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It’s All About You: Taking Time for Yourself
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Think back to when you were pregnant. Remember the "oohs and ahhs" over your growing belly? Everyone seemed to be talking about you. "How are you feeling?" "You look great!" Then, "birth day" came and everyone, including you, became mesmerized with this new little one that had just come into the world.
Fast forward a few days, months, or even a couple of years and you may find yourself looking in the mirror and perhaps not feeling as good as you felt before. You may have promised yourself you wouldn't become "frumpy." You'd stay away from always pulling your hair back into a ponytail, always wearing the comfy (stretchy) pants and tennis shoes, and always leaving the house with a little lipstick.
Then, parenthood happened. Priorities switched and it becomes about dressing the little one, making sure everything is just right with him or her before you leave the house. And, after you accomplished that, it became about getting together everything else you would need for an excursion. That sometimes leaves little time for you. Sometimes it is an accomplishment to just get somewhere on time!
With all of these new balls to juggle, you may find yourself struggling to take time for you. This may include making time for the things that were once of value and importance to you. These could be coffee with a friend, exercise, a haircut, or even a walk alone. And, even if you can find time to make these things happen, your "mommy guilt" may be getting in the way. This guilt can be amplified anytime we make choices that take us away from our children.
If this article is speaking to you, first of all, know that you are not alone. After all, someone is actually writing this, which means they have been there too!
So, can you make time for yourself? Should you make time for yourself? The answer: absolutely!
As with most things in parenthood, flexibility and moderation is the key. You may not be able to do it all, but start with the littlest things that are important to you. Tag-team with your partner so that you can have a few minutes of "me" time - even if it means it is when your child has gone to bed.
Stop, breathe deep, and take the few extra minutes to apply a coat of lip-gloss before leaving the house. Dress for you, for making yourself feel good. Maybe you aren't off to anywhere fancy, but you can and should feel good about how you present yourself.
Save the comfy pants for the rainy afternoon.
Make a date for you and put it on the calendar. An hour coffee date or lunch out makes an impact in the well being of yourself and your family.
The bottom line is that a healthy and happy adult is most successful in raising a healthy and happy child.
It has to be all about YOU!
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