Valentines Day – blurgh. It’s just started to seem a bit – trad. Hallmark-y. You know?
Rich and I don’t really celebrate it. Or as he would say, “EVERY day living with me is like Valentines Day!”
Mmmm-hmmmmm…..Yes, Dear, If You Say So!
(It is, actually, but PLEASE don’t tell him that, he’d get such a swelled head!)
However. Love. Interesting concept. When it’s not too gooshy.
Since coming living in Wales, have started to see love in a more functional, practical way. On the farm, it’s not flashy. Just woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Like – it’s to do with loyalty. Commitment. With the things that we do in a big family to look after one another. That’s not cheesy. It’s real.
Took me a long time to work out about love and how to accept it. Used to be very independent. Single mother and all that. When Rich would offer to help me with something, I would always refuse, snapping, “I GOT IT!”
Because that’s attractive, right?
It only took Rich a few short decades to teach me that it’s ok to accept help. That being tough and not needing anyone is not necessarily the best way to fly. That it’s ok to be — squishy. Vulnerable. Gak. Still struggle with this concept. However, have pretty much accepted it. Becoming a grandmother helped a lot. It’s hard to be a bad b*£(& when four adorable children (okay, three, one doesn’t talk yet) call you “Gugu.”
And also – I say this a lot to other stressed-out mums, who nearly always burst into tears when I say it – it’s ok to engage in some SELF CARE. Turn that loving kindness on yourself. Just consider applying the sterling quality of love and tenderness that you give everyone around you – – to yourself. For one minute.
What would that feel like?
You probably have NO idea.
But you know how they say on the airplane that you need to put on your own mask first, and then your child’s mask?
Well, that’s love, too. Think of all the people who are depending on you right now – and think about what would happen to them if you fall over from sheer exhaustion.
The most loving thing you can do for them – is to take care of yourself first.
And the best way I know to do that – is to improve your gut health. It makes you happier. Healthier. Less moody. More energetic. You’ll have more resources to look after your loved ones. And you’ll feel like giving them more. Because you’ll have more to give.
So why not try our microbiome test. It looks like this:
Give it to yourself. Give it to someone you love. Make the world a lovelier place – one gut at a time.
Love your gut.
Because if you don’t – who will?
Big Hugs!
Shann.x
Shann Jones MBE
Founder/Director Chuckling Goat
