Dialogue Invitation

I have the opportunity to talk about Healthy Self-Care this week at a presentation.  I found a new book - Oil for Your Lamp, Women Taking Care of Themselves.  To begin, a poem:
    
Women who Light Up the World
by BJ Gallagher

We are women
who light up the world --
with our beauty, our creativity, our intelligence and charm.
Our eyes sparkle as we talk and laugh among ourselves.
Our smiles radiated warmth and comfort to those who love us.
Our faces beam happily when we're engaged in fulfilling work.
We shine, we illuminate, we enlighten, we dazzle.
We glow softly when contented - and burn brightly when passionate.
We are always lighting up the world, one way or another.
but who's the keeper of the flame?
Who will fill our lamps in order for us to light up the world?
We must do it for ourselves, dear sisters -- and for each other.
We must fill our own lamps first, not last.
We must commit to our own well-being and self-care,
lest our oil run low and our flames flicker out.
For a woman whose flame has extinguished can no longer fulfill her mission in life --lighting up the world.
So take some time, sweet sisters, to rest, recoup, relax, and regroup.
Take time to fill your lamp.
The world needs your flame -- but first, you need your oil.