Self-Care Journey Month 18

 

 

I can’t believe half the year is over. It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure. When I look back at January and how my life was upended, it feels like a lifetime ago. I’ve changed a lot in these last six months. Mostly, because I wanted to, I sought it. I’ve spoken about intuition and how important it is to listen to what our hearts tell us. I’ve also touched on finding love again—and losing it again. As well as the blame we put on ourselves.

These six months have been a journey of awakening for me. I’ve not only come to be at peace with the past, but accepted the roles I played. Everything that happened, every decision I made, every word I spoke, has led me to this place. Some might look back and have regrets. I don’t. My 18 year marriage is gone, but I have two amazing children I wouldn’t trade for anything, not even the heartache I suffered. My second relationship might be over, but I discovered so much about myself that I wouldn’t otherwise have. Through it all, I became what others wanted me to be. I’ve tried to find my own way, and faltered frequently. (oh, so many fails) I’ve stood on my own, and then changed again.

Only to find myself right here, right now. In a place I never saw myself.

I say that because the other day I was on the phone with a friend I hadn’t spoken with in quite some time. We texted and emailed but didn’t have any conversations on the phone until last week. The first thing she said was, “You sound happy. I’ve never heard you sound this happy before.”

And that’s when it hit me. I am happy. Really, truly happy.

Life isn’t perfect. I have some health issues (as most of us do), but I wake each day with a smile, eager to see what it holds. I embrace each day as something new and beautiful. I take a lot of self-care time. Yes, I’m still a workaholic, but I know when I need a rest, and I take it. When I stopped to think about what she said, I stepped back to see what had changed. Everything had changed. No longer was I doing things for someone else. I was doing them for me.

All the things I’d been interested in, but for whatever reason didn’t look into them much further, I’m doing now. I’m following my heart in all ways. Not just the people I spend time with, but the things I do all the way to what I eat. The only person I have to please is myself. It’s been…well, it’s difficult to find the words to express this peaceful, calming feeling. I’m in a place that I thought would take me years to get to. I don’t want to make light of it, because it’s not been an easy road. I’ve had to work to get where I am. Many tears, many questions, many fists raised in frustration. But I didn’t give up. I listened to what my soul was urging, and it didn’t disappoint. The work might have been brutal, but it was worth it. Just as I’ll have to work to stay here.

My first step was listening to my intuition and actually doing something. We are writers of our destiny. We have the ability to change things if we’re not happy. It’s discovering what we aren’t happy with that can sometimes be the hardest part. But at the end of the day, the only person who can make us happy is ourselves.  And if we can’t make ourselves happy, how in the world can we make anyone else happy?

There is pleasure and happiness all around us. Take the time each day and find something, even if it’s just one thing—a flower, a dragonfly, a text from a friend, or the shapes in the clouds. Growth is painful. Change is terrifying. But the end result is wondrous.

I’ve spent years writing about heroines who are strong and capable of anything. It took me entirely too long to realize I was a heroine. You are that strong, too!

Maybe because Brit’s in the news lately. Maybe because this woman has been through Hell and back and should be able to make her own decisions, but I felt this song fitting for all of us.

 

 

xoxox,

DG

 

There is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky. And you ask, “what if I fall?”

“Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”

~ Erin Hanson

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8 Comments

  1. Janice on July 6, 2021 at 11:55 am

    I appreciate that you’ve included your journey in your emails. I’m also on a similar journey. Thank you.

    • Donna on July 6, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      Good luck! 🙂

  2. Lisa Salh on July 6, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    I love reading your books and look forward to the next coming out. Reading your blog made me feel happy and sad for you at the same time. You never know what people are going through and always assume they have a perfect life. I’m so happy for you that you have reached a place in your life you are happy with. Having recently been made redundant I’ve gone through a time of reflection myself and have come out on the other side feeling more content with life. I’ve gone back to a long lost love of painting and look forward to each day.

    I have decided to paint a dragonfly as this called to me when reading your thoughts as they appear delicate but are a strong and beautiful insect.

    I look forward to reading many more of your beautiful books.

    • Donna on July 6, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      Good for you, sweetie! OMG. Dragonflies are my favorite! I love that you got that image from reading the blog. 🙂

  3. Michelle on July 6, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Your inner strength is an inspiration and it truly sounds as if you have emerged stronger and happier. I’m sorry you had to go through it all to get to where you are now but I personally think you are amazing! Keep being you, sending big hugs! xx

    • Donna on July 6, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      Thank you so much!!

  4. Dianna on July 6, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Donna, your a strong woman and are capable of great things. Please never give in to the doubts that have surely crossed your mind once or twice. You call all the shots with or without a significant other. This is your time to shine and girl you sparkle!

    • Donna on July 7, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      🙂 You are too sweet. Thank you!!

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