Just Breathe

Like many people, I've spent my life taking care of others, being there for others, giving to others. While all that is good and has brought me many blessings and great joy, it has also caused me to at times (ok, many times) neglect myself. So, now in my 50's, I've been working on self-care, and yes, it has been tough. I'm getting better at it, though. I'm paying more attention to my physical and mental health. I'm drinking more water, spending time in quiet prayer each day, getting more sleep (but still not enough). I've taken up running and really am starting to enjoy it. I sometimes skip some at-home-work to enjoy a glass of wine, a bowl of popcorn, and a movie or favorite show. I've been blasting music in my car going to and from work. (I was always telling my girls to turn the radio down in the car. What was I thinking???) I give myself permission to take a walk or ride my bike or just sit on the patio with my feet up BEFORE I mow the lawn. I might treat myself to a bubble bath and put my pj's on by 7pm. I hope that in doing all these things and many more, I'm becoming the best ME I can be. It is my hope that I'm showing my daughters that it is not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it is necessary for our well-being, leads us to peace and joy, and helps us to take better care of others.

I used my creativity, love of paper crafting, and some of my favorite Stampin' Up! products to make this home decor piece for myself. I have it displayed in my house where I see it everyday. It's pretty, it's inspiring, and, most importantly, it reminds me to take time for self-care so that I can achieve my goal of being the best ME that I can be.

 Stampin' Up! Products Used

Good Morning Magnolia Bundle [151087] $63.75	Good Morning Magnolia Cling Stamp Set [149298] $36.00	Magnolia Memory Dies [149578] $35.00	Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper [149484] $11.50	Petal Pink 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Organdy Striped Ribbon [149441] $8.00
Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set [143726] $27.00	Country Home Photopolymer Stamp Set [147678] $21.00	Crafting Forever Clear-Mount Stamp Set [143958] $20.00	Daisy Lane Cling Stamp Set [149325] $23.00	Enjoy Life Photopolymer Stamp Set [148190] $25.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $7.50	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $8.75	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108] $7.50	Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146985] $8.75
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100730] $9.75	Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [148547] $9.00	So Saffron Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [149557] $9.00	Designer Elements [149586] $7.00	Pearl Basic Jewels [144219] $5.00
Paper Trimmer [152392] $25.00	1-3/8" (3.5 Cm) Scallop Circle Punch [146139] $16.00	1-1/2" (3.8 Cm) Circle Punch [138299] $16.00	Banner Triple Punch [138292] $23.00	Delightful Tag Topper Punch [149518] $23.00
Stitched Shapes Dies [145372] $30.00	Sponge Daubers [133773] $5.00	Paper Snips [103579] $10.00	Take Your Pick [144107] $10.00	Take Your Pick Putty Refill [150006] $3.50
Snail Adhesive [104332] $7.00	Snail Adhesive Refill [104331] $4.50	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.00	Mini Glue Dots [103683] $5.25
Simply Shammy [147042] $8.00