I never expected this to happen while we were sitting in the parking lot.

I remember the exact moment I felt truly known. We were just dating at the time, but his question touched me at the core. At first, I was surprised and if I’m honest, I was temporarily indignant, but then I got the whole picture.

What was the question that rocked my world?

My boyfriend asked me, “Why don’t you get your nails done?” I know. KInda odd for a guy to notice, right? But he’s no ordinary guy! 😉 And I think God was speaking through him at that moment.

My immediate response was to describe the lifestyle of a graduate student. I was finishing my masters degree while working full time.

But I knew there was more to it than that.

I had not made manicures an act of self-care. Not just because of time and money restrictions. No, it was because of my lack of self-value. I didn’t think I was worth that ‘luxury’. I would pursue fitness goals and things that made me feel strong, but doing something extra for myself, ‘just because’ was simply not on my radar.       

He pushed back, not satisfied with my answer. So I began to open up. I told him about how invisible I had felt. That others were not giving me special attention so I basically took their (small) view of me as my own.

And then, the tears started.

He saw me as deserving of manicures… and MORE! That everything about me communicated dignity and beauty and having my nails done would be merely ‘the icing on the already wonderful cake’.

Wow! Right down to my core I felt a bit exposed and definitely uncomfortable, but it seemed to be okay instead of too scary. I trusted him. I liked who I was when I was with him.   It was a challenge to take in this new perspective, but it felt…

… full of life and hope, and everything I’d been longing for.

As it turns out, Christmas wasn’t that far away and he gave me a gift certificate for the works at a nearby nail salon. And… as you might have guessed, I’ve been going back ever since.  

To be known and loved starts with knowing and loving yourself, first.

I am so passionate about this belief that my entire life’s work revolves around it. It is foundational to everything else I do.

That’s why I am excited to be hosting:

“Totally You & Totally Loved: Women’s Personal Growth Workshop”

on Thursday, February 28th, from 6-8 pm at 8825 Perimeter Park Blvd Unit 503 Jacksonville, FL 32216.

What’s it all about?

Discovering your God-given identity (and value) so you can create more confidence and connection in your relationships. Check out the details here: https://totallyyou-totallyloved.eventbrite.com 

If you’re in the Jacksonville area, I’d love to have you join us. In the meantime, get your nails done.