I’ve been treating myself with fresh cut flowers once a week for going on five years, despite the fact that Williamson is an avid flower sender. Meanwhile, I’d been hoping that eventually Gia would notice and finally ask me the question for which I’ve been excited and prepared. But I wanted her to be the one to initiate the conversation so my answer would take root in her psyche forever:

me:

“It’s turning out great, right? My homemade ‘kitchen flowers’ make me so happy every week!”

her:

“It’s really pretty this time, mom. Plus, it’s hydrangeas AND lillies, BOTH our favorites! But I have a question. Daddy always sends you flowers, so, why do you need to buy your own?”

me (heart SWELLING):

“Because daughter, WHY NOT? I decided years ago to stop waiting for the world and people in it to “bring me my happy” and get out there and start bringing it to MYSELF! It’s especially important for moms to treat themselves kindly when they can, because it’s a very hard job and sometimes the things moms do and give tend to go unnoticed or recognized, often unintentionally. Life happens and people get busy – ESPECIALLY most daddies – so, moms have to remember to appreciate and value themselves regardless of who else remembers. You’ll always be able to make and find your OWN joy in life, as long as you’re willing to search for it. So, I want you to promise me that when you grow up you’ll treat YOURSELF to flowers often … because … YOU CAN and you DESERVE IT!”

her:

“Mommy? I am SO gonna do that AND have this same talk with your granddaughters one day! We’ll start trend in our family called ‘get yourself some flowers, girl’!”

me:

“You just made my day, Gia! I’ve been WAITING for you to notice that I buy myself flowers and finally ask me why! Now that you know, I really, REALLY hope that someday when you have a house of your own and I stop by to visit that I’ll see ‘kitchen flowers’ on your counter from YOU to YOU!”

🌸

I … AM … BLESSED!

Now, I want to challenge every woman reading this right now to go get herself some “kitchen flowers” TODAY! Life’s too short NOT to live like the queen you truly are, and bringing yourself flowers is one of the most perfect ways to treat yourself like royalty.