My July so far, and only three days into August, have been full of changed plans and cancelled events. What I’m reminded of is that this is what happens when boundaries aren’t set. Maybe you can relate.
At first it was ok. Then after many changes, I was starting to feel bad about myself, and that I may have been letting you down.
In need a little bit of self-compassion, I spotted a beautiful little book, Lil Grace, sitting on the corner of my desk, waiting to be read.
On the spur of the moment, I decided to go live and read it, not only to you, but to me as well.
Lil Grace was written by my friend Shannon Speaks and illustrated by Terry Stefanko. It’s a book for helpers and caregivers, for anyone who spends their days showing up for other people and quietly puts their own needs last. I was part of the group that helped shape the book before it was published, so reading it out loud this morning felt like it landed twice as close to home.
What if something kinder could be true? That question followed me through the whole reading.
But the line that stayed with me most was simpler: self-compassion isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
If you’ve had a summer like mine, canceling more than you’d like, feeling the guilt pile up around it, I hope this reading gives you what it gave me. A little grace.
You can watch the replay above. I didn’t read the neuroscience section of the book during the live, that part is there waiting for you when you get your own copy. And if this resonates, Lil Grace is available on Amazon, worth having on your own desk or gifting to someone in your life who never stops giving to others.
Warmly,
Kathy
