PRETTY PERSONAL

Pheona & Me
PART TWO
I found the perfect pot for my new friend, but I failed to buy potting soil. It wasn’t a huge deal because we had a few near-empty bags thrown in the back of our shed. As I poured the very dry soil into the pot, I instantly regretted not picking up the fresher soil that was parked next to the register. But dirt is dirt, right? I spoke to her as I transplanted her, assuring her that her new home was a lovely place. I know she’s just a plant, but it was hard to sound convincing when I wasn’t certain myself. The finished product was a tiny, frightened (I’m sure) plant being swallowed up by a big pot. I looked at her and said a quick prayer. Would she survive or die like the others?
When I awoke the next morning, I was surprised that she was still alive. I opened the drapes and greeted her with a warm “Hello”. I gently touched her small leaves and told her how beautiful she was. That became our morning ritual. I check her soil to make sure she doesn’t dry out or drown.
The reality is I have to do the same for myself. I’d been waffling between the two extremes far too long. One day I’d be so dry I could barely speak, then the next day, the floods would come in and I’d float away. I had a few choices to make, each one being harder than the next.
Just as I nourish Pheona by sweet words, a gentle touch and proper watering, I have to do the same for myself. I couldn’t wait for others to nurture me. Learning how to do it for myself on occasion has done wonders for the soul, and taken pressure off of everyone else. I may not see a single person during the course of the day who will say a kind word to me, and now, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that the sting isn’t there. It means that I am no longer bound by seeking validation from others.
The pot is now filled with tons of healthy green leaves, and it is just a matter of time before Pheona will need a much larger home in order to continue to grow. It is amazing to see how the two of us have grown. Just as my physical touch and care has helped Pheona, her quiet strength has encouraged me when I needed it.
Although I’ve only had Pheona for about 6 short months, she has become an inspiration and a good friend.


Two are better than one. Because they have a good reward for their labor.
~Ecc. 4:9

PRETTY PERSONAL

Pheona & Me

An unexpected friendship

PART ONE
I looked at her for several minutes. Dare I speak to her? She was small and fragile, but there was something about her that kept me from walking away. She wasn’t what most would consider striking, not even beautiful. She was cute, borderline pretty. She had potential. I still had serious reservations about befriending her. I had gone down that road before only to be heartbroken and disappointed. I was torn. Against my better judgment, I made the first move. No matter what happened, I wasn’t going to let it get to me. I held my hand out and reached for her. She willingly accepted my invitation and allowed me to place her in my cart. As we made our way to the checkout lane, we silently vowed to each other that we would give the relationship everything we could.
I was excited to introduce her to my family. But all she got from my husband was, “Nice knowing you.” You see, I have what you’d call a black thumb. Each and every plant I brought into the house died. When I say this, I’m not exaggerating. Over the years, I’ve killed several cacti and at least 4 ivy plants!
So understandably, I was a little fearful. I didn’t want her to die for several reasons but one in particular sticks out. I represented each plant I purchased. No matter the pot or the soil, life and circumstances had killed me. I was dead.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO FIND YOUR PRETTY PRINCESS


If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered where the time went, you are not alone.

You may feel like time is passing you by and you’ve yet to discover who you are. It may seem daunting, but one thing we can’t do is give up the search for the Pretty Princess inside of us.

Many times we fall into and remain in roles that begin to define who we are in the eyes of others. For me, I am a daughter, a wife, and a mother (room mom, team mom, all-around Awesome Snack Provider). None of those are bad things by any stretch of the imagination. However, I needed, no longed to be me. The problem was I had no idea who I was or where to start. It’s just been recently that I’ve made a concerted effort to find me, The Pretty Princess.

Do you shed your other titles? Of course not. But in order to survive in the world we live in, it is vitally important to know who you are and whose you are. Once you’ve made that revelation, you will be much better in your current roles.

No matter where you are in life, or what state you’re in, do not, I repeat, do not adopt the “it’s too late for me” attitude. If you can still hear the violins, maybe these ladies will give you the much needed inspiration. I wonder where the world would be if they hadn’t discovered their Pretty Princess.

At age 41 Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity

At age 40 Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics

At age 49 Susan B. Anthony founded (with friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton) the National Woman’s Suffrage Association

If you’re still not convinced, here are a few things that helped me when I thought it was too late for me to have the quality of life I was meant to enjoy:

1. Get to know yourself. Make a list of your likes and dislikes, your dreams, goals and desires. Decide to carve out a little “Me” time each week and chip away at your list. This doesn’t mean that “Me” time turns into permanently abandoning your family or friends. It just means that you designate a little quiet time here and there for yourself

2. Try different things. It’s easy to get stuck in the complacency or routine rut. Take up a hobby that’s always been of interest to you or try something so out of the ordinary for you that you surprise yourself.

3. Meet new people. Just make sure they have your best interest in mind and are positive. Negativity can be contagious, and that’s one of the last things you need when you decide to travel this journey.

4. Daily devotions. Reading God’s word always gives me a clear, concise definition of who I am. Remember, He called all of us by name. If this is not for you, choose other forms of affirmation to help you.

You may find bits and pieces of your Pretty Princess in the strangest places. That’s more than okay. I don’t know about you, but finding those little nuggets about myself are the surprises that brighten my day.

It's human nature for us to be impatient. We want to jump right to Queen without finding and relishing in being a Princess. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be queen? It sounds better and then there’s that issue of power. Whoa, not so fast! I challenge you to take the time to find the Pretty Princess within you. Once you find her, even the smallest part of her, embrace her and love her. Then you can help someone else discover the Pretty Princess inside of her.

C’mon Princesses! After reading this, how can you still think it’s too late?

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1Timothy 4:16

Please stop by Wednesday for IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO FIND YOUR PRETTY PRINCESS. I look forward to reading your comments.