I typically do my own manicure and pedicure because I always seem to get someone who butchers my cuticles and they always make me bleed. Plus, I am very frugal with my money. On Saturday afternoon, I began removing my nail polish, but I was exhausted and realized I did not have the energy to work on my hands and feet. A kind friend of mine offered to pay to pamper me, so I went ahead and took advantage of his kind gesture (I'm learning to accept gifts - this is very difficult for me for some strange reason). When I arrived at the nail salon, I signed in and they took me back right away. Then a beautiful young lady named Celine pulled up a chair and began small talk while my feet soaked. She complimented my skin and asked what products I use; I don't use any. Good genes I guess! She asked about the holidays and I was honest with her, I don't like the holidays. Sadly, they are still very difficult for me. I just take it one day at a time. Most days are good, but I still have my moments and if you're thinking "it's been so long" yes it has been and excuse me for being human. Celine must've sensed something and I noticed she became very focused on my words so I tried to choose them wisely because I did not want to speak negatively about anyone. Either way, I shared a little bit about my life and sadly, she was able to relate which hurt me. A single mom with 2 kids just trying to make ends meet and the distance from family, etc. All in all, it was a beautiful conversation and in the end she asked if we could stay in touch. I was humbled and honored by her kind gesture and I thank God that my friend offered to help me which sent me to the salon to meet Celine. Moral of this piece of my blog; don't block your blessings. When someone offers to help you, take it! Then pay it forward however you can!
On Saturday night, I was hanging out with my girlfriends and I literally told them that I was tired. Tired of doing everything on my own and how I've been praying for God to send me a helpmate, someone who will be willing to do life with me. Single living is great and being strong and independent is awesome, but if I am completely honest, it can be exhausting! My full time job requires me to be a decision maker; analyze and find root causes and make recommendations to resolve the issues. It is tedious work, but they look to me to find and fix issues and this can be mentally taxing. Ironically, Sunday morning came and I went to church and man did my Pastor have a word for me! The title of his sermon was No Days Off and you guessed it, it was about us being tired because we're doing too much. I love to exercise to release my emotions and increase my endorphins - it really works in case you're wondering. I try to workout at least 5 days a week in addition to my full time job, maintain my home, my mental sanity, pay my bills, have a social life, etc. When I tell you I am tired, I mean, I am exhausted that it hurts. This past summer, after 10 years, I finally decided to pay someone to handle my yard work for me because I just didn't have it in me to be out there in the heat mowing and raking. I am not old by any means, but not having help is taking its toll on me. Anyway, my pastor dropped so much wisdom on us and I took away some nuggets:
Your job doesn't care about you so it's your responsibility to take care of YOU! I knew this, but to hear him say it was the reminder I needed. I definitely need to take more time off from work.
Love your family and make time for them! He said he doesn't answer calls or texts on his day off and spends quality time with his wife and son. I think I might need to consider disconnecting from the world myself.
If you work with your mind, relax with your hands and if you work with your hands, relax with your mind! Read that again. My job is so mentally taxing, I guess that's why I love the gym so much. Body pump and spin class are awesome, but my true love is running. The pavement just does something for me.
As the years go by, I keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other with no days off, but God is good and I trust Him even though it seems like it's taking forever for something to happen. But I know God has not forgotten about me and His words give me life...
Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Lord, I will not give up, but I am tired...
