My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Monday, February 21, 2011

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.

8 comments:

Lucent Imagery said...

Perfect words that will ring true universally. Best of luck with the presentation!

Beth and Alfie said...

What a timely message...the lamp metaphor is a great one!

Married In Chicago said...

What a beautiful poem! All to often women put themselves last and I think this is a wonderful reminder that it is important to take care of ourselves!

Infrequent Flyers said...

I like that the poem says that we fill our own lamps and also each others'. You have helped me keep me lighted, Becky!

Maxmom said...

Thank you, Becky!
With love
MAXMOM IN SA

Beth Finke said...

When is your presentation? Your audience is lucky to have you as a presenter, they will leave the session with their lamps full.

3 labs 4 me said...

Love this. Thanks!

wendy said...

good poem
I guess we really can't GIVE from something that is EMPTY