Tag: self worth

Pamplemousse et pastèque

Sometimes language fails me. Sometimes there are just no words to express the feeling, the experience, the thoughts.

For the life of me I couldn’t remember what ‘watermelon’ was in French! I have been speaking French for most of my lifetime and yet the word escaped me.

I don’t think I know much of anything about ‘la vie douce‘ except for my personal experience. I don’t have a magic wand or a secret formula that can solve everyone’s woes.

It is hard to write about something from a place of loss or ignorance or pain. But of late the acronym KISS has been on my mind… keep it simple ‘sweetie’ or ‘stupid’ for those who like to call a spade a spade… 😜

I have the privilege as a foster mom to babies to see physical development at its very beginning. I get to see first smiles, hear first words, see first steps. Everything has to have a beginning. We all have to start somewhere. Baby steps.

I’ve been on a path of wellness as I recognize that as I age I need to not take my body for granted. I have young ones depending on me. More importantly, I need to care for myself well as I can’t keep serving these young ones, my family, my friends, my church, my community from a continuously empty tank.

La vie douce— my baby step— my sweet life for today consists of sitting down to put this rambling here. My baby step involves doing so from a place of openness, recognizing I have a lot to learn. Knowing that I am but a lump of clay being formed into something beautiful by my Creator. I am seeking Him as I breathe in the warm breeze and feel the gentle wind on my face. He is good. All the works of His hands are good.

And so today, I breathe Him in. Today He is my everything and the key to the sweet life I crave.

Mes douleurs de croissance

Anything worthwhile doing requires some level of discomfort. Growing pains are simply a signal that we are on the right path.

We are made to stretch. There is a reason many of us get a restlessness in us. Restlessness occurs when we aren’t being obedient to the call in our daily lives that compels us towards loving kindness and goodness towards others (and ourselves) in our present circumstances.

It is countercultural but I always prefer to err on the side of Jesus.

La vie douce occurs when we live by this very simple instruction:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself.”

It is as easy (or as difficult) as that.

Growth=stretching=more growth=more stretching

La mauvaise taille

I love t-shirts that have funny or empowering phrases on them.

I tried one on this morning that just plain didn’t fit… not just in size but in principle. I am so thankful. I am thankful that not every shirt fits.

I am thankful that not every impulsive idea I have pans out.

I am thankful that not every job I have worked has been ideal.

I am so very thankful that not every way I have defined my worth has been true.

La vie douce becomes our present reality through daily putting one foot in front of the other and embracing the day. Embracing the day no matter what it brings; because each moment, each step is a teachable moment.

Our lives are NOT to be like that inspirationally sized pair of skinny jeans we keep in the back of our closets. Who I am right now, and my life right now… it. is. enough. I. am. enough.

Tapenade et les pistaches

I think I am forever spoiled by my former life of living in such close proximity to the bounties of nature.

I have learned and then subsequently forgotten the fine art of seasonal eating. Today, I remembered.

Fresh figs are currently available at my local store. These bejewelled beauties regally adorned my baby arugula salad. I added a leftover bbq chicken thigh, some goat cheese and a handful of freshly shelled pistachios. My dressing… salt, pepper and avocado oil. Voila!!!

La vie douce, the sweet life does not overcomplicate. La vie douce can be as simple as taking stock of your resources (in this case my fridge contents) and making it into something beautiful… a feast for the senses!

What are you overlooking today? Have you been sidelined thinking you are not enough or that you don’t have enough? Not skinny enough? Not smart enough? Not loveable? Unworthy? What other lie have you been telling yourself? What other false belief has the world been giving you?

Let me assure you. You. Are. Enough. The simplicity of who you are is what makes you beautiful! Take stock. I am confident you will discover I am right.