On My Mind - Let us nurture ourselves

By Donna S. Hamilton, Contributor

HOW OFTEN have you felt like your soul has been emptied and needs renewing?

As women ­ single women, wives, and mothers ­ we have always been expected (and perhaps it has become somewhat mechanical for us) to fill the needs of our significant others and our children, unreservedly. At the same time we need appreciation but often receive little or none. We involve ourselves in a scurry of household activities, providing emotional support, and doing all things that seem to be required. But have we stopped for a moment to nurture ourselves?

It is easy to become lost in other people's ideals while holding our own dreams in dim view. We exist in what appears to be a mundane world, silently hoping for change, and yet doing nothing to facilitate it.

Well, it is time for us to fully recognise nurturing as being more than just something we offer to others and also see it as something for us to receive. It encompasses our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical selves. The truth is, if we continue to extend ourselves to others without taking the time for our own renewal, we will soon have nothing to give.

Fortunately, some women, and I happen to be one of them, have been blessed with significant others who allow us the space to nurture ourselves, who encourage us, and even show their appreciation for the little things. To them we say, THANK YOU!

The completeness of our renewal will come in seeking a Higher Power, whom I know and believe to be God. He is the real nurturer of our mind, spirit, and body, and through Him we can gain true perspective.

So, you owe it to yourself. When was the last time you prayed, read a chapter of the bible for mediation, curled up with a good book, spent some time setting goals for yourself, tended your garden, watched the sunrise, or even treated yourself to a facial?

Perhaps, if we started by learning to love, value and respect ourselves, our sense of fulfilment would be greater. It is by the nurturing of our souls that we obtain longevity!

What's on your mind? Tell us and we'll publish it in this space we've created especially for you. It could be a quirky observation or a serious note, we only ask that you keep it to about 350 words (include a recent photograph and a phone number or an address). We also welcome your letters. Send your views to Flair Co-ordinator ­ Fax: 922-6223; e-mail: lifestyle@gleanerjm.com; by mail: 7 North Street, Kingston.

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