Maybe?

Have you ever felt like you have absolutely nothing left to give? I've felt this way for a long time now. Can you relate?

Maybe I got burnt out because I put others first at the expense of my own well-being. I've never been very good at balance! So after years and years of giving and taking all the fault for things going wrong, I shut down. I stopped giving, detached, and pitied my wounded heart. It became about healing myself and taking care of me. But then I went completely overboard with that. Good came out of this time, as I truly learned to love myself and fight for what I deserve as God's girl! But a lot of bad has come out of it too.

I know I haven't been myself for far too long. I don't even recognize myself anymore, and there are many things I dislike about the life I'm living. I need to make some major changes, and they might be different than I thought before. I need to put God first, then others, then myself, all while not allowing myself to be mistreated. I need to stop fretting over what others say, think about myself, and stand strong in my true identity. Pain and fear have been holding me back, and I’ve been protecting my heart. I haven't been fair to the people I love. I've been confused, and my feelings fluctuate day to day.

So, let me get this right, finally!

• Put God first. Talk to Him, seek His guidance and will, stand in His strength. Trust that He has you and make Him proud of you!

• Go back to loving with your whole heart. Don't base it on fear or the ups and downs of life. You committed to your spouse, and you need to stay committed while also having boundaries to protect yourself. Go all in again. Give him what he needs. Take care of him. Put him above you. Don't worry about what comes back in return. Everything you need, God will give you.

• Love your enemies. Don't let them get to you. Stand firm in who God says you are, and go to bed proud of your actions every day. If someone hurts you, don't react. Understand that it's their problem, not yours. Pray for them and love them. Don't play their games. Be the you you've always been and let the rest go. Make yourself proud by being the bigger person.

• Don't be jealous of others. Be happy for your spouse when he gets the praise and love for being a wonderful grandfather. Don't let yourself come into any of this. You know you're a good grandma. You should not be seeking this recognition, praise, or validation. This is not what God wants from you. Love on people and be the best version of you. Let God fill you with love to pour out on others, regardless of what comes back to you.

• Take care of yourself. Set boundaries. Forgive your mistakes. Let go of guilt. Do the best you can. Nourish your body and move every day. Get out and share your beautiful smile with others. Feel the sun on your face and the ground under your feet.

• Keep moving forward. Let go of the past. Choose how you want to live the rest of your life.

• Shine! The world misses you and needs you! Never let anyone dull your sparkle again!

If you can relate, leave me a comment. You're not alone, my friend!