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It's my second day alone in the forest.

I rented an Airbnb up in the hill, surrounded by mountains and trees, birds, and squirrels. The house is made of wood, with beautiful antique furniture.

The living "room" is an ample open space, with no walls, facing the forest. My bedroom is on the first floor with its own spacious balcony between the tree canopy.

I will be here for 4 days.

There was something about being a woman that made it easy to ignore my own needs.

I've come here for some solitude in nature. A wild part in me yearned for this. And yet, it took me months to finally make the decision to go.

On the day of the trip, I left right after a Livestream event where I was both the speaker and producer. This event marked the completion of a week-long education program that my team and I had worked on for months.

I remember rolling my luggage towards my friend's car feeling immense relief. I didn't want to take a Grab because I'm 7-month pregnant and need to stop every hour to honour my bladder (go to pee).

Thankfully, Aidan, a friend of mine, was happy to help. He calls me the "pee machine."

It took years, but I've finally learned to give to myself as much as I give to others.

I had a chronic problem with over-giving. Then ended up exhausted and resentful. There was something about being a woman that made it easy to ignore my own needs.

“Now I’m here in the forest, listening to the sound of insects, the sound of the wind rustling through bamboo leaves. I realize that for many women, me included, kindness is still a radical act.”

I remember the afternoon when I booked this Airbnb. I sat on my couch, fingers hovered on the touchpad, my mind spinning with thoughts:

"This is expensive. Maybe I find a cheaper place? Maybe I go together with baby's daddy? Maybe I don't need this..."

My heart raced. I clicked the "make a booking" button anyway. Then I found myself feeling a mixture of guilt and another emotion that I can only explain as "undeservedness": "How dare you?" "This is so selfish."

Now I’m here in the forest, listening to the sound of insects, the sound of the wind rustling through bamboo leaves. I realize that for many women, me included, kindness is still a radical act.

We can quench no one's thirst when our cup is empty..

After millennia of being told that woman's role is to give, to nurture, to sacrifice, taking care of our own needs can feel like a revolution.

But taking care of our own needs isn't about being selfish. It's about acknowledging that our needs are as valid as others. Realizing that we can quench no one's thirst when our cup is empty.

So to you, dear one. Don't forget to fill your cup.

It can be a trip to the forest. It can be making the time 2 nights a week to enjoy a face-mask.

It can also be sitting down with a glass of water in the morning, gazing at the sky while taking slow sips.

Or as simple as taking a slow belly breath and letting your shoulders drop down instead of scrolling social media.

Do what you need to access the source of aliveness from deep within.

In that way, you will stop being an empty cup. You will be a beautiful well, overflowing with sweet water, bringing nourishment to yourself and everyone around you.

With so much love,

Milena

P.S: Kindness and purpose

Deep within many of us is the desire to make a difference, to matter, to live with purpose. Be kind to yourself also meant to acknowledge this desire and take steps towards it.

If you yearn to know your purpose and make impact with your gifts, download this beautiful workbook. Let the journey begin!