The Beautiful You

As I was entering the public library I ran into one of the parents from my son's school.  Before saying hello her response was "what are you all dressed up for?".  Mind you I had just freshly showered and changed into clean clothes (a regular practice for me) so I probably had that shinny new penny look about me.

I started to think what an odd question to ask.  Although I really think the parent had another thing in mind when asking but that is another posting.  While I did not answer her question, I know that for most there has to be a reason to "dress up". I was not in anything fancy (although my blouse did have ruffles) yet the comment was made.  For many mothers with young children, brushing your hair or putting on lip gloss before going out is a big step.

I am hear to tell you the frumpy mom look is soooo last centry.  For real.  No seriously.

Think of how you feel when you walk pass a mirror and see a vibrant reflection of you.  If you could high five yourself  you would.  So why the stained t-shirt and run down shoes?  There is no valor in going without a shower and not combing your hair.  This is not for anyone but you.  If your mate or someone on the street likes what you have done that is just extra.  Stop whinning that you don't have time or it takes to much effort and start reminding yourself that you are worth the time and the effort.

Beyond the fact that you are worth the effort is the message we send to the world and to our children.  This is not a shallow posting about what everyone else says is the "in thing".  Self care is one of the healthiest things we can pass on to our children.  Especially now as there are more and more messages that are not necessarily healthy in their approach to how we care for ourselves in the midst of daily living.  We are our children's first teacher in all facets of life...including how we care for our selves.

Today is a very good day to begin to honor yourself and the beautiful packaging God gave you!

Radical Hospitality

It is easy to hospitable on your own terms. However to practice Radical Hospitality forces you out of a space where you control everything into a place where you have to accept what comes your way - unconditionally.

This is where my daily journey has taken me.  My Neighbor and her two young children have found a variety of ways to invite themselves over for lunch, dinner, snacks, and kitchen necessities (charcoal, foil, oil, etc.).  It does not matter who is here when they come over and the children seem to have no issue with taking out games/puzzles and leaving the pieces out. This is the point where you start asking questions to get a better understanding... Let me stop you there.  It doesn't rally matter because in order for me to practice Radical Hospitality, the rest just doesn't matter AND THAT'S WHAT'S SO RADICAL.

It is interesting anytime I mention the situation with my neighbors to friends.  I have not shared this story with many (blogging doesn't count) and yet I don't recall anyone being very radical in their opinion.  Very few of us who are comfortable in our living really understand the concept of true hospitality.  Most of us are very territorial when it comes to who enters our living space and how far they push the boundaries.

Here's what the art of Radical Hospitality says to me;

• Accept people where they are not where I want them to be
• See God in them and recognize the divinity of each living being
• Place more value on the human experience and less on the material wealth (my things)
• No matter how challenging the situation, unconditional love is the motivation for all I do

With this in mind, I believe the universe is abundant enough to care for all our needs and therefore I need not horde anything I currently possess!