Beautiful Words

Saturday 5 May 2012

I've been painting again this week. Turning my handwriting into lettering. It's been fun.

I don't know about you, but I often forget to be gentle with myself. I came across these words, attributed to Buddha, while I was doing my reiki training a good few years ago, "You yourself, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.".

I was brought up to be kind to other people, and to help where I could. It never really dawned on me that being kind and loving to myself wasn't selfish, until I got ill. Since being ill, I've come to understand that being kind and gentle with myself is just as important, if not more so, than being kind and gentle with other people. If I push myself too hard, don't listen to my body, don't take time to do the things that nourish me, I don't have anything to give to the people I love because I'm exhausted, depleted, impatient, and not always too easy to be around. If I give myself love and affection, I have much more to give to other people.

I love these words. They kind of give me permission to nurture myself.

What are you doing today to show yourself love and affection?

I'm going to get cosy with my cat Ernie, who is hovering around my computer desk, and curl up with him and read a library book. Lovely jubbly. ♥

I've also decided, after several weeks of thinking about it, to let go of my weekly series "Favourite Thing On A Friday". I'll tell you for why... In recent months, I've not always felt well enough to post each Friday, and have found the Friday deadline feeling a lot like pressure, rather than something fun. I've also had a number of weeks where I've not been able to post at all on a Friday, and that hasn't felt comfortable for me. If anyone would like to take over hosting "FavouriteThing On A Friday", let me know, then I could join in when I'm able. Otherwise, I will continue to post my favourite thing of the week each week, but not on a specific day. Thanks for your understanding. It's my way of showing myself a bit of love and affection, by not putting myself under pressure.

I hope you're having a great Saturday wherever you are.

Sending glitter and smiles,

14 comments

Karen Stout5 May 2012 at 14:46
Emma, what a wonderful post and I adore this piece! I may have to write about it myself! It's ok to give up the Friday post. I do a Friday post but lately have been missing it sometimes...even posting it on Sat. or Sun. I applaud you for letting go of anything that causes you pressure. Just remember, it's your space and you can write WHEN and IF you want. YOU make the rules here. And we are just blessed when you do. Love and hugs to you!
Jem 5 May 2012 at 14:52
Curling up with a book and a furry friend is such a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon! Hope you're well Em! Such a beautiful, inspiring post and then more I see your art the more I love it! :-)

Jem xXx
Shearer's Girl5 May 2012 at 15:00
You can only do what you can do. It's great you set up Favourite Thing on a Friday, it meant I found your blog! You don't need to struggle on with it if it feels like a burden, blogging should be enjoyable.
I think your artwork is impressive, I'd love to know how you do it, is it done by hand originally or straight onto the computer? What media do you use?
Unknown5 May 2012 at 15:19
No pressure from me - I am nothing but loving toward myself and encourage everyone to be the same... just do what you can do, what you WANT to do - and what makes you feel FABULOUS. We'll all be here when you feel like posting. Or chatting. Or hugging! Sarah xxx
ted and bunny5 May 2012 at 15:24
handing over the reins to FToaF is SUCH a great jump; last week I postponed a coffee date with a girlfriend and went back to bed- it feels so good not to be competing with myself any more, hope its as good for you too dear Emma
xx
Kay G.5 May 2012 at 15:46
What a beautiful post and I love your hand lettering, so colorful and gorgeous.
Do you know the poem, "Desiderata", it was very popular as a poster from the 70's but I still love it. I did a post about it months ago if you would like to read it!
Love,
Kay
P.S. Good to let the Friday thing go if it was putting you under pressure, you have such a giving heart, it is a pleasure always to read your words.
Michele Bergh5 May 2012 at 16:47
I LOVE your lettering and great reminder about the importance of loving ourselves. I love Reiki and really connected to your post. Thank you for sharing.
Curtise5 May 2012 at 17:22
Taking care of yourself is fundamental, but sometimes it's hard to know what it really means in practice. You're right, it can be a book and a pet to cuddle, being creative, taking time, giving oneself permission not to work to pressurizing deadlines, asking for help - we all need to work out what it means for us.
I think you're doing ALL the right things to be kind to yourself, Emma, and it's absolutely right that you do! xxxx
Clare5 May 2012 at 17:23
Such a lovely picture again and beautiful sentiment. Personally I take myself for a coffee everyday. My friends laugh at me, and some I think believe it's really lazy and self-indulgent. But I need that half an hours bit of peace, alone with my thoughts and I am terribly grumpy and short tempered if I don't manage it. I agree, looking after yourself and being kind to yourself is very important.

Thank you so much for hosting Favourite Fridays for us - I've really enjoyed joining in (I even joined yesterday, lol). But completely understand that a self imposed deadline often is too much pressure and it's got to be fun after all, so time to let go.

Wishing you a lovely bank holiday weekend.

Have fun.
Jumbleberries xx
Amy Kelsch5 May 2012 at 19:21
Hi Emma:
Thank you for the beautiful post. I also deal with the pressure of posting on a certain timeline and due to health reasons, it is not always possible. I thank you for posting your thoughts on this. Makes me feel better. Thank you.
Madelief5 May 2012 at 19:52
Beautiful words and a beautiful painting Emma!

Happy weekend!

Madelief x
Jennifer Richardson7 May 2012 at 02:22
Yes, yes, YES!
Yes to it all.
I felt the same way about Fridays
and it became a heavy thing
and now I feel so much lighter
about Friday-ish:)
It's another way I'm learning to
be gentle with myself, too.
Funny how our tone and attitude
with ourselves
can be so harsh
until we unlearn some things.

Thanks for sharing your journey
...it's rich and beautiful
and I'm grateful.
-Jennifer
Patti8 May 2012 at 02:59
It is always good to "see" you.
Jennifer Richardson29 May 2012 at 22:37
oh how I understand
and am standing up
and cheering wildly for you
deep in my belly,
releasing bright balloons
to float on soft breezes
in honor of this kindness
you extend yourself:)
a beautiful heart, yours.
-Jennifer