As women, we are busy taking care of everyone else. We often lose
sight of our own importance. On a daily and sometimes yearly basis,
we allow ourselves to be last. We do not make it a priority to take care
of ourselves.
When I first separated from my ex-husband, I lost sight of my
importance. I forgot that I mattered. It’s easy to disregard yourself
when you feel neglected. Yes, I went through the motions of everyday
living, but there was no joy or abundant living.
During this time, my Bishop would say to me, “Your best is yet to
come.” I was so drained that I couldn’t muster a nod in agreement. You
see, my vitality was waning. Slowly, I was losing my version of my own
essentialism.
Ironically, my dog Sampson
kept me going. He made me
get outside in the sunshine.
He made me interact with
other dog owners. He was
a great companion. I didn’t
feel alone because of him.
Unless you are a dog person,
then it may sound weird. Yet,
when you are responsible
for the well-being of others
it becomes bigger than you.
I was essential to Sampson’s
well-being and he was
essential to mine.
In August of 2016 Sampson was euthanized, or put to death. That was
by far one of the hardest things I had ever done. However, the lessons I
learned along the way helped me realize that I am not only essential to
him but I am essential to me.
Self-revitalization just like urban revitalization is based less on
destruction and more on renovation and investment. The four (4) steps
needed for revitalization include the following:
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