Summer is a perfect time to relax, relate, and release. Many of us have a more relaxed work schedule with Summer Fridays and we fill that time with more enjoyable pursuits. This is a time when we can put our feet up and recharge.
I’ve spent time with family, enjoyed my favorite music festival, and even rode a water slide. I had a great time hosting my grandchildren for a week; courtesy of my stepson. If you guessed that they had something to do with me riding a water slide, you were absolutely right. Cincinnati, Ohio hosts the P&G Music Festival and it’s always a good time. This year the two-night lineup was amazing; Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Maxwell, and Mary J. Blige. Yes, ma’am!
It helps that I’m on my summer break from teaching. So, I’m all about breaking during the break. But, I must encourage you to take some time for your own personal break, as well. Do something that helps you to relax and decompress from daily demands and your infertility journey.
For some of you that very idea sparks panic as you are counting every dose of medicine, hormone level and cycle day. By all means, follow your plan and physician’s instructions and take care of yourself. I just want you to take care of all of you. We are more than our infertility stories and some of us need this simple reminder.
You are a child, a sibling, a partner, and a friend. Please don’t allow these roles and relationships to fall by the wayside while you work to become a parent. These titles also represent an important part of who you are and the investment in these relationships allow you to support them as they support you. Create new memories this month over a backyard picnic or an ice cream cone.
Also take time for yourself. When was the last time you did something just for you? Take yourself on a date. I love to take myself to the movies. It’s a chance for me to enjoy the cartoon movies that I couldn’t pay Rodney to see. I also like manicures and pedicures and a glass of refreshing iced tea at the local coffee shop.
This kind of self care is also what God desires for us. As our shepherd, He takes the job very seriously. He leads us to places of restoration knowing that we will find just what we need to continue our journey. I encourage you to use this time to press the release valve on the pressure that comes in while we work to grow our families.
L. R. Knost says, “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” I’ll drink to that.
HOPE-Filled Thought: The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. Psalm 23: 1-3 NLT
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your love. Help me to love myself with everlasting love as you love me. Reveal the ways I overlook myself and show me how to extend grace. I thank you that I can trust you completely and know that you want only the best for me. I receive your love with joy and it is so. Amen.
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