LOVE. So many kinds and love is kind and patient but also can be blind and painful. Did you know that you can love someone but not like them. Or even be around them?

We forget this sometimes and it is important to know that sometimes love is the act towards ourselves; to choose to step away from someones hurt and abuse. Maybe it is someone who always finds you at fault all the time. We can shift this and instead we can step away from it. In recovery we talk about this a lot as letting someone hit their bottom. It is hard because it can mean watching someone you love hurt themselves. The reason for the step back was that you needed to love and honor yourself, but also because if you aren't there to be their reason or excuse, they may have to face some hard truths about themselves. This doesn't happen fast especially if they find others to take your place. But trust - in the end it isn't what you can do for them that mattered. Instead you needed to see that your job in life wasn't to take care of them.

Think about that phrase "not my job". I use it a lot because I would loose hope and spin out of control. But that is not my job. It doesn't mean I can't help others or be a mentor, as there is much satisfaction and reward in doing so; just don't get lost in the act of giving. I have to allow myself time to enjoy life, experience love and kindness. Discover my reasons for living and helping everyone is not my sole purpose or responsibility.

Consider this the next time you are putting other things or people ahead of your wellbeing. Occasionally sure. But is it more regular than that? How many missed yoga classes have you had? Are you pulling another late night to get some work done? Did you skip eating to take care of someone else? Did your family watch another new movie without you there? Are you working more than enjoying your life? If yes to any of these it is time to find some balance and you have to be honest enough to admit this and take action. This is love.

I lovingly hope to see you log on to a class and if not....

...be sure to "Have a good day for no reason!"

---Paige