tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post2589919020882153391..comments2024-01-18T00:32:55.427-06:00Comments on my cozy book nook: Life is a Verb: Week 4Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-28639782761597845392010-06-29T18:28:32.429-05:002010-06-29T18:28:32.429-05:00I used to put the needs of my family and close fri...I used to put the needs of my family and close friends before me. I read and heard a lot of pep talk of how it was important of think of oneself, but I've believed that was selfish. And then, I moved out of home to start working. For four years now, I've been my own master (or mistress), and it feels awesome not to worry about another person. Over time, I think I have become a bit selfish, at least my best friend tells me that. So I've managed to balance things out for me. I still do have ground rules for myself, but I now don't have issues being a bit selfish once in a while.Athirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03366654538383603004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-41369114006179750812010-06-26T21:48:17.823-05:002010-06-26T21:48:17.823-05:00I think that caretakers (of children or of parents...I think that caretakers (of children or of parents) have to be selfish at points ... if not, you will have nothing left to give. As with everything else, the key is balance and moderation.Jennershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08044537551139633301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-66444352713409645142010-06-26T07:35:13.376-05:002010-06-26T07:35:13.376-05:00Just a note to say that I've been following yo...Just a note to say that I've been following your journey through these posts. I don't usually have much to add, but I'm rooting for you.Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-70395588427535975612010-06-25T15:30:35.362-05:002010-06-25T15:30:35.362-05:00I can absolutely relate. If I could get rid of mo...I can absolutely relate. If I could get rid of mother and daughter guilt, my life would be so much easier. And when you have an elderly parent to take care of it is very difficult to think about yourself. I try to find pockets of time when I can be "selfish". Sometimes I have more time than others. But that time is precious!Kathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01739982274914536036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-30355268693407375462010-06-24T16:02:49.608-05:002010-06-24T16:02:49.608-05:00Molly, your post topic is perfect for me at this t...Molly, your post topic is perfect for me at this time. It was very thought provoking and I can feel your struggle with what is the best thing to do this summer for yourself given your responsibilities and also your wishes for personal space and time. I feel that I understand so well.<br /><br />I think I must get this book and ponder on the topics as well. Now that my time for parent-care is at an end, I have been struggling with what is next. I was struck by the portion of the quote here:<br /><br />"Sometimes I wonder if taking care of others - saving others - isn't simply a diversion from saving ourselves. If I focus on you, I don't have to focus on myself."<br /><br />I must think on this. For the last few years, as I was caring for and supporting my parents emotionally, everyone kept telling me to take time for myself. It was hard though. My mother, while a wonderful woman, just did not teach me that. For her, life was serving others. In a good way, but serving. Not for one second thinking of oneself. <br /><br />Again, my gratitude for you being brave enough to share this with all of us. I am most appreciative.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-56826782650797596132010-06-24T15:36:47.923-05:002010-06-24T15:36:47.923-05:00I'm thoroughly enjoying your weekly meditation...I'm thoroughly enjoying your weekly meditations on this book. I'm also finding the website you recommended helpful as well.Margothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07422981969760935118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-83959847994871280282010-06-24T10:14:00.670-05:002010-06-24T10:14:00.670-05:00This is a lovely and insightful post, Molly. I lik...This is a lovely and insightful post, Molly. I like what you said about the past and future...like you, I don't live with regrets even though there are things in the past which were painful...in many ways, they made me what I am today.<br /><br />I also think it is important to take care of ourselves...and no, I don't think that is selfish. In search and rescue (or any emergency situation) we are always taught "scene safety"...ie: do not enter a scene which is not safe for yourself...because if you are not taken care of, you can not take care of others. I think this works in life everywhere. If we don't honor our own needs, we cannot meet the needs of others. <br /><br />Thanks for a thoughtful post, Molly - it made me think and reflect this morning.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14332796775305098552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-91519596292587328432010-06-24T08:58:19.536-05:002010-06-24T08:58:19.536-05:00What a wonderful meditation. I've had this boo...What a wonderful meditation. I've had this book on my wishlist for a couple years now. Maybe I should follow your suit and use it to reflect/ regroup this summer. Thanks for the inspiration.Mrs. DeRapshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17412356257110198452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-49981383429442967822010-06-24T08:08:56.350-05:002010-06-24T08:08:56.350-05:00I believe people drive themselves to early graves ...I believe people drive themselves to early graves by not remembering themselves once in awhile. Many think that by sacrificing their own selves and tending to others 24/7, that it makes them holier and most Christ-like. I honestly don't see it that way. We have to be at peace with ourselves in order to do that. I've never been the least bit guilty about blocking out time for me, even if it is just a hot bath at night, going out with a girlfriend, or an hour out by the pool.Sandy Nawrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736127069847988207.post-34989750882660241422010-06-24T05:50:55.868-05:002010-06-24T05:50:55.868-05:00I always try to make time for myself. As I keep t...I always try to make time for myself. As I keep telling my kids, I wasn't put on this earth to constantly serve others. I really do think time to ourselves is important. We are entitled to it and we shouldn't feel guilty.serendipity_vivhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07156013023056026525noreply@blogger.com