Or at least I try to, because to be a good mom (or spouse), I have to take care of myself first. I don’t do it all every day, but I do what I can and that goes a long way.
Nutrition. Activity. Pleasure. Rest. Patience. Mindfulness. Protection. Support. Kindness. Distraction. Fun. Attention. Relaxation. Me Time. Sleep. Awareness. Fitness. Community.
All these things are actions and attitudes that promote my well-being, the mental AND physical. They’re both so very interrelated, and we often forget. If the body and mind are not in balance, we can’t be our best selves for the ones we love.
It’s a big theme of mine, this self care. I sometimes suck at it big time, but I keep trying. I am always a work in progress, and that it more than OK, especially if there really is progress.
I backslide a lot.
A bad night sleep and my patience wanes.
Not enough time with friends–my community–and I feel trapped.
Lack of fun and distraction, and I get frustrated and angry.
But I push forward and recommit to making myself a priority.
And that doesn’t make me a bad mom.
Very smart to recognize that taking care of yourself is a way of taking care of your family. Self Care always feels selfish and decadent but I have learned the hard way that if I push myself until exhaustion, everyone suffers, including me.