely wishes for Feb, Esha. I wish you the same!
Love this, Corinne. I read the piece out loud, it sounded wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Wish you a lovely February!
Beautiful photos, too.
I’m sure you will love all of Julia’s poems, Vini. Have a great Feb
The poem is beautiful! And so are the pictures. I love the way Lucky is looking over her shoulders. I am so looking forward to see the flowers blooming in your hedge the next time I visit.
Lucky is abig poser especially when she’s at Pet Cafe, Sunita!
I hope the hedge grows before you come. ❤️
Being kind and gracious to ourselves is more necessary than many of us realize. Having realistic expectations and a mindset that we can learn from our own mistakes helps us be more generous and understanding with others too, don’t you think so? The poem you shared is a good one!
Absolutely right, Kym. Glad you enjoyed the poem.
Hi Corinne, Your pictures are so bright, beautiful, and cheerful. They make me smile just to see them. I’m so busy with self-care right now that I’m ready for a break. It takes longer when you get older, as everything else does. Clean the house – longer, write a blog post – longer, work out the kinks – longer, lose weight – longer, time at the doctor’s – longer. I wish you all the time you need to enjoy self-care before you are forced to do it! LOL
Oh yes, you’re right about the aging bit. I’m year plus shy of 60 and not only do things take longer, but they seem more draining too! 😉