Embracing Self-Love: Anderson Connect Celebrates You this February

In a month where love is a-buzz, we look to expand the celebratory traditions of Valentine’s Day. We certainly honour those relationships of love in our lives that enrich us; but this month we invite and encourage you to acknowledge, honour and celebrate the very first person you came into this world with, the one who sustains you in all your ups and downs … YOU.

We understand precisely how much energy, care, and devotion you expend with family, friends, and your Anderson community, and give to your work, your studies, and your life. Sometimes that focus on others, and all that needs to be accomplished, can leave you feeling exhausted, as if there is little left for you. Knowing we can only really give to others what we first have within ourselves, we dedicate this Connect edition to you – those who give so much to others in so many ways. This month take the time, make a plan and date, to pamper you, to care for you.

The bonus? The better you feel, the brighter a light you’ll be in the lives of those you love.

Today’s read is approximately 4 minutes.

Inside this Edition:

• A Thought to Ponder
• A Short Story to Inspire
• 1 Short Video to Motivate

A Thought to Ponder

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Maya Angelou.”

February 14th is simply a day the reminds us to pause and celebrate love. This year, take the time to use one hand to help and care for yourself. Remember what brings you joy, calm, contentment, and do that. You are worthy of recognition, of a rest, of joyful reverence and taking a moment to celebrate who you are and all you do, every single day.

A Short Story to Inspire

The Cobbler’s Lesson
Once upon a time, there was a cobbler who had a thriving business. He lived in a large village and was the only cobbler in town, so he was responsible for repairing the shoes and boots of everyone.

However, in all his busyness, he didn’t feel he had time to repair his own boots. He was concerned with taking care of all those who needed him. This wasn’t a problem at first, but over time, his boots began to deteriorate and fall apart. While he worked feverishly on the shoes of everyone else, his feet got blisters and he started to limp. His customers started to worry about him, but he reassured them that everything was perfectly fine. However, after a few years, the cobbler’s feet were so injured that he could no longer work, and no one’s footwear got repaired.

After a time, with no one to care for the shoes that protected their feet, every person in the town began to limp in pain. All this because the cobbler could simply never see the value in caring for his own needs; he never took the time to repair his own boots.

~ Adapted from The Parable of the Cobbler

The Moral of the Story ~ In order to truly care for others over time, and with the energy and stamina we long for, we must be willing to recognize our own needs and attend to them. We don’t serve anyone by negating our own needs, pushing them aside, and risking burnout. By recognizing what we need to rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits, and taking the time for self care, we will be more for ourselves and those we love in the short and long run.

1 Short Videos to Motivate

In Remembrance and Honour of Perfectly Perfect You. Self Care Begins Here.
~ The Reflection in Me, Fable Vision

Wishing YOU a wonder-filled, tingle-you-through month of love, appreciation, and joy. May you look upon all those around you with gratitude, pause at the mirror and see the reflection of the dazzle that lives there and celebrate all you do and all you innately are.

Happy Love-Month!

Your Anderson College Family