As a mom, and particularly the mom of a child who has needed so much of me, I forget to take care of myself. Take my eyes for example. They have been really dry, and my doctor has recommended I take 5-10 minutes every day for a quick treatment. Guess who hasn’t been carving out that tiny bit of time every day? Oh yeah, that’s me.
For a person who can drop everything in an instant for just abut anyone else on the planet who may need help, I sure do seem to have a problem showing myself that same compassion. It’s a pattern I’ve been practicing all my life so I’m pretty good at it:)
What happens if I take care of myself? Doesn’t that mean I’m selfish? Taking time for me means talking time from my kids, my family. They are so important, more important than me. Guilt, guilt, guilt. It’s been so much a part of me for so long that I neglect myself and don’t even know that I’m doing it.
Then I get depleted and everything gets a little ugly. Depleted me shows up short tempered, critical and cranky. Sometimes I get sick. Sometimes I’m exhausted. Always I lose patience.
But I have learned through the school of hard knocks that there is a solution! Create some ME time! And guess what? My kids and family don’t fall apart! They even benefit from a more sane me.
Me time can be anything from something simple like a cup of my favorite tea on the patio or a phone call with one of my besties, to something more involved like a jewelry class or a girl’s night out, or even (drumroll please)…a weekend away! Now that’s what I’m talking about!
As for me this week, I’m taking care of my eyeballs every day, twice a day (vision is important after all:). Maybe it’s a little thing to some, but it helps me in a big way to know I’m making myself a priority. Who knows, I may even start that new book I bought. Yeah, I know, I’m living large!
Special kids have special moms, so take care of yourself this week.
And since all kids are special, this means YOU. Carve out a little you time and have a splendid week!
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