Love yourself first.

When all else fails, do what keeps you living and alive. Then, circle back.

This is one of my favorite pictures of us.

We were firmly planted on island soil, mining it first for new-old joys after over a year in pandemic quarantine.

The sun hit us squarely in the eyes on this day - and instead of asking my mild and wild children to squint, I said, “Let’s just close our eyes.” And then, I hit the round button at the center of my phone. Click. Moment captured for all the forevers.

Something I have learned about myself over the years is that I (used to) wait until vacations to tend to my own needs. I would walk wide-eyed toward the sun day after day after day without ceasing. I would not blink…

Until I had to.

This afternoon, I was pondering just this and wrote you and I a poem.

It goes like this -

Darling, love yourself first

stretch inward

toward

to

into

reflect on your reflection

walk with

and

dance amongst

you.

Over and over and over again.

Imago dei

God is within you woman

God is you

and you They

any separation

separates

any desire

to burst

the bubble of mystery

only serves

to alienate

you

from

you.

And you

need you, Darling.

We need us, Darling.

We need us. For so long, we have died to ourselves and our own wants and desires - yet many of these might just be holy! They just might be.

A few words on Lent.

This year, I am allowing Lent to be a season of refinement. Instead of giving up that which brings me joy (e.g. carb days, decaf chai and books) - which we were never called to do, by the way - I am giving up that which removes my focus from real joy.

I’ve been on a “maker shopping spree” for a bit. I worry about small business economy, and sometimes shopping (mostly for art and books and teas) is therapeutic for me. So, of course, I found myself purchasing all the small and wonderful things… daily.

This Lent I’m limiting my purchasing power to (wait for it) only purchasing things we need. Because while buying all the beautiful things does bring me joy, it’s not the same as focusing on real joy. The little earthly treasures I already have. The people I get to walk alongside

It’s been a nice shift from forced-suffering, Loves.

Are you witnessing Lent in a special way this year? I would love to hear about it if you are!

My week in review.

I have a new motto in life: When all else fails, do what keeps you living and alive. Then, circle back. As in, pick up the pieces after real, raw life. And this week is surely about picking up those pieces, my friends. I mailed out 25+ copies of personally signed Bliss & Blue books! (Bliss refused to sign any… such is a part of our real life on a vacation week - change always stirs up some troubles.)

Which means next, I’ll need to focus on re-organizing life. And my Bliss.

Always, always.

A lot of things went by the wayside last week between our launch and new miracle babes coming earth side. (But not laundry - which truly makes me quite proud.)

Is there anything you’re circling back to after living and being alive last week?

Laundry counts!

Me, I’ll be getting in some vacation snuggles with my oldest. I will complete some writing projects with deadlines looming in the near future. Including formatting for Bliss & Blue to come out in e-book form! And… I’ll be loving me. Because the more connected I am with myself, the more clearly I can hear God working in and through me. And that’s just not a gift I’m willing to give up.

I love you, beautiful humans.

Keep going.

Keep living, and do what keeps you alive.

Gentle Squeezes,

J. @thebarefootpreacher

Jennifer Magnano

jennifermagnano.com

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Reclamation is my way to make a little-big impact on the lives of mothers and their others everywhere. Your loved ones (and liked ones) are invited to the conversation. Always. Feel free to click share and encourage someone along your path!