N is for Nurture

by CurlyRed president and principal designer M. Kendall Ludwig

Nurture is a verb that means “care for and encourage the growth or development of.”

As we head into the colder weather, shorter days and the demands of the holiday season, the idea of nurturing ourselves or others may become difficult. When I get busy, I often put my needs last, or don't get to them at all. But as the saying goes: “You can't pour from an empty cup.” When we aren't caring well for ourselves, we're not giving our best to those around us.

Also, when life gets hectic, I'm also not as attentive as I'd like to be to the needs of our girls (ages 14 and 11). In all likeliness, they may only really need me and my husband for a few more years, so it's all the more reason that nurturing them should be a top priority.

It takes intentionality and sometimes saying “no” to social obligations to make space for nurturing. I don't enjoying saying no, especially to important, good things. But then I remind myself what I'm saying “yes” to, and that makes it easier.

May you find time and space to nurture yourself and your loved ones this holiday season, whatever that looks like to you.

__________

Monthly words to remember:

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”
― Marvin J. Ashton

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Custom illustration by CurlyRed junior designer Olivia O'Brien

Categories: 16 years of CurlyRed