the word

today's word comes from an installment of the daily love, a source of inspiration and motivation a sistafriend recently hipped me to. we thought this was worth posting in its entirety.

I don't know about you, but there are many times when I tend to put other people ahead of myself.

In the past I've done this to my own detriment and then I've been angry when there is not love, attention, energy or money left for me. Then, after I'm angry, I started to blame the other person for doing something "to me".

This way of thinking comes from an older and out-dated version of myself. Today, I make sure that my needs are met. I make sure I am putting my health, my wealth and my best interests first so that I can have a proper foundation. It's only after having a proper foundation and reserve of love, money and health that I can begin to give these things away to others.

Paradoxically, however, part of filling myself up with love is being of service to others. Everything I do and create is done so because I believe in inspiration. I believe that everyone should live their own version of an inspired life and not be held hostage by their fears. I believe that love conquers hate and that every person in their heart of hearts wants to love and be loved. So I created my own expression to relate what I believe to the world.

And the world gave back. In this giving back, I am filled up with even more to give away.

So, at the same time, what I've found is that I must give to myself, so I have more to give away. And the best way to give to myself is to be of service and value to other people.

This is the true nature of loving yourself. Knowing that your needs must be met and, at the same time, knowing that being of service is one of the fastest ways to fill yourself up. There is no 100% correct black and white answer. Every person must find the balance of healthy selfishness with healthy service. Once this balance is found an EXTRAORDINARY life will follow.

How can you show up more for yourself today?
How can you show up more for others?
[emphasis added]

be good friends, beloveds. be blissful lovers.  but don't forget to be good to yourselves.

peace & blessings!