This weekend I had the privilege to not only be a facilitator at the Texas Women’s Empowerment Conference (TWEC), but to also be on the receiving end and experience some life changing, soul inspiring, self reflecting moments. The conference line up of facilitators featured Carole Hamilton (founder of TWEC), Ira Booker, Misti Houston, Alvin Daniels, J.K. Hamilton, and an exclusive luncheon, Conversations w. Mikki Taylor, featuring her new book Editor-In Chic.
When I tell you that I am still on an all time high from this weekend! Whew! In reflecting back over the conference, I was again reminded of the importance of investing in YOU. If you go through the entire year with out ever taking some time to attend events like the Texas Women’s Empowerment Conference, you are definitely doing yourself a disservice. On a day to day basis most of us go through life constantly giving every little piece of ourselves to our, jobs, children, significant other, friends, family, school, you name it until we have nothing left. And for some reason we wonder why we’re depressed, always tired, spiritually drained, unable to heal from current and past trauma, and unmotivated to accomplish your dreams. But how could you feel any other way other than empty, when you’ve not given yourself the opportunity to refill, or to be empowered?
And I know what some of you are thinking. I don’t have the money, I don’t have the time, maybe you don’t even feel like you have the energy to invest in you. But let me let you in on a secret, bring your ear in a little closer, come on CLOSER. I don’t bite! Okay perfect, the secret is something that you already know. If you don’t take the time to invest in you. No one else will. For some reason we are programmed to believe that taking moments away from our busy lives that don’t involve us doing things for anyone other than ourselves is WRONG. Well guess what?! In some instances being SELFISH is oh so RIGHT and NEEDED! Repeat after me: IT IS OKAY TO BE SELFISH. *gasp* If saying that made you feel uncomfortable, take a deep breath and say it again and AGAIN until you feel confident. Confident in saying I’m going to make it a habit of doing things for ME!
Self care is very important. Even Jesus practiced self care. Check out Luke 5:16 MSG; As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. Meaning, he was like umm disciples, I’m gonna take a timeout over here….for me. I’m not doing no miracles, calming no sea Peter so I suggest you stay out the boat, and healing no sick people. I’m about to re-energize myself. Byeeeeeee. And do you think that the disciples were like, “Oh he selfish!” No, they weren’t.
Self-care is all about being good stewards of our bodies, minds, and souls in order to become the best version of ourselves. In Genesis, God commands us to take care of all HIS creation. And guess what? That includes ourselves. You are His masterpiece, and He wants YOU to flourish and thrive in beauty and love, not be tossed aside or neglectful of yourself. So the next time you hear yourself say to your YOURSELF, “I don’t have the time, or the money to attend a conference, or workshop.” Or do whatever it is that you need to do to be a better you, even if it is as simple as taking a day off and doing absolutely nothing! Remember, Your First Responsibility is to Yourself. Be Selfish. Protect Your Pretty.
……So was that an I’ll see you next year at the Texas Women’s Empowerment Conference (TWEC) ? I sure hope so! Peace and Love.
To learn more about this conference visit https://www.seesayseize.org/
Protect Your Pretty Girls!
-Gigi Powers
Founder of Pretty is A Lifestyle: A Life Coaching, Team Building, and Mentoring Company
Pretty Is A Lifestyle 