I love beads and I assume because you’re reading this that you love beads too.
But, if you think you’re about to read a blog about why I love beads, I may disappoint you. If you have been in any kind of shop recently, you may have noticed that Valentine’s day is already front of mind in the retail world.
Every year I go through the same dilemma…to Valentines or not?
So, let me just say here, if you love Valentine’s then feel free to skip this blog and just check out some beading ideas to try this year.
For the rest of you, let me explain…
To Valentine’s or not…?
Why this dilemma? Well, like many things in the modern world, Valentine’s Day began as a lovely celebration. Yet, commercialisation can make it a difficult day. You may, like me, feel pressured to take part. Being pressured into anything is an uncomfortable experience. It’s even more uncomfortable if you see Valentine’s as a celebration of loved-up couples and you’re not one of them.
So, if this is you, I’m inviting you to join me in going back to basics.
The way I see it, Valentine’s day is about showing someone special that they are special to you. Ok, so we should be doing this every day, but maybe we don’t. So, there’s no harm in being reminded to really make the effort once a year.
Yes, I do realise that Valentine’s has origins in pagan rituals celebrating fertility. Hence the celebration of lovers. But why not also celebrate those we love in a platonic sense? After all, the world could always use a little more love…
In fact, why stop there? Why not also celebrate yourself? The idea of ‘self-love’ can seem a little ‘hippy’ or maybe ‘fluffy’ or ‘all very well for them to say’. Or maybe nobody ever explains what ‘self-love’ is.
Don’t worry, I’m not about to launch into a pink fluffy little lecture on ‘self-love’. Instead, let me throw out a thought for a Friday evening…
A little Anecdote
When I was a small child, I ended up taking more long-haul flights than most children my age in the 1980s (due to Dad’s work).
I have this bizarre memory of the safety instructions we all get at the start of every flight. I remember thinking it rather selfish that they should be telling people to secure their own oxygen mask before helping someone else.
‘Little me’ didn’t make the connection that unless you have oxygen you’re not going to be in a position to help someone else.
‘Big me’ now gets it. Basically, there are occasions in which a seemingly selfish action of taking care of your own needs, is actually necessary to allow you to help others.
There’s a lesson in there…
Love Beads
So, I say this to all of you who feel guilty about beading when you ‘should’ be doing other things… Don’t!
If beading helps you to relax, then that makes you stronger to cope with all those other things you ‘should’ do. I hereby give you full permission to love beads and love beading…
How about this year we all try to start the spirit of Valentine’s early and keep it going on beyond February 14th? Maybe that’s you showing others how much they matter to you. Or maybe you acknowledge that you matter.
So, let me start… if you’re reading this, then know that you matter to me. I may not have spoken to you personally, but I am really grateful to everyone who supports me by sharing my love of beading.
Tying up the loose ends
Finally, I want to round this off rather neatly.
If you are one of my regular followers, then you know about my health issues. So, maybe it won’t sound so strange when I say I’ve finally realised that taking care of myself does have a value to others too.
Since I’m talking about love and helping one another. I want to finish with a massive thank you to the people who continued to donate to my fundraiser after it ‘officially’ finished. You made it possible for me to reach my £1,000 target!
The Optimum Health Clinic is thrilled, and so am I. THANK YOU!!
I will continue to share with you news of the clinical trial that you’ve been helping to fund.
And, 2018, for me, begins with more good news. It really feels as though the tide may be starting to turn in the battle to gain proper acknowledgement of CFS/ME. If you want to know more, then have a read of this article that appeared in the UK press recently.
Even more exciting in the research stakes, this link popped up in my Facebook newsfeed yesterday.
So, onwards, upwards and sending love and strength to you all.
P.S. Just in case you forgot where I started…!
I LOVE the spiral rope for the silver heart—the use of the pearls for the inside color is gorgeous! Are those a 2mm or 3mm pearl? Just beautiful.
Thank you so much Trudy – if I remember rightly, the pearls I used on that were actually 4mm.