Mama, do you feel guilty taking time to care for yourself? It’s time to put an end to your mom guilt TODAY. It’s time to learn the importance of self care.
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Wondering how I know this about you? I’ve been there. Heck, I’m still there at times.
Self care takes practice. And it is a practice that we must be intentional about.
You set the bar for how you are treated! It is up to you to put yourself at the top of your list. After all, how do you expect others to respect your self care practice if you are not respecting it?
I know what you’re thinking… easier said than done.
And, you’re right! Most things are easier said than done.
There is minimal effort required in the saying. Right? Think about how many times you’ve said something and never actually followed through with it. Guilty as charged!
There is massive effort required in the doing. MASSIVE. I don’t say that to scare you. I say it to be real. You have to plan, prepare, act, put your body in physical motion – over and over and over. Consistently.
The saying is simple. The doing requires a great deal of effort – it is hard. But just because things are hard, doesn’t mean we give up. Raising kids is hard, but here we are still giving our kids everything we have despite the hard moments. Let’s treat ourselves the same way!
Wondering where you’re going to add self care to your day? This post may help you.
SO LONG MOM GUILT…
We must fill our cup with love so we can overflow that love to others. As mamas, we feel guilty taking the time to care for ourselves, because it’s time away from our kids. STOP the mom guilt!
Growing up I watched my mom give everything to everyone. I am forever grateful for all that she did for me. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know! Her kids are her world. However, she always put herself at the bottom of her own list.
Mama’s, our kids can be our world AND we can make ourselves a priority! It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Our belief systems are formed when we are children and if we choose to, we carry these beliefs throughout our life. They influence the choices we make and form the foundation of our life. If the generations before us took care of everyone else, it does not mean we have to. As adults, we get to choose what beliefs we want to keep and which ones we want to get rid of.
So, say it with me… so long to the belief that mama’s need to put everyone else first!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE…
Mamas, I get that self care is easier said than done. I’m over here battling my mom guilt and my limiting beliefs.
But, together, we can make a difference.
We can stop the mom guilt.
We can normalize self care.
We can pass a new belief on to our children.
When we adopt and model our own self care practice, we provide our children with the belief that it is not only okay but necessary to take care of yourself so you can best care for the ones you love.
That’s what I want for myself. That’s what I want for my son. That’s what I want for my daughter. That’s what I want for my (possible) future children-in-law.
So, if you are having trouble doing this for YOU then start by doing it for your kids. Once you see the positive effects self care has on you and your family, you won’t want to stop. Trust me!
START TODAY…
Wondering how to start a self care practice today? Wondering how to fill your own cup?
Ask yourself this simple question, “What brings me joy?”.
- Is it reading a good book while the kids are napping?
- Is it having a weekly bubble bath and listening to your favourite music or podcast?
- Is it sweating it out at the gym or in your basement?
- Is it meeting up with girlfriends for coffee or drinks?
Once you figure out how you want to fill your cup, have a conversation with your spouse about the importance of your self care practice and how it will benefit them and the whole family. And encourage your spouse to take care of themselves too! Remember, if you expect your family to take your self care practice seriously then you must take it seriously too!
I would love to hear how you practice self care and how filling your cup has impacted your life and your families life. Let me know in the comments below!
