Happy Valentine’s Day!

Well, we’ve made it to Valentine’s Day…this year has been flying by, hasn’t it? I hope that you and your loved ones are having a special day today. If you’re like me, you’re home with your kiddos and just quietly relaxing. And if you’re all alone today, consider yourself hugged.

I’ve been texting with friends today. Lots of sweet Valentine wishes going back and forth which fills my heart. I always had girlfriends, but when we were all married, we didn’t chat as often unless one of us needed something. Instead we got together occasionally, but we didn’t do it with regularity. Does that make sense? It wasn’t that we put our friendship on the back burner per se, it’s just that we were married and had families and so they took priority. We didn’t.

Because as Moms, Wives, Daughters, we put ourselves last on the list most of the time. We do it with love and caring in order to make the best for our loved ones. So our intentions are good. But we also need to carve out some time for ourselves. We need to remember who we are without the moniker of Mom, Wife, Daughter etc.

So that’s what I wish you today…carve out a little bit of time that’s just for you…to remember who you are authentically as yourself and take care of you for a little while. Whether it be a bubble bath, a long drive, a walk or even 10 minutes extra in the bathroom, please do something intentional just for you!

You need to show yourself love, respect and kindness as you show it to everyone else! I remember how it wasn’t easy to do that when I was married and life was full. But now that I’m not married, my life is still full, but I make time for myself. It’s been part of the healing journey I’ve experienced and I’m grateful for those few minutes of solitude for me – ‘me time’ to remind myself who I am, that I matter and I count too.

I’ve been one of those women who lose themselves in a marriage, motherhood, taking care of parents, work etc. It took me a long time to recapture and remember who I am. What I like. What I want as Janie and not the roles I have.

That’s part of what I love about being Authentically Janie! What do you love about being YOU?