Guest Blogger: Do Something For Yourself

Today's guest blogger is a mom who has inspired me personally to smile more and to focus on what's most important in life. Thank you for writing Jenny - - -

I probably don’t have to say it to you, but being a mom is hard work! The day never ends. We get no breaks or lunch hours. We often have several other part time jobs to tack on to our full time “mom” gig (i.e. housekeeper, cook, personal shopper, etc.). I’ve been working several of these jobs for a little over three years now, and truly have not figured out exactly how to balance all of the things in this life. When Rebecca asked me to write a little blurb for her blog, the one thing that came to mind for me was what a poor job I’ve done of taking care of my self over these past three years. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I realized I was doing so much for everyone else, that I had stopped taking care of myself. I wasn’t reading (which I love to do), exercising (which I need to do), having girls nights (or even half hours), scrapbooking, enjoying cooking (which is used to do every day), taking time to myself, or even showering on some days (gross!). I was so focused on doing all the mom things (cooking, cleaning, planning activities for the kids, etc.) just perfectly, that I failed to realize my family missed the old me who actually had a personality and interests. I had pushed aside everything that wasn’t mom related.

So, over the past few months I got into volunteering for a non-profit child welfare agency, started going to the YMCA regularly (which means I have to let someone else care for my kids for a bit…sooooo hard!), began taking a few minutes to myself during naptime, letting my hubby watch the kids (even if it means they eat popcorn for dinner) so I can go out with the girls, and even listening to my own music in the car instead of always the kids songs. It feels great! So, my advice to any mom I meet is, never lose your own identity-and if you did…get it back! Do something for yourself. It’s so easy to become a mom to these adorable precious little people and a wife to a wonderful loving husband, and all the while forget who you are. Take time for yourself and stay involved in things you are passionate about. Don’t feel guilty about having your husband watch the kids while you volunteer or participate in a weekly woman’s group or do Zumba at the gym. Not only will you feel human, but you may have something new to talk to your husband about!