Muffins with Mocha

Pampering myself is an important element of self-love. When I take care of my mind, body, and soul, they remain in sync and I am happy. I make an effort to give my entire being all the care it deserves.

I pamper myself in many different ways.

Massages and manicures are relaxing and put me in a cheery state. I feel ready to share positivity with others when I treat myself. Looking good also makes me feel good about myself.

I also treat myself well by avoiding excessively long work hours. When I overwork, I feel burned out and get cranky easily. To avoid that state of self-destruction, I keep reasonable work hours.

Balance is a way to show self-love.

When I feel like I deserve something special, I go out and buy it. Sometimes getting myself a nice dessert is the perfect way to remind myself that I am worth it. Although financial resources are sometimes tight, I consider these tokens as important expenses.

I started surrounding myself with people who treated me with respect. This form of pampering shows self-love and that I value myself. Taking a night off from my family responsibilities shows that I value my well-being as well as theirs. It is necessary to take time for myself so I am able to recharge.

Today, I am unapologetic about the time and resources I spend on pampering me. I know that I am worth being treated well and I am committed to showing myself how much I am worth.

Sometimes we create stories for ourselves that convince us we can't take care of ourselves. It might be helpful to take a few minutes (10-15) to reflect on how we do take care of ourselves. If you feel comfortable, please share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section.

1. In what ways do I show self-love?

2. Does treating myself well influence how I treat others? How?

3. How do I balance hard work and downtime?

4. When do I take time for myself?

You know, reflecting on my journey as a reader, I used to be someone who didn't read much. It all changed when I realized the incredible impact reading can have on our lives. It's been a transformative experience that has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

During my 6th-grade years, my passion for reading suffered a setback because my stepfather didn't see the value in it. It was tough because I looked up to him, and his disinterest made me question my love for books. Looking back, I wish I had handled it differently.

Now, knowing what I do today, I would have tried to encourage him to read along with me and discover the magic of books together. Perhaps introducing him to exciting series like the BabySitters Club or thrilling adventures from Goosebumps would have shown him the joy and value that reading brings into our lives.

Unfortunately, I allowed his fear and lack of understanding to dampen my enthusiasm for reading. It's a decision I regret because I let his opinions overshadow my own passion. As I've grown older, though, I've learned to embrace my love for books and not let others' views discourage me.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: to be confident in my interests and not let anyone diminish the things I hold dear. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that it's okay to share your passions with others and even inspire them to join you on your reading journey. After all, the world of books is meant to be enjoyed and shared with those around us.

Reading has been a wondrous adventure for me. It's like stepping into a portal that allows me to explore diverse cultures, historical periods, and imaginative realms. It has broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of life and humanity. I feel deeply connected to the characters and their journeys, as if I'm experiencing their lives alongside them.

The best part is that reading isn't just about entertainment; it's an opportunity for personal growth. With every page I turn, I gain valuable insights, learn from the wisdom of others, and expand my intellectual capacity. Reading has even nurtured critical thinking skills that extend beyond the written word, helping me navigate complex issues in my daily life.

Through books, I get to see the world through the eyes of different protagonists, experiencing their joys, struggles, and triumphs. It's been eye-opening, challenging my preconceptions, and encouraging me to question assumptions I once held dear.

Beyond all of that, reading fosters empathy, understanding, and unity among people from different backgrounds. It breaks down barriers and brings people together, and I find that absolutely amazing.

Nowadays, my enthusiasm for reading is boundless. I'm constantly on the lookout for new literary adventures, and each book I pick up leaves an indelible mark on my soul. I truly believe that everyone should embark on their own literary journey because within those pages lie endless possibilities for growth, enlightenment, and the discovery of our true selves.

So, my friend, don't hesitate to dive into the world of books and see how reading can transform your life. Trust me; it's a journey worth taking!

Happy reading!

Unlike most states, Texas relies heavily on property taxes to finance education, which results in large funding disparities between wealthier and lower-income districts. This has led to legislative debates on how to provide more equitable and adequate funding for teachers and schools.

In Texas, schools are funded based on the number of students enrolled and the daily attendance on campus. Currently, schools receive a base allotment of $6,160 per student each year which has not increased since 2019. The national average is $15,114 per student. Texas is $4000 behind the national average when it comes to funding our scholars.

As costs continue to rise every year, school districts are forced to raise taxes or cut important programs to stay ahead of fiscal cliffs. Texas education advocates Raise Your Hand Texas report, the $19 billion Texas public schools received in federal stimulus funds expire in 2024, and our current school finance formulas are not flexible enough to meet the needs of our schools. The impact of underfunding our public schools is long-lasting.

That begs the question -- do you TRULY understand how our schools are funded?

Over the past year, as Cedar Hill Council of PTAs President, I had the privilege of working with Raise Your Hand Texas (RYHT), a non-partisan nonprofit organization supporting public policy solutions that invest in Texas’s 5.4 million public school students. Working so closely with them has taught me, as I work to teach others, the importance of staying engaged and informed when it comes to public education.

As we discuss the reasons why we should and should not support CHISD’s current bond proposal, I would like to share a 2-minute video on the basics of Texas School Finance. The purpose of the video is to give YOU, the citizens of Cedar Hill some context on how your property tax is used when it comes to public schools.

With the state’s reliance on property taxes to fund education, many school districts, like Cedar Hill ISD, face funding disparities that hinder our ability to provide high-quality facilities and resources for our students. By investing in our schools, we're investing in the future of our city and our children's education.

As members of our community, we all have a stake in the success of our local public schools. One way we can help support their growth and improvement is by voting in favor of school bond initiatives.