Week 22 : Self – Compassion is the New Black
Twenty-Two weeks ago I made the commitment to honor my mother, and explore my heart, by converting (or duplicating) one of my mother’s recipes every week for a year. Not even half way into the project and I’ve hit a bump…I AM ABSOLUTELY EXHAUSTED and need to be kind to myself this week. Over the past year I’ve done what any menopausal-empty-nest mom worth her weight in goldfish crackers and band-aids does…take a journey into SELF. With the help of great books, videos and community, I’ve learned self-compassion. I’ve learned how to say, “no” when needed and a resounding, “YES!” to what I need to be healthy and strong.
This week I said “NO” to cooking a 52 Saturdays recipe (although there is an original recipe at the end for next week) and “YES” to some Nana sappiness by posting this incredible note my mom wrote for Kara (my first born) upon her arrival. I share it in honor of Kara’s amazing pregnancy and birth journey into Motherhood.
In case you can’t read from the image…
Happy Birth Day, Kara!
I hope one day you will come to love words as much as I do. Pretty words like Heather; in it’s very sound you can smell the sweet lavender flowers of the moors of England and highlands of Scotland. Funny words like guzzle or ugly words like haggle or joy-filled words like jingle. Words are like thousands of pieces on a giant game board-they can be moved around to lose or win. They can help us to make friends or used harshly, they can make enemies. They can make known our care and concern for others or show our indifference. They can add venom to our hate or lead us toward peace; they can teach us to play and pray. Words can give meaning to a song, tell us a story, speak of our joy, but best of all, words can give voice to the love in our hearts. Learn many words: play with them, love them, use them well and wisely. One day you may become a wordsmith. In this book, I hope you will find words that give you joy-Just as you’re coming added so much joy to my life.
I love you well, Kara! Nana
Re-reading this the other day turned this emotional Nana into a sobbing mess. My mother was such a bright and brilliant spirit and Kara did become a wordsmith with her amazing songwriting…her Nana would be proud!
Week 22 Recipe Pick
Mexican Chef Salad
Alex’s (my second child) birthday is in a few days and Taco Salad is one of his favorites!
Many years ago I modified my mom’s salad and it’s been a hit ever since.
See you next week!
absolutely lovely, Kit. what a gift to have those words written from your mother to her grandchild. I have only memories of conversations and those do fade over time!
I’ve never seen this note from Mom. She did have a way with words, probably because she loved them so much. I can imagine how re-reading her note to Kara at this moment in time would pull at your heart strings. It did for me, too. So sad she wasn’t around longer to enjoy her Grandchildren, something she wanted so much to do.
I’m glad you took the week off. Maintaining the schedule you set out to do was aggressive. You’ve done an amazing job of it so far. How about renaming it “26 Weeks…”? Every two weeks sounds so much more manageable. 😊