I was taking a walk around the farm tonight after a very busy day where I was rushing around to be in all places at once. The walk was much needed & the sun made me stop in my tracks and realize that I deserved this. I had been telling myself all day the ways I was failing and scolding myself for my imperfections that were magnified throughout my busyness of the day. As I sat there breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the sun rays as I sat out by our sheep some wisdom came to me that I am not my imperfections or my mistakes… I’m Liz & I try my hardest every day & I deserve self care, self love, & self forgiveness. So I sat there and made the first promise I had made to myself in this new year… to be kinder to myself.
It’s so funny because I have been talking to so many of you on Instagram about how we are all busy cleaning our homes, purging items we don’t need, throwing away things that are weighing us down… we forget about cleaning out our minds, purging what is weighing us down mentally, & throwing away the horrible things we think about ourselves & say to ourselves daily. We aren’t all the same, but I know I’m not the only one who is truly cruel to myself sometimes. I view myself as a pretty kind person who tries to go out of their way to build others up & encourage those around me, but I will turn around quickly and point out to myself a list of things I did wrong that day & remind myself of that one conversation a few months ago that I said the wrong thing and remind myself that I messed up that conversation so that person probably thinks I’m weird now. Yah, the same person trying her hardest to spread light to others is encouraging cruel conversations with myself. It was the wind and sunshine that brought me back to reality. I deserve the encouragement that I give others, I deserve the compliments that I give out freely to everyone else, & I deserve that self-care & that self-love I preach so often about to my loved ones. After that insightful moment out on the farm today with the sheep and Winnie I came back in & in between the cloudy day the sun was pouring through all the windows in our house & it was the reminder I needed to slow down and soak it all in. It was the reminder as well to sit down and share this reminder with you guys… I had chatted before that I wasn’t picking a “word of the year” this year or sharing any new years resolutions, but maybe this is it for me… & it should be for you too… Start fresh this year & be kind to yourself.
I struggle with my infertility, my miscarriages, my anxiety, my weight gain this year, my procrasination… I could go on, but I am none of those things. I am not the negative things in my life… I am so much more! & so are you. Let’s make 2019 a year of being kinder to others, giving more grace to others, checking in on others more, forgiving others often, focusing on others positive attributes, encouraging others when they are down, & cheering on everyone who is doing well… & then turn that all around & do the same things FOR YOURSELF! Let’s make that our new years resolution… I’m going to. 2019 is about self care. It doesn’t have to be spa days or buying yourself expensive things. It can be taking time to meditate, read a book, eat well, exercise, relax, & taking time to do things that you love & that fill your cup so that you can pour out for others. I learned in my 30th year in 2018 that I can’t be there fully for others if I’m not fully there for myself. I hope my lesson from 2018 can make my 2019 & yours the year we are kinder to others & ourselves. I love you guys and I hope that my little bit of wisdom that I got on my walk today helps you in some way. Love you all & thank you for stopping by the blog every day and fill my cup up! xx
Amen ! Dittos !
Well written, well said.
This is so good Liz! I can totally relate to what you’ve shared! Let’s speak with love and walk in grace ourselves this year!
Thank you! Read this during my bout of anxiety-insomnia last night and it was so spot-on to what I, and so many of us, do.
A great resolution. Love the great pix, too! Sending kind thoughts your way…..
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!! You lift me up!!!
Thank you for this Liz. I really needed to hear this. I’m not nearly where I want to be and feel behind and less than all the time. Thank you for being a bright light!
Isn’t it wonderful when God talks to us and we listen? I’m so happy for you to have heard His heart in your mind! Thank you for sharing your love and wisdom! Much love from Colorado
THIS is so good, and THIS is so hard to do sometimes….isn’t it! Its hard to “think” and “believe” we are good enough, your doing enough, being a good Mom, being a good employee, … making ends meet! Thank you for always inspiring us all to be the best we can!
As always…good stuff!
Thank you,
Lisa
Said so beautifully! I need to do this! I read this just this week “if someone came to you and said the exact same negative things you tell yourself would you let them stay?” It’s amazing how easily we use that self talk. I wish you the best and much happiness
Thank you for sharing! I was just having this conversation with someone dear to me the other day. It’s important to take care of ourselves and be kind to ourselves so that we can be the best wife, mom, sister, friend to the ones we love. I struggle with this – it’s usually others before me. But I come to realize if I don’t care of myself, then I’m not giving my best for the ones around me. Love your blog and the encouragement you provide Liz 🙂
Love this post! I started learning the same lesson in 2018 and even more concentrated as the new year began. Just that one concept is completely life changing for me. I’ve spent my entire existence hating myself and thinking that I was supposed to so as not to be prideful. Learning what true self love means and why it’s so important and impactful, like you expressed, not just for my own self but how self love allows is to pour love out to others as well. It’s a step one step two process. Thank you for your words.
I am so glad you wrote this blog. Just the other day, I had said the exact thing to my mom. I need to be kinder to myself.
I have been struggling with anxiety and depression and with that a great sense of shame. I have called myself every sort of bad thing. I have believed lies about myself and have convinced myself that I’m not worthy but none of that is true. I am the daughter of God and He doesn’t make mistakes. Not a single person is a mistake. Yes we can make mistakes and stray from who God created us to be but we are always His. He doesn’t look at us and condemn us but loves us through our trials. He wants us to do the same for ourselves and in turn for others. For so many years I thought I had to be perfect or act a certain way to be loved. I know so many others feel the same way. God loves us in our imperfections. He loves us on our good and bad days. We are truly never alone.
So this year I pray that I and all who struggle with loving themselves will be kind to themselves. I especially pray for you Liz Marie. You are an inspiration to so many and I thank you for your constant willingness to be vulnerable and open about what you’re going through.
Yes! And self doubt…first experienced when I thought I would just walk up at an event and say hi to you both, but I didn’t because I suddenly felt not enough. What? I dm’d you my story knowing that is safe and you probably wouldn’t see it, LOL! I guess I am easing into it. Just saw you will be at the event again if you get packed and here, wink! Maybe this will resonate this year and I will actually walk toward you both and speak. I know I am enough, just never felt that before. Have a great trip and always be kind to yourself, you are an amazing person!
Wise words to live by, Liz❤️
Omg I just saw you on tv.
Thank you for such a great post. I was happy to find your blog because the beautiful photos of your home inspire me to clean, organize, and arrange my own home. I’m so happy that your words also inspire me to be kinder to myself — and go outside more. 🙂
Praying for you today Liz that when you feel the lies bombarding your brain God will give you the truth to replace them. When I was recovering from my miscarriage I asked God for a name for my baby and he gave me one. Don’t know if you have names for your babies in heaven, or if that would be too painful for you, but it has helped me. Praying that your adopted child will be coming your way soon and that wherever they are, in womb, or in a family that God would keep them healthy and safe.
Hi Liz I am so glad you went for that walk! I have these Leonard Cohen words printed up and framed in my house…”ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything…that’s how the light gets in.” I have never commented on any of your IG posts because I could go on forever on how beautiful you are, your home is…your animals, your lifestyle so I just wanted to thank you for sharing it lovely lady!
Somewhere along the line we are told that to put ourselves first is ultra selfish. If we did that all the time, yes, but we can give to others and ourselves// in balance!
Thank you!
Such a great message to lots of us!!
We grow up and live in a world where we receive and learn so many messages that are not what we are truly intended to live with much less to hold on to live by…..thank you and gratitude for all that you share here and many blessings are being sent your way.
The more I have learned to actually do the things that help make me whole, where I get back to who I really am and on the path intended, the better the light is on that path where I am heading Finding ourselves is along an endless journey that stretches along our way throughout life. It is truly best to discover this early-on as we adventure through time without pre-set expectations. There is purpose to be found behind everything we experience as it all unfolds. I believe there is Laila, a word from yogic studies meaning that sometimes “stuff just happens”, as well as the more logical commonly-known effects of karma. Have a beautiful day. Namaste’
One of my resolutions this year was to be kinder to others. I even ordered a book on the subject. I forgot about myself. Thanks for the reminder! I have been hearing the song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle a lot this last week. Such a beautiful song about not feeling you are strong, accepted or loved but God finds you worthy and you are loved and accepted.
Great words of wisdom. We all really just need to stop being so hard on ourselves.