Mood: the day is OVER!!!!
The title references a phenomenal episode of "Family Guy." One my brother and I quote to each other quite often (or used to anyway). And I've been thinking about compliments a lot lately. I give them out all the time...and I get a fair number in return. And I'm far passed the days of going "oh no" or "well...it's nothing." I generally am mature enough to say "thank you." But it's kind of gotten to be a reflex. Thus, I got to thinking that I'm not really accepting praise or compliments, rather, I'm just emptily acknowledging that somebody has said something kind to me.
Today I worked a full day at work...which hasn't happened in a long time. In my year at work, I've gotten to REALLY know some families and some of the residents. And there are some people who have really, really touched my life in such amazing ways that some days I am honestly amazed that I get paid to be around these wonderful people. And of course, there are the days where I feel like...well not so happy about my job. Regardless, there are some people that have also really gotten to know me. One family in particular has been very close and kind and sort of a family away from family when I needed one.
As my hours were cut, I've been working less (duh). Apparently people have noticed my absence, and miss me. As I was being told how much I was missed and how special I was to this family I kept saying "thank you" and "well, I love this job" and I meant it...but it seems I wasn't convincing enough. This woman took my hand and said "Ashley, you DESERVE to be told these things. You are wonderful. And are a truly gifted presence here. Our family really appreciates not only your work, but YOU." And as I said thank you...I began to tear up. I really meant thank you.
Some days you need affirmation and seek it. Other days it just falls into your lap reminding you that even when you don't feel "enough" of anything...you ARE. And while I didn't give myself praise...my nice thing for myself today was ACCEPTING kind words and taking them into me. Allowing myself to be in a state of peace with myself, even if it only lasted a few minutes. Amid all the stress of moving, and changing lives...it's nice to get a few minutes here and there where I feel loved and accepted as I am without all the crazy changes I keep trying to force.
And as an extra nice thing to myself today:
