Sometimes life asks us to pause.
Yesterday, I didn't write. I was packing for a trip from New Jersey to Baltimore to attend my brother-in-law's mother's homegoing celebration.
But this trip is also giving me something I didn't realize I needed—a little more time with my 86-year-old mom.
I'm traveling with her and helping take care of her along the way. And as I think about it, something about it touches my soul.
My mom spent so many years taking care of me. She was there when I needed her, nurturing me, guiding me, protecting me, and making sure I was okay.
And now, in a different season of life, I'm able to take care of her.
We've come full circle.
There is something incredibly humbling and beautiful about that.
I've been thinking a lot about how we define self-love. Sometimes we think self-love means making time for ourselves, setting boundaries, resting, or doing something special just for us. And it absolutely can mean those things.
But I'm learning that self-love can also be found in love given to others.
Taking care of my mom doesn't leave me feeling depleted. In many ways, it nourishes my soul. It reminds me of where I came from, the love that helped shape me, and the privilege of being able to give some of that love back.
Maybe that's another part of learning to love ourselves—recognizing that we're not meant to live only for ourselves.
Sometimes we are filled by pouring into someone else.
Sometimes caring for someone we love is an honor.
And sometimes, life brings us full circle and allows us to care for the very person who once cared for us.
This trip isn't just about traveling to Baltimore.
It's a reminder to slow down. To be present. To cherish the people we love. And to give myself grace when life doesn't go according to my plans.
I didn't miss a day.
I lived a day.
And maybe that's the point.