~~With the gift of listening comes the gift of healing because listening to your brothers or sisters until they have said the last words in their hearts is healing and consoling. Someone has said that it is possible "to listen a person's soul into existence".~~ Catherine de Hueck Doherty Doesn't sound like this quote has anything to do with quitting, does it? Actually, I learned this quote in victim advocacy training today. It reminded me of how much I love helping others. Helping others heal...helping others find their strength...helping others build their self-esteem. I heard that when you love what you do you never work a day in your life. I've been blessed to find my passion in helping others. But I've learned that in order to help others I had to find balance within myself. So I did. Two years ago this Thursday, I quit smoking. I learned to really take care of myself, nurture myself, and treat myself with the same kindness in which I treated everyone else. That was more of a struggle for me than actually quitting smoking because I wasn't used to putting myself first. But two years later I can say that I did it! Since I won't be online Thursday due to training, I am going to ask all my friends here to do something for me. On Thursday I would like you all to treat yourself kindly. Have that extra cup of coffee in the morning, buy yourself that pretty perfume, or treat yourself with an extra long walk in the park. Take some time on Thursday to get to know and like yourself, and never forget to celebrate your quit! I may not ever "listen a person's soul into existenceexistence" but I hope that I have helped you recognize your worth in your quit. You are perfect just the way you are! Unique and fabulous 🙂 Thank you all for helping me get to 2 remarkable years!! Hugs, Sheri
