The gift

Sunday thoughts

“The gift”, image by me. My hand, my crystal.

The image above has crystal work. The heart is snowflake obsidian. It can be used to bring hidden emotions to the surface for healing and to calm stressful mental patterns. Obsidian is a hard volcanic glass, forged in the heat of the earth’s core as it comes to the surface. I appreciate its strength, and the flecks of light in the dark. The background is rose quartz. This popular pink stone is known as the “stone of unconditional love,” and is used to promote self-compassion, inner peace, and emotional healing. Its pretty pink color is so soothing. I appreciate its gentleness.

A while ago I saw the following graphic on social media. I liked the ideas and saved it. Recently, I thought I would do a post on it. I like to verify the source when I cite it. I contacted the writer S. C. Lourie, and she confirmed that she wrote it. It hasn’t been published, but you can see her work on Instagram under the title butterfliesandpebbles. Link to Lourie on Instagram

The picture below is what she wrote. The thoughts which follow are mine, inspired by the quote.

I agree with Lourie’s statement. Good friendship is based on mutual intentions to give and to receive. Trust, respect, and appreciation are key elements. Relationships where one person is always giving are imbalanced and may become problematic. It is a sign of self-respect and a sense of self-worth to expect appreciation from at least the perceptive few.

But the perceptive few are sometimes hard to find. And circumstances change in people’s lives.

I have learned that the one constant in my life is ME. This is not narcissism, it is a realistic assessment. I enjoy having friends, acknowledging the worth and gifts of others, appreciating them, and giving to them. But if I wait for others to reciprocate, I may be waiting a long time. I may grow disappointed and sad. I may be impatient.

Today I can give myself love, acknowledgement, care, and affirmation. As much as I need, I will give. I do this for others: I am learning to do it for myself. I am reliable for others. Why not be reliable for myself?

Something I have learned during counseling is the “oxygen mask strategy.” The analogy is a safety procedure in aircraft. First you need to take care of yourself. Only from that secure position can you begin to give to others.

Writing this blog today was a form of self-care. Sharing it with you is my gift to you.