Learning To Be A Friend To Yourself

If we are everything to everyone, does that leave enough time and energy to take care of ourselves. In living a compassionate life, we strive to be loving and supportive to all others, but in doing this we forget that this includes nurturing ourselves. Would we even recognize the signs that we are being depleted before it's too late? What if we were to care for ourselves as we care for those in need or in pain? When we ourselves become physically ill or emotionally exhausted, of what use are we to others then. We are no different than anyone else, we all need to be loved and cared for. Today, treat yourself as if you were your own best friend. Speak respectfully, listen intently, and give yourself the encouragement you need. You are a child of the universe like everyone else. You deserve to live a life surrounded by loving hands, including your own. 

Sometimes it takes getting used to something unfamiliar to us...

(These beautiful artichokes were found at
the Portland State University Farmer's Market)