Conversations With God: After Miscarriage & Pregnancy LossSample

Day V: Mothering Yourself

Being in ministry, I am used to encouraging and uplifting others continuously. It's a part of who I am, and I love it. There is nothing like inspiring a hurting or burdened heart and giving them comfort, hope, and healing. However, when I was grieving my loss, I found it hard to be open about needing that same encouragement for myself. I was so used to helping others, and I didn't know how to ask for help myself. Others contacted me for advice about situations, and I didn't tell them I was going through a loss. I just gave them advice and didn't mention a word.

The issue, however, is that I was hurting, too.

So, it's this odd dynamic of wanting to heal, support and encourage women, but simultaneously, I needed to heal myself. One of the women said in the support group I attended that she was working on "mothering" herself. Wow! It reminded me that I always want to mother and encourage others, but what about me? How do I feel? What do I need? What does my heart feel like today?

Do you ever act like you are "okay" even when you aren't? I do. I've had to continuously work on letting people see I need support as they ask for mine. I had to learn I can't pour from a broken, empty cup.

How have you been taking care of yourself during this time?

If you have children or a dependent parent, are you focusing on caring for them and ignoring how you feel?

How can you take care of your heart, spirit, and body to "mother" yourself?