I have found through experience that when I'm not taking care of myself, not only do I suffer but my family suffers. So ditch the mom guilt and take the time that you need! I have a tendency to keep pushing my needs aside until I reach a breaking point.
We've had a very busy fun summer so far. However, I've struggled to get some quality 'me' time to decompress. I'll spare you the meltdown that ensued. But the reality check that followed prompted me to take action.
I signed my son up for a day camp at one of the local Christian camps.
This entire summer, we have spent every day together. It has been awesome! At times, it’s also been overwhelming. As selfish as it may sound, I needed some time where I could just completely breathe and be responsible for me and me alone. On the flipside, he is an only child, and he needed some time away from mom.
In case you don’t remember, we don’t live within driving distance of family. My husband and I don’t get away for weekend getaways or even a night out. I regret that it took me getting to a breaking point before I realized the need to take some time for me.
I nervously dropped him off at camp and drove away not really knowing what to feel. I was nervous for him. This was a brand new experience for him. I was excited that he’s getting to do this. I was anxious to find out how things were going for him. I felt a little guilty that I was looking forward to a break. I got lost on the way home because I am so directionally challenged. (insert eyeroll)
As I drove down the highway headed toward home, (once I found the correct road), when I came to the intersection to turn on the road to my house, I went straight instead deciding that I wanted breakfast.
I wound up in the Cracker Barrel parking lot. Should I be doing this? Shouldn't I be at home cleaning or doing something productive? Instead I decided that I was going to sit down, eat a meal without being interrupted and try to SLOW down. I ordered a mocha latte and giggled with delight as I felt the coffee, mocha and whipped cream hit my taste buds. After enjoying a delicious meal that I didn't have to prepare or clean up after, I decided to stop by the nail salon that I hadn't been to in YEARS to see if they could fit me into their schedule as a drop in.
They could. And I ordered the deluxe pedicure. Three hours after I dropped my son off at camp, I was finally on my way home. I could feel some of the stress lifting. I could breathe a little deeper.
By the end of the day, I was excited to pick my son up from camp and hear about his day. He was equally excited to see me, and we spent the evening catching up on our day. By the time that my husband came home from work, I felt like a new woman... like my old self.. the one who smiled and laughed and didn't get so easily frustrated at the little things in life.
Just a reminder... self care is not selfish - it's necessary.
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