Last night, I made a bookmark. I lose bookmarks all the time and end up using receipts or tickets instead, which stick around long enough for me to finish the book. Not purpose made bookmarks. No, they must go to the same place as the pens and the other sock in a pair, soon after the first few chapters. So I dug out my embroidery threads and stitched “You are Worthy” on to canvas, in the hope that this bookmark will be harder to misplace.
It is a phrase that has been haunting me. Whispered quietly, at first, when I started my fitness journey and started making more time for me, almost a year ago, then louder during a guided meditation session, more recently. Like, I suspect, most mothers, I put my own needs in second place during the hay days of child rearing. I do not begrudge this at all and I would play it exactly the same way given a second chance, but times are changing. My youngest turns 18 in the summer and the older two are busy doing their thing, so now I have a bit more time for me. My calendar has switched from after school activities to my fitness classes, gym sessions and social events.
Bookmark
So back to the bookmark. I picked up “Sisters Gonna Stitch” from a charity shop a few months ago.
I have to admit that I didn’t consider myself as a feminist when I was younger. It seemed to involve burning bras and linking arms, so I wasn’t interested. Not my scene, I thought, as I marched into a career in a heavily male dominated industry. First day in the job, I looked around the open plan office and wondered where all the older women were. I didn’t see myself in five or ten years among the few women that I could see, let alone older.
Long story short, I loved the job and stayed there for six years, so I guess I became that person who I was looking for, and hopefully made it a more welcoming environment for the next intake of women. Maybe I was more of a feminist than I realised.
Back to the present, combining feminism and stitching seemed a fun idea. I poured through the book at the time, bookmarking the ones I particularly liked. This wasn’t one of them. I think because it was a single word and could be taken several ways. Instead, I added the “You are” to make a stronger sentiment.
It’s not perfect and I do not mind in the least. I haven’t embroidered for a while and enjoyed every single stitch. Now every time I reach for my current reading book, there is a soft reminder that I am worthy. You are worthy. Taking time for myself is more than acceptable.
(Also buying another pair of gym leggings for myself from Sweaty Betty’s half price sale, this weekend, is also an acceptable thing to do.)
You are worthy indeed! I love this sentiment. I, for one, take a back seat when it comes to my little gang, but like you, I wouldn’t change anything!
But, on the other hand, we all need some time for ourselves and that should come guilt-free.
Lovely bookmark and even lovelier to see you back! 🙂
Thank you featuring me this week. It was a lovely thing to wake up to. I’m loving the extra focus on my pursuits, but also the balance of being there for them when they need me.
How wonderful! Look after it and don’t lose it! Enjoy the leggings too. #MMBC
Fingers crossed it sticks around.
A bookmark with a very important message! It’s great that you are now investing in the things that you love doing. When the kids are younger we don’t get a minute to breathe let alone have any time for ourselves but like you I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Absolutely. It is easy to get caught up, but no way I’d change it.
Oh Cheryl, you are most definitely worthy and I love your bookmark. I know what you mean about losing them though and I am always using something to hand, even a sweet wrapper. Long may this bookmarker stay by your side.
May all your bookmarks stay in easy reach.
What a wonderful bookmark!
It is a big thing to get our heads around putting ourselves first when the kids are getting older. I’m in the same place with my youngest turning 18 in the summer too. x
Thank you. It’s crazy to think both our youngests are reaching 18 soon. The last ones.
I love the idea of “You are worthy”. Your bookmark is a perfect way to keep the idea in focus. Have a great Monday! #MMBC
Thank you. Yes it does bring a bit of focus.
I absolutely love the bookmark and it’s message (and your post) is an important reminder for us all! #MMBC
Thank you. I’m glad I made it.
Thoughtful post – my children are all 25-30, so we are at similiar stages of life. Your bookmark has a good message, and I love that you embroidered it.
Thank you. It’s making me smile every time I pick up my book.