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when we switch that energy to focus on something that’s meant for us, something that isn’t for the sake of others, we’re met with an internal wrestling match. We’re filled with immense guilt. We’re told we’re not doing enough. We believe we’re not showing up for others and giving the fullest service we possibly can. As a result, many moms are serving from an empty cup. As women, we are far too often compelled to tap into our deepest energy for others, even when that well has run dry. We run on fumes, and the second we try to push our energy toward bettering ourselves, we hear that voice telling us we don’t deserve to do it:
healing foods; and practices mindfulness techniques. These simple practices are little messages she’s sending to those
she cares for. She’s honoring her commitment to motherhood and grandmotherhood by feeding
her truest expression. She’s reminding my brothers, her
granddaughters, her loved ones, and me that she cares about our futures and wants to be present with the fullest expression of who she is for us. You’re not only showing your children and loved ones what it means to truly tap into and honor your soul when you fill your cup
“You don’t play with your kids enough.”
first. You’re also removing that burden from them. You’re telling your children, your spouse, your siblings, and your grandchildren that your love and care for them extends beyond the current needs you can fulfill for them. You’re saying that your care also includes providing your children with a better life, less burden, and more heart connection with you in the future.
“You don’t show your spouse how much they mean to you.”
–Danette May others by giving away what’s resting on your saucer, not by digging into an empty cup. Your “mom guilt” may never go away. You may always feel those pangs of wanting to do more. It’s only natural. But you can silence that guilt by continuing to serve The greatest thing you can give anyone you love is to lead a life that makes you vibrant and happy. Taking care of you, sister, is taking care of those you are most deeply connected to. The kindest thing a mother can do for her child is make sure she is filling both of their bellies with nutritious foods, moving her own body when she needs to, and connecting her own mind to her heart’s expression. As women, regardless of what motherhood looks like for us, we can show others what it means to serve from an overflowing saucer when we honor and fill our cups. We feed our souls whenever we eat healing foods. We honor our bodies whenever we sweat and move. We recognize our truest calling and nurture those we feel compelled to help when we make choices for the sake of our well-being, for the sake of our nurture. When you spend time preparing your meals, working out at the gym or walking around your neighborhood, and expressing your true calling, you’re doing one of the greatest services to those in your care.
“You don’t care for your parents’ needs enough.”
“You’re selfish.”
“You’re not woman enough.”
That voice in your head is lying to you. This could not be further from the truth. How can you give, provide, feed, and nurture your children and loved ones when your soul is starved and ragged? How can you provide the fullest, truest expression of what you have to offer this world when you haven’t had a chance to tap into that yet? How can you pour into other cups when your own cup is empty? I’m not immune to mom guilt, but it wasn’t until this beautiful mentor of mine put my mindsets about motherhood, about female leadership, and about giving to others in the simplest of terms that I understood what giving of myself truly meant. I cannot serve my daughters, guide my sisters, support my husband, or lead a movement unless my cup is full. I must take care of myself, serve myself, honor myself first before I can even begin to give of myself. This is true for mothers of all ages, too. While I’ve been on my own for quite some time now, I feel supported whenever my mom goes to the gym; eats healthy,
The greatest thing we can give anyone we love is to lead a life that makes us vibrant and happy. Taking care of you, sister, is taking care of those you are most deeply connected to.
By moving, eating healing foods, and connecting your mindset to your soul’s calling, you’re removing that burden of later- in-life care from their shoulders and placing it on your own. You’re in control of your destiny and how you care for others. You’re carrying that burden for them and teaching them to do the same for those they love.
Danette May’s Lotus Journal
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