“We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.”  ~ Marilyn Monroe

Good Morning!

I received today’s quote from Timia, who had included this message in her email:

I also see the “star” in my kids every day – their curiosity, their enthusiasm, their (sometimes wacky!) creativity, their innocence, their love – I could go on – and I need to remember to recognize that twinkle in myself, too.  It is easy to feel overwhelmed and fed up sometimes, and you wonder some days why you bother…it’s important to be in touch with what makes you “twinkle,” whatever that may be!

This quote really resonated with me when I received it, as my house is strangely quiet (or as quiet as a house can be with three dogs).   Later that afternoon I went to Memphis and Oxford, Mississippi, for several days of appearances.  The day before, my best friend and I drove my daughter to her grandmother who would care for her while I was gone.  Driving took most of the day, and when I arrived home I did a bit of writing, boxed up some donations for St. Vincent’s, and was ready for bed.

My quiet house reinforced the importance of Marilyn’s quote and Timia’s interpretation.  Often, we get so swept in the needs of others, our day-to-day activities, our house management…it can be challenging to create our own time to nourish the soul and nourish the “twinkle” within.  During our child-rearing years, it is rare to have the “empty house” that challenges us to fill it with our spirit, dreams, and positive attitude.  When we forget to nourish ourselves, we feel lonely when we are alone.  When we create the time to nourish ourselves throughout a life’s journey, our peacefulness and contentment remain a constant – whether alone or within a crowd.

Your Turn:  Today, reflect on how much time you have spent nourishing yourself in the past thirty days, completely separate from other friends or family members.  Today, find at least thirty minutes to nourish your own “twinkle.”

Today’s Affirmation:  I care for myself and for others.