Self-love. What would you do if someone else treated you the way you treat yourself? How would you react if someone criticized you the way you criticize yourself? How would it be if someone forced you into the same self-defeating behavior that you choose to do on your own? What if someone else prevented you from enjoying life as much as you deny enjoyment to yourself? You would, no doubt, be outraged. If you would never let someone else treat you that way, why do you allow yourself to do so? You have control over your own actions, your own thoughts, your own feelings. Stop defeating yourself. Allow yourself to live, permit yourself to succeed, let yourself enjoy life. Be good to yourself. You deserve it. Peace #tutulady #forwardisapace
Today started out as a day of giving and turned into a day of receiving. I dropped my son at work, got a snack and headed to Evanston hospital to donate blood. There was an urgent need for the victims of the Highland Park tragedy so I signed up. Giving blood is how I help when I feel helpless. I chose to take the advice of my friend Julie and wear my Free Mom Hugs shirt. Entering the hospital, I got a few looks from people. Soon I was seated in the donation chair and one of the phlebotomists said, “I like your shirt!” “Thanks! Need a hug?” “Really?” I nod. “Sure…” She says. So before I get hooked up to all the machines, I give her a big hug. She smiles and says thanks. As she is removing needle, one of the other women says, “11:11! Make a wish! That was your official finish time!” I laugh and she then pulls out the pink bandage…it was like they knew me! We 3 chatted while I recovered and then I left. I walked toward the exit and an elderly man said, “Really? Hugs?” “Yup! Want one?” “Well I guess so….” And we did sort of side hug as that was what he could manage with his cane. “That was really nice. Thank you.” And he shuffled away. Once I left the hospital I was feeling all sorts of things. So, I decided to take a drive. I found myself driving around the Northwestern Campus. As an homage to my old man, I clicked on my old school Spotify playlist and the soothing sounds of Billie Holiday filled the air. I gazed you the window at the old and new buildings. So much has changed over the years. I wound up in the older part of Evanston and grabbed a coffee. I treated myself to a fancy lavender latte (at the suggestion of the barista). “Do you really give hugs?” “Yes! I love it!” She took my payment and directed me to coffee pick up. While I was waiting, she walked around the counter and, “Can I have a hug?” “SURE!” and we hugged in a café full of people. She said thanks and went back to work, handing me my coffee. I got back in my car and headed home….the long way….along Sheridan Road, past the Baha’i Temple, Lake Michigan and beautiful homes all the while listening to old jazz and my girl Billie filling up my heart. Today was a reminder of my many gifts. A reminder of my blessings. A reminder of times gone by. I keep hoping that my daily excursions…. giving some hugs, spreading a little kindness and putting some love back into the universe…. create a little more peace for others. It certainly soothes my soul and replenishes my spirit. Peace. #tutulady #forwardisapace
Today is 2-22-22. It is such a magical number and an even more magical day! It falls on a Tuesday! It is a palindrome date (same backwards and forwards). And I am the #tutulady! The number 2 is an angel number (Angel numbers are recurring sequences of numbers that have spiritual significance, according to numerology). The number 2 represents balance in nature as all life is about balance. The number 2 also represents opposites such as left and right and up and down. When we are balanced, we are in harmony with life. Seeing the number 2 repeating is a gentle reminder that I need to work on balancing some aspects of my life. I mean wearing a tutu and running/dancing is all about balance! The number 2 is the most feminine of all the numbers, and its vibration resonates with the vibration of joy, balance and peace. It relates to the desire for love, health, harmony and happiness within all relationships. People who see this number regularly are authentic, artistic, creative, tolerant, emotional, highly sensitive, loyal, devoted and intuitive. 2-2 is my angel number. I see the number 2 a great deal. I need things in pairs or even numbers in my home and in my life because I crave balance. Anyone who knows me knows I surrounds myself with the word peace and symbols of peace! And joy? Have you met me? I live my life from a place of constant joy!!! This special 2-22-22 Tuesday is one that will not appear again for a long time, thus we need to make the most of it! As it is a day of balance, peace, and joy, let’s make the most of it! Make a list of 22 things that bring you joy! The items on the list can be grand or minuscule….just put them on the list! They will be powerful reminders to look for joy today and every day. Then make a second list of 22 people that bring you joy. Take a moment today to reach out to each one of those people with an email/call/text and thank them for bringing you joy! Let’s celebrate the number 2-22-22 today by sharing peace and JOY! Peace #tutulady #forwardisapace
Today is my favorite day of the year! 2/2/22 Yup Two Two …. and this year another 22!! It is always my favorite day of the year (second to my birthday) but this year it is even more special. So many 2’s on one day! Let’s all celebrate peace, love and kindness in honor of World Tutu Day!! Today …. Dance like no one is watching! Toss some glitter in the air! Leave a little sparkle where ever you go! Choose peace over conflict. Choose love over hate. Choose kindness over cruelty. Make a conscious choice to do a random act of kindness (or more) today! No matter how small, kindness matters. Think kind thoughts Speak kind words Do kind deeds Namaste Peace #tutulady #forwardisapace
This is 56. This is what …. -negative self talk -not loving myself -fighting -never feeling good enough -never fitting in – surviving and thriving -lessons learned -embracing my uniqueness -inspiring others -loss and gain -tears and laughter -building businesses -stepping into my own power -loving my body. -Saying F**k Yes more often. -love, light and a little go screw yourself -feeling joy-having faith -finding peace ……looks like. This is what life looks like at 56 and let me tell you….. it is AMAZING! Time to kick up my heels and celebrate!
Kristine Binder 