Have you ever thought about the word devotion? Have you ever thought about what it means to you? Dictionary definitions often describe devotion as what I have listed below:
profound dedication, especially to religion.
earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.
an assignment or appropriation to any purpose, cause, etc.: the devotion of one’s wealth and time to scientific advancement.
Often devotions .Ecclesiastical. religious observance or worship; a form of prayer or worship for special use.
Now every single item listed above is a very powerful emotion brought about by someone’s beliefs as illustrated by someone having devotion to one’s religion, a purpose, cause or even a person such as a spouse or child. But all to often we forget the most important topic in devotion. OURSELVES. Now I am not talking about the latest trendy buzz words of “TREAT YO SELF” and “YOLO”. I am talking about the true devotion to one’s self. The devotion to happiness on a personal level, a spiritual level and even that higher self level.
Let me explain. We spend much of our lives searching for what everyone calls happiness. And in today’s society that often looks like the bigger house, the newer car, the fancier clothes and the more expensive vacations. We teach our children that happiness comes from stuff and things and “status symbols” rather than being the friend that is known as the reliable one. Or the friend that is there for you no matter what. I believe society as a whole as done a great disservice to the youth of today. They do not have the wonderfully close relationships that we (those of us who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s) got to experience. We had those ride or die friendships. Each one a little different but always special in it’s own way. Each person bringing their own light into the group and having that contribution in the exactly perfect way to compliment everyone else. One was the “Mom”, one was the “popular cheerleader”, one was the “Risk taker”, one was the “Brain”, one was the “Counselor”. The group as a whole was diverse. And you know what, it was okay. There was nothing wrong with the fact that the Cheerleader had the nicer clothes and the Brain read more often than not. It was OKAY! What does any of this have to do with devotion? Simple.
We lost that devotion to ourselves. That part of us that was okay being part of a group rather than being the center of attention. Being the center of attention is okay, but it gets awful lonely after awhile. Look at the Sun, it is the center of our universe, and nothing can ever come close to it. How does that sound like a fun existence? I would rather hang out with the other planets in the group and enjoy what they all have to offer than just burning everyone that comes across my path. Okay, maybe an extreme example, but you get the drift.
As the old saying goes, you can not pour from an empty cup. To me that means that you must have devotion to yourself. Now that doesn’t mean to just become the biggest wanker on the block. But what I feel that does mean is that it is okay to take time for yourself and the things that are important to you. If you are a parent, make sure you set time aside for things that do not involve your children, it will give you more patience with them. If you are in a committed relationship, have a hobby that does not involve them. That way you have something that belongs to you and only you. You can share the stories with them, but the hobby is yours.
Selfcare is important, but it goes far beyond the manicures, massages, fishing trips and the nights out on the town with friends. It means meditating, reading books on your favorite topics, taking a class on something that you want to learn about. Anything that is important to you. Devotion to being the best you that you can be should be your number one priority. Again, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Thanks for reading. Love and Blessings. Dawn