Do Unto Self

A few years ago, I started buying flowers for myself randomly. I love flowers. Something about them gets deep in my soul and secretes joy. That joy overflows, and it is just a good thing all around.

Why wait? 

I'm not married. I don't have a significant other, and it seems friends don't typically buy each other flowers for birthdays or holidays, let alone randomly. So I could choose to feel sorry for myself on Valentine's Day, my birthday, and all the days someone typically buys flowers for someone else, OR… I could do it for myself.

It felt good.

The first time I bought myself flowers was a warm spring day in Atlanta. I walked into Trader Joe's, and there they were. My eyes gazed upon them, and it was love at first sight! Tulips and Daffodils everywhere. Baby tulips in various colors and small bright yellow jonquils waiting for adoration. My heart lit up, choosing the ones I wanted and placing them in my shopping cart.

That was over ten years ago, and I still remember every detail. Why? Because it was a significant turning point in my life.

I no longer was going to wait for someone else to do what I could do for myself! 

I still buy flowers for myself all these years later. Once a month, as a matter of fact, I usually go to my favorite place on payday and indulge. There's something to be said about lovingkindness towards ourselves. I don't need to wait for what can bring me joy now.

When we put expectations on others, we lose a blessing for ourselves. Worse, we can end up with a lot of resentment and fragmented relationships due to unmet expectations.

Even in the shittiest of situations or circumstances, joy can still be found. So go after whatever brings you joy.

You're worth it.