Fair warning to my readers … I am on a soapbox in today’s column. Over the last few months, I have helped organize two evenings devoted to women’s health and wellness at our church. As a mother of 10 children, I am keenly aware of the prevalence of EBS (Empty Bucket Syndrome) and the fact that many of us do not practice adequate self-care.
The theory behind EBS is that if your bucket is empty, you have nothing to give. The more you have in your bucket, the more you are able to give. Many years ago, my husband and I made it a priority to have a date night once a week. When our children complained about us leaving, we reminded them that our date nights were really for them, because when we came home, we were better parents. Our “buckets” were a little fuller. Making time to develop a talent, create something, or do things that bring you joy and fulfillment is good for everyone.
Another issue that we discussed is the fact that when most of us look in the mirror, we tend to trash-talk ourselves. We complain that we are too fat or too skinny, our hair is too curly or too straight, our breasts are too large or too small.
Consider the miracle of your body. Your heart is an incredible pump with four delicate valves that open and close more than 100,000 times a day. Each eye has an autofocusing lens. Nerves and muscles control two eyes to make a single three-dimensional image. The eyes are connected to the brain, which records the sights seen. The body renews its own outdated cells and can heal its cuts, bruises and broken bones. Its capacity for reproduction is almost beyond comprehension.
Regardless of how miraculous our bodies are, why do we focus on the flaws? Why do we compare ourselves to others? Who do you know who would like you any better if you looked any different? A person’s physical appearance says very little about one’s character and value. It has been said that comparison is the thief of joy. Be kind to yourself.
If you are fortunate enough to have a mother who is still with you, be kind to her as well. Sunday, May 14 happens to be Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor the person (or persons) who nurtured you. My favorite things to receive on this special day are expressions of love, appreciation and gratitude. Sometimes those come in the form of cards, letters, phone calls or even thoughtful, heartfelt gifts.
The grand opening of Scott Farm Market on Saturday, April 29 was well attended. Each time I stop in, I find additional local products for sale. This time did not disappoint, for as soon as I walked in, my eyes were immediately drawn to a display of beautiful handmade cutting/charcuterie boards which were works of art using local and exotic woods. I enjoyed talking to local craftsman Robert Putnam, who started his veteran-owned business, Putnam’s Projects. If you need a lovely gift and are looking for something unique, check out the selection at Scott Market or at Putnam’s Projects on Facebook. Did I already mention that May 14 is Mother’s Day!
Speaking of gifts, Brimfield Township is the recipient of a beautiful 40-acre parcel of land with a six-acre lake on it. The soon-to-be McGuire Park, located behind Kohl’s department store, was donated by Tim McGuire and promises to be a gem. The Brimfield Parks Department will develop the park and is offering a McGuire Park Preview Hike from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 25. The hikes will be divided into 30-minute time slots.
Participants may attend hikes at either 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. The hikes will begin at 120 Robey Rd., Tallmadge. Parking is limited, and registration is required (online at store.brimfieldohio.gov or by calling the Brimfield Parks Department at 330-678-0739).
Upcoming programs:
– Saturday, May 13: Sue Fields’ Spring Clean-Up – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lions Community Park, 4484 Edson Rd.
Brimfield Township residents can take advantage of this opportunity to drop off large items and scrap metal at Lions Park. Residents will be asked to show identification to prove residency. Participants must be able to lift items into recycling bins, as no lifting assistance will be provided. For a full list of accepted items, please see the Spring Clean-up event flier at www.brimfieldohio.gov or contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
– Friday, May 19: Warbler Walk – 8:30 a.m. at Cranberry Creek Park, 2211 Lynn Rd.
Join bird lovers Cassie and Erin for an early-morning birding walk around Cranberry Creek Park in search of (but not limited to) migratory warblers! Please dress for the weather, and wear sturdy hiking boots. There will be a limited number of binoculars, so please bring your own if possible.
– Saturday, June 17: Touch-a-Truck – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (sensory-friendly hour – 11 a.m. to noon) at Lions Community Park, 4484 Edson Rd.
Families can get up close and personal with fire trucks, police cruisers, construction vehicles, military vehicles and more, all while enjoying food from two local food trucks. Crafts and activities will be provided by local nonprofits.
– Wednesday through Friday, June 21-23: Little Explorers Day Camp (ages 6-7) – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd.
Registration required, $50/child. Register at store.brimfieldohio.gov. Kids will enjoy three fun-filled days of lessons, games and activities about different classes of animals, including birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles!
– Friday, June 23: Summer Concert featuring American Steal – 7 p.m. at the Brimfield Historical Society, 4158 state Rte. 43.
Bring your family and friends out to the Brimfield Historical Society grounds for the first summer concert of the season featuring American Steal!
Finally, it is official that Chase Bank is building next to the Meijer gas station, and the current “official word” about Aldi – according to the Aldi official website – is that we should mark our calendars for a grand opening Thursday, May 18. See you there!
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected].
