Note from Nicole ~ The Biggest Comeback

By Nicole Donnelly

The biggest comeback is making yourself happy again.

I saw that quote recently on Twitter and it struck me. As a wife, a mom, a friend, a sister, daughter, all the things... it was effortless for me to sink into a comfort zone over the past however-many-years that allowed me to make everyone else happy before myself.

As women, we generally do that, right? We work, keep a tidy house, be completely present for our children, have empty hampers, be a loving spouse, stay fit, cook, entertain our families, be the keepers of the household schedule, etc etc etc.

I vowed to myself earlier this year to begin choosing myself. Doing things that make me happy. Choosing things, people, experiences that will bring me happiness, even if it means it's not what everyone else in my life would choose.

Last week, that meant being selfish enough to bow out of a family event with my husband and kids to take time for myself to destress. The week before, I took a day off work and spend the entire day doing things for myself - sat in a sauna, did a float session, went to lunch alone, read my book.

I'll tell you what. It hasn't been easy, and I'm sure it will continue to be a challenge for awhile. Things are starting to look different for me and even for my family. Mama can't pour from an empty cup, and if I am not taking care of myself and my happiness, then I am in no shape to help them take care of theirs.

I'd like to think that making small (and big) changes in myself, acknowledging that I am worth being happy, understanding that I deserve it, and recognizing that I am a pretty amazing person who can demand happiness will all contribute to a better quality of life for myself. (Thanks, therapy, for your help with this!)

Whether you're taking baby steps or big steps, take the step. You don't have to rush. But I promise you, you'll be happy you did.

And isn't happiness what life is all about?

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Nicole

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