Momma, it’s important to take time for yourself.
As mothers, our top priority is our children and making sure they’re always happy, healthy and loved.
But we often forget we are a priority as well.
We leave ourselves last because, in our eyes, as long as our little ones are good, we’re good. But are we really? Yes, of course seeing our children happy makes us happy and fulfilled and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for them. But we sacrifice our needs on a daily basis, giving up most of the things that bring us happiness to meet their wants and needs. We believe that completely sacrificing ourselves is what it means to be a good mom. Except we forget that we are important as well and that we were individuals before we became mothers.
It is okay AND important to take time away for yourself (and from your kids) every once in a while.
Yes, I said it… away from your kids. This does not make you a bad parent or love them any less. Motherhood is hard and overwhelming and a mother’s well being (mentally and physically) is essential. We all know that as much as we love our kids, sometimes we just need a breather. Sometimes we need a break to reconnect with ourselves and dedicate time to just us: the person behind “Mommy.” Whatever it is that you love and want to do for yourself, take the time and do it. Whether it’s a few hours, a day, or a week, do it! Remember that if you are happy, your kids are happy. And being happy means taking care of yourself as well.
Being in the same routine day after day is tough. There’s days I am exhausted and have no energy for anything because I am human and can only take so much at a time. Working full-time, being a wife, raising twin toddlers, and chores around the house, takes a toll on me. It is a lot of work. I’m not complaining, I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing. But sometimes I just need a break.
Traveling is what fills my soul.
I’m not able to do it often, for obvious reasons, but I make sure to plan a trip at least once a year – no kids, just my husband and I (or with a group of friends). This is how I take time for myself. Yes, it is extremely difficult to leave my little ones behind –I cried the first time I left them and it doesn’t get any easier. I miss them every day while I’m gone, but when I realize how much I enjoy time to myself, it hurts a little less. And bonus… I get to sleep in!
I just came back from a cruise with my husband and friends and let me just say how much needed this trip was for me. Of course I felt guilty the whole time because how dare I have fun without my daughters and take time away from being together, right? But I know that I too deserve to enjoy myself once in a while. I am an individual aside from being a mother, and it is most definitely healthy and necessary for my well-being.
I never realize how caught up I am in every day life until I’m out of the routine.
After this trip, I came back so recharged and able to take on the everyday madness with a refreshed mind. I won’t lie though, the day before the trip was over, I was counting down the hours until I saw my babies again. I missed them so much because, at the end of the day, nothing compares to being with them. But Mommy needed a break and I don’t feel guilty for it.
So tell me Momma, how do YOU take time for yourself?
