Transformation Part 2

Let me be honest and tell you that some of the things that I have been able to do for myself came at a time that I could do them. If these opportunities had come when my son was younger or when my dad was sick I probably wouldn’t have chosen me. There are a countless number of times that I chose other’s needs over my own. I didn’t choose me when volunteering at Jeremy’s school and a parent or teacher asked me to do one more thing. I didn’t choose me when I had plans but a family member or friend asked me to do something for them. I didn’t choose me when I was exhausted but someone asked me to do a favor and I did it. I did not choose me during my marriage when I turned a blind eye to lies and deceit for the sake of not wanting to fail.

In the past I thought I was being helpful, and I was, but I was not setting boundaries. My son is in college and that frees up a lot of time. I do not work so I am able to be more intentional about how I use my time. Losing my dad freed me in a different way. He told me before he passed that I wouldn’t have to take care of him anymore, instead he wanted me to take care of myself. I didn’t realize the magnitude of that statement until I just typed it.

I turned 49 before I ever traveled alone. For my 49th birthday I took myself on a weekend getaway. It was the best experience! I dipped in the ice pool and that was an experience I will not forget. I read an entire book in one day. It had been years since I was focused enough to do that. I even had teletherapy while sitting in nature. I definitely want to make this an annual event!

Travel has been a big part of this year for me. A dear friend turned 50 and on a dime I packed my bags and was ready to go to the Bahamas. This may not seem like a big deal but for me it was huge for 2 reasons. The first reason is there were a number of people going on the trip that I did not know. I have social anxiety so I often need a way out. I not only loved every minute with these wonderful people but I tried new adventures with them! I went jet skiing and parasailing for the first time. Both of these activities were so much fun.

My latest out of the box experience was an actual transformation. I worked with the SheThoro team to have a transformation experience (www.SheThoro.com). I received flowers, had a fitting for some fabulous outfits, and got my hair and makeup done. All of that was great but the true transformation came as I was getting ready and taking photos. A Thoro team member asked me several questions over the course of the shoot. One of the questions was what the experience meant to me. My response was so natural and so very sincere. The experience validated my worth. I am worth the time and effort that it took to make it happen. I am worth the money spent to make my transformation take place. There have been so many times in my life that I have chosen others over myself. I have come to realize throughout this year that I am worth choosing, and so are you!