Its that time of year again. Yup, the one where people give up chocolate, soda, or some other vice for 40 days, but rarely pay attention to the reason why they are giving it up. I admit, I was one such person for the longest time. It wasn't until having a child that I became more spiritual. After years of trying to give up sweets, failing miserably, and learning nothing from it, I decided to change things up a bit.
Last year, I didnt give up anything. Instead, I focused on helping myself grow as an individual, a mother, a wife, and all around, a better human being. I started exercising, played with my little one more often, and spent extra time learning my religion and praying. I grew so much by focusing on myself. I found a little piece of me, a piece that had been missing for quite some time. I found my spirituality.
So this year, I plan on doing a bit more of the same. I will strive to make healthier decisions and get plenty of sleep. I will tidy up the house a bit more often, and I will once again work on my own, growing spirituality. In doing all this, I will hopefully become a happier person.
And in a weird way, by being a bit selfish, focusing on my own growth, I can help the few people I interact with. Because happy people smile, giving a gift bigger than most realize. A smile gives hope, shows kindness, and reminds people to stop taking things for granted, for there are bigger, better things out there just waiting to be found.
If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give. --Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsc
2 comments:
you are one of the sweetest people I know and it makes my heart warm to hear you speak of your growth like that, you can feel the groundedness and sincerity of your words! :)
Great post! I'm really enjoying your blog. I've seen so many posts on Lent and didn't exactly know what that was until a few days ago. I think it's an awesome thing and not selfish at all to want to better yourselves. After all, until we're better, we can't change the lives of others. I've been reading this book "A Women After God's Own Heart," that has really been changing my life. It's practical things that make us better as women so we can be better for those around us. : )
Vonae Deyshawn
www.myvirtueplace.com
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