I love mugs. Anyone else love mugs?
Some people love stickers, bumper stickers, salt and pepper shakers, t-shirts, or something else that expresses self (I’d enjoy hearing yours 😊 ). For me, it is mugs – oh, and cards.
In last week’s blog, Encouraging Words, I asked you to look at how you surround yourself each day with encouraging words, messages, and actions – hoping it was how, not if, you did so each day.
I also stated that, in addition to the silent encouraging word reminders I set on my cell phone, I use mugs to uplift, encourage, support, and strengthen myself, especially on challenging days.
Since I drink a lot of tea, mugs are a simple and perfect way to gift myself self-compassion, reminders, and guidance during my day.
I choose mugs that make me smile or laugh, fit my hand, have a design or phrase that matches who I am, and are 15 or more ounces, so I don’t have to refill my mug just as I get into the flow of what I am doing. Additionally, by the time I need a refill, I should be getting up to stretch my legs.
As part of my morning routine, I select the mug that reflects my mood or gives me the encouragement I need at that moment or for the day. I often choose a different mug as part of my wind-down in the evening when I drink my calm and sleep tea.
Like my tattoo, my mugs are impactful and beautiful ways I gift myself self-compassion and a gentle reminder.
It’s such a little thing that positively influences my day. Who doesn’t need that?
I’m in the early thought stage of designing a mug with a phrase that, quite frankly, accurately reflects who I have found myself to be during my caregiving and, more, these years after. It is what has kept me moving forward when it would have been much easier to sink into old patterns and habits during not just hard but brutally difficult circumstances and changes.
That phrase is fiercely resilient. As in, I am fiercely resilient.
You will see more about being fiercely resilient in future blogs. And, in time, the availability of a mug.
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy looking at new mugs, swapping out those that no longer reflect who I am or what I need, and either storing or donating those I can no longer fit in my kitchen cabinet.
What about you? What do you put on – sticker, clothing, or other – that expresses who you are and how you uplift, encourage, and strengthen yourself each day?
My friend, whatever or however you gift yourself with encouraging words, be bold in the expression of it 💙
