ME Time
The alarm rings you slowly roll out of bed. You hear little feet cruising through the house. The kids are up and you haven't even had your morning coffee yet. You get them ready and off to school and yourself off to work. Quitting time and you come home only to make supper, help with homework, give baths and put the kids to bed. What about you? Looking at the clock you see there is no time for "you" tonight. Sound familiar? We, as moms, get so busy and wrapped up in taking care of our families that sometimes we forget about "us". We get lost in the shuffle. But us moms really need to make time for ourselves. We need to be able to rejuvinate mentally and physically. Sometimes these times can be difficult to find or schedule.
Sometimes all we can find is only a few minutes, but those few minutes can be worth gold. Try lingering just a little longer in the bathroom. I know, they are probably yelling at the door for you, but turn on the water full blast and pretend it is a raging waterfall for a moment. Wake up in the morning just a little earlier than the rest. Sit at the table and have your coffee while the house is still silent. Maybe even browse through that magazine you bought three days ago or put the kids to bed a littler earlier. They may balk, but they will begin to understand if you try to do this on a regular basis. These extra few moments while they are in bed may give you time to relax with a nice bubble bath and soft music. Want to see the house really clear out? Start cleaning. Everyone seems to disappear.
Moms also need friendships with other women. Friendships with other women help us to be better wives and mothers. So, if you can, go on an all girls overnighter. Book a motel room or cabin and spend the weekend with just your girlfriends. Stay up late and talk and order pizza and junk food and sleep in late the next morning. Or try going for an all day spa treatment. Let them massage your cares away. Have a hobby that you really enjoy? Join a club or take a class.
No matter how you do it, find some time for yourself, even if it is just a few moments. Remember, if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
Doreen Stoltz
2008