“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, compassion, and respect to your own journey. Fill up your own cup, and let others fall in love with the overflow”
– Harry Styles
Hey Moms, how are you doing out there this time of year?
I don’t know about you, but winter can feel a little heavy for me at times. I do love the snow, hot cocoa, and spending time by the fire after a fun day of skiing. But the cold, shorter days can be tough sometimes, and I find myself wanting to stay in more. I tend to go inward, sometimes even to the point of isolating myself a little too much. And if I’m being honest, I sure do miss quality time with my 2 kiddos that are away at college, and my high school Senior who is gone most of the day. Maybe you’re feeling it too? That quiet in the house that once felt peaceful but now feels just a little too still…
If you are feeling this way, staying connected to your children in little ways can help. A quick text, a handwritten note, or a small care package filled with their favorite treats from home — just something to remind them that you are thinking of them and love them so much. I still remember receiving little surprises from my mom, and even if it was just a card or a few of my favorite snacks, it always made me feel so special. I’m also trying to soak up as much time as I can with my youngest while she is still under our roof. Snuggling up on the couch watching a movie with her has become a really nice weekly tradition, snacks and all. Spending as much time with her as I can while graduation day quickly approaches fills me with so much gratitude.
This time of year, I really do try and slow down and enjoy the simple things. As we step into this season of love, I hope you take a moment to send a little love to those babies of yours. No matter how old, or far away they are.
But while we’re busy sending love out, let’s not forget about another person who deserves just as much care and attention — you.
Take time to think about what your desires and needs are, and identify any gaps you may want to fill in your life. Maybe incorporate a new hobby, connect with an old friend, or make time to just sit and read. Really listen to what your body and heart are craving right now, and give yourself that gift. For me when I did this exercise, I discovered I really missed contributing to society and the work place, so I’m applying to jobs for the first time in several years! It’s a little nerve-racking, but I’m excited to see what’s out there. Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? ☺
Valentine’s Day is often centered around romantic love—roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. But what if, this year, we took a different approach? What if we used this time to check in with ourselves? As moms, nurturers, and givers, we’ve spent years pouring our love into our families, often leaving little time for our own needs. But love isn’t just about what we give to others. It’s also about what we give to ourselves.
Are You Receiving the Love You Need?
We often ask ourselves, “Am I giving enough love?” But how often do we pause to ask, “Am I receiving enough love?” Not just from our family or friends, but from ourselves?
When was the last time you:
- Did something purely for your own joy?
- Spoke to yourself with kindness instead of criticism?
- Set boundaries to protect your time and energy?
- Allowed yourself to rest without guilt?
- Sang out loud and danced in your kitchen?
- Took a nice, long hot bath or read a good book?
- Updated your resume? Or finally quit the job that no longer fulfills you?
Filling Your Cup: A Valentine’s Challenge
Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When we prioritize our well-being, we don’t just benefit ourselves; we become better partners, mothers, and friends. Love overflows from a full cup, not an empty one.
So, this Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to gift yourself love by:
♡ Taking 10 minutes to journal about what makes you feel truly valued, happy and alive.
♡ Doing one thing that brings you joy—just for you.
♡ Writing yourself a love letter. Yes, really! Tell yourself what you admire, appreciate, and love most about yourself.
You deserve love—both from the world and from yourself. And when you give yourself that love, you’ll be amazed at how much more you have to give.
Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful. Together, let’s make this next chapter one of our best.
P.S. Don’t forget to grab our special The Almost Empty Nester bundle. Grab your personalized, signed copy of The Almost Empty Nester paperback & the Reflection Journal!
We are going to have another Book Club in March 11th, so make sure to sign up here to secure your spot! And if you have a friend going through something similiar send this their way, or bring them along!
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