So Close that I couldn't see ...

There are so many lessons right in front of us when we remember to pause and not rush.

It was a Sunday morning, and I was having a conversation with my friend out on my deck , which overlooks a lake. Water is calming for me , and I realized that I don’t spend as much time as I should just taking in the view. I pointed out the schools of fish as they swam back and forth…. I’ve seen the fish several times. It was peaceful….

Then my friend said “Look at the sea turtles” ….. and I was stunned. I had never noticed that sea turtles were in the lake.

Right in front of me and I never noticed.

We spent the next several moments immersed in watching the sea turtles. I kept wondering how these sea turtles were right in front of me, and it was only when I took the time to be still, that I could see. It’s as if turtles were appearing from out of of nowhere.

As we watched them flow at their own pace and space, I googled the symbolism of turtles and what they represented.

Turtles represent intuitive development, longevity, strength, courage, protection, wisdom, patience, determination, and receptivity. They can show up in life when you are in the process of syncing up the pace of your intuitive insights with your physical manifestations. The timing of the turtles’ appearance was perfect. The sea turtles were preaching to me.

The turtle sculpture that was right in front of me, and when I took the time to slow down, I was able to see. Turtle wisdom.

As we entered back into the house, I noticed this small sculpture tucked away at the corner ….. something else that had been there all along …. It was just another reminder … There are so many lessons right in front of us if we remember to take time to pause and not rush.

Sea Turtle Wisdom Sermon Notes:

• Travel at your own pace

• Stay calm under pressure

• Trust the flow

• Be comfortable in your own shell

• Enjoy time alone

• Keep moving forward

Simple observation … deep lesson

Turtle Wisdom and it was right in front of me,

Sheila

\

Treasure Yourself

Treasure Yourself Thursday

“On the day of your birth, the Creator filled countless storehouses, set aside for your use and yours alone.” Maya Angelou

“What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.” Proverbs 18:21

“Speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord.” “Encourage Yourself” Donald Lawrence

It’s a blessing to receive encouragement from someone else,

But it should never replace encouraging yourself

It’s a blessing to encourage and lift up someone else.

But it should never replace encouraging and lifting up yourself.

It’s a blessing to celebrate the God given gifts you see in your friends

But it should never replace celebrating your own God given gifts within

It’s a blessing to acknowledge the gifts of others that shine bright

But it doesn’t mean that you diminish or dim your own light

This is a reminder that I am sharing with myself

My prayer is that is a reminder to someone else.

There’s nothing wrong with feeling yourself,

You weren’t created to have your gifts collect dust on a shelf.

You should always be the first to encourage yourself.

Your gifts and talents were never designed to be confined

They were given to us and created to shine.

Encouraging and Cheering for myself, Sheila P Spencer

Here is an audio version of me reading the blog in my own voice.

P.S. Bless yourself and listen to Donald Lawrence’s anthem “Encourage Yourself”

Dear Simone

Dear Simone:

It’s taken me a minute to write you, but you’ve always been the G.OA.T. .. and long before the Tokyo Olympics. It’s not just because of the 4 Olympic Gold medals and 19 world championship medals. It’s not just because you have moves that defy gravity and are even named after you. It’s not just because of the sacrifices and work that you have poured into your craft. It’s so much more … you have inspired, fought for and been a leader to your teammates. You’ve dealt with blatant racism. With all of that, you’re the GOAT because of the gold medal decision you made … you chose to take care of your self, recognizing your mental health is of immeasurable wealth.

My heart ached and was angered at the comments you received. People told you that you needed to tough it out, you were selfish and didn’t care about your teammates or country. You should just go ahead and play through the pain and push through the trauma. But it made me think of how many times we pushed through and toughed it out, when maybe there were moments where we should have just sat down and took time to rest. You reminded us that we need to treasure ourselves. It is not selfish to pour into ourselves before pouring into others. We can’t pour from empty vessels. Jesus recognized and took the time to rest.

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31

If even Jesus knew the importance of taking to time to step back and rest, why are you (we) criticized for doing the same. Make it make sense ….. I”ll wait.

Simone, you are still the GOAT because you chose to listen to your spirit and your body and mind. So many of us are walking around wearing exhaustion as if it is a medal or badge of honor. It does not serve us and it is too heavy to wear. Simone , you are the GOAT because you chose not to wear it. It took me a while to write this letter because your action made me reflect on my own life ….. especially as a Black woman.

Simone you reminded us that self care is essential. You reminded us that self care and rest is sacred and necessary. You reminded us that other people’s opinions of us does not have to be our reality. You reminded us about keeping boundaries that are protection for ourselves as well as others. You reminded us that thinking of ourselves is not selfish, it is essential. You reminded us that it is not selfish to pour into ourselves before pouring into others. We shouldn’t be pouring from empty vessels. You reminded us to take off the perfectionist medal, that doesn’t make space for imperfections and natural flaws. You reminded us that we do not have to have it together 24 hours a day and that was never the case. You reminded us to release ourselves from unrealistic expectations (Whether our own expectations or others) You reminded us that No is a complete sentence and doesn’t need an explanation, whether others understand or not.

You reminded me to treasure the things and people that bring me joy. You reminded me of the gold standard of taking time to have lunch with a friend and having my spirit, body and soul fed. You reminded me of the importance and appreciation of my therapist and Spiritual Director. Yes you can love Jesus and go to therapy. You reminded us of the importance of listening to our inner voice. You reminded us ….. that sometimes taking care of ourselves means stepping aside so that we can step into our best selves.

Simone, you shared that the love and support you received made you realize that you were more than your accomplishments and gymnastics and that you didn’t believe that before. Simone, you are not the only one. We saw a piece of ourselves in you. We need to be reminded that our worth is not tied to our level of exhaustion, overworking and sacrifice. We are worthy simply because we are. You reminded me the importance of just taking time to be.

Simone, I realized that it took me time to write this letter because I am also writing this letter to so many others, including myself. You are loved and your actions reminded us about the important of having a supportive and loving community …. and to ignore the comments. You are still the G.O.A.T. and choosing to care for your physical, mental and spiritual health is a gold medal decision.

Peace, Sheila