Water Your Flowers

Recently, a friend sent me an inspirational message about watering your own flowers. No not your flowers outside, I am in the midwest and its winter. But theoretical flowers you are given by others in the form of compliments. 

This post hit me hard. It was about someone receiving a compliment and brushing it off. We have all done it, let's be real. However, when the person receiving the compliment began to deflect, the person giving the compliment stated "I'm gonna give you your flowers, you can water them or not."

Now this person who sent me this is someone who can NEVER take a compliment. She truly thinks she does not deserve them and I'll admit, I often relate to her in this area. When people compliment me I always wonder if they really mean what they are saying or if they are saying it just to be nice. However when people compliment her and she deflects them, I don't understand. All I see is a badass mom, a genuinely good person, and one of the absolute best friends I have ever had. That got me thinking, when I compliment her, I truly mean it. So why is it that I think when people compliment me, they aren't being truthful?

Also, when I first read this post, I thought it came off a bit harsh. Almost like a "take it or leave it" kind of phrase. But the more I thought about it the deeper it became for me. They're right. It's not their job to water my flowers. They can give me flowers, they can show me where to get flowers, they can even help me plant them. But no one can water my flowers and make them grow except for me. I have to buy into my flowers and take the time to water and nurture them

I feel like for moms especially, this should resonate. I give and I get theoretical flowers all of the time. Actually, I started this blog because of one (thanks Jenn). But normally when I get these flowers, I forget to water them and they wilt. All of these nice words that are being given out are just fading away because I am not taking the time to water them and make them into affirmations for myself. 

I am creative. I am a good mom. I am somehow keeping it together with two small children and school. 

These are all flowers that have been given to me in the last two weeks by family and friends. This year, instead of letting my flowers wilt, I'm going to water them. You should too. After all we have tiny humans watching us and we want them to grow a nice healthy garden, right?




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