might·y: possessing great and impressive power or strength

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Making Time for You

Mom time. Alone time. Me time. Whatever you call it, we need it! Everyone needs a break no matter who they are.

For those of you who are deep in the "mom trenches" and are happy to just get 2 minutes alone in the bathroom, let's review what me time looks like.

This time is rejuvenating and encouraging. You feel renewed and refreshed after having me time. It includes anything from reading a book you love for 10 minutes, good for a long run, all the way up to a vacation.

Me time will vary for each person and what works for one might not work for another. Case in point: I tried joining a running group with my friends one summer because they said it was so much fun. It probably is, if you like running.

Just like family time, me time is less about quantity and more about quality. I love a good television show and that can be a good me time activity. However, binge watching Downtown Abbey probably loses it's rejuvenating effect after a while.

So how do we get it? Some moms have no problem finding time in their day for me time. What is their secret? I have finally figured it out and it rocked my world. You ready?

"No one is going to give you me time."

That's it! That's their secret. The person who makes time for you is YOU! Of course we have spouses and friends who can be great supporters of me time and help us make time. In the end, however, it really is up to you.

For years I thought "why doesn't my husband see that I've had a long day and I just need a few minutes to myself." A friend and I were talking about "those days" a few years ago and she said something I'll never forget. She said if it had been a particularly trying day and she needed some me time she welcomed her husband home from work with a hug and simply said, "I'm going to go for a bike ride." Occasionally bike ride was swapped out for a walk or Target but you get the idea. She recognized she needed some rejuvenation so SHE made the time.

Some wonderful moms I know have said they feel guilty or selfish taking time for themselves. These sweet mothers are so dedicated to their families, which is beautiful, but it often comes at their own expense. If you can relate to this let me say: You are allowed to take care of yourself too!

There is that old saying "When mom isn't happy no one is." It's kind of a trite saying but there is some truth to it. When one of my kids is grumpy or not themselves it affects everyone around them. So it is with us. When we take that time for ourselves we are more centered mentally, spiritually, and physically and we have more to give!

So moms of the world, make the time and take the time! Make a list of activities of varying lengths that would rejuvenate you and keep it somewhere you look often. Then when the baby is napping, the kids are happily playing, everyone is at school, or you have a few moments after bedtime stories and goodnight kisses you will be ready to relax and rejuvenate with a little "me time."

3 comments:

  1. Love this!!! This needs to be linked in the comments of the post on Power of Moms about going to bed with dishes in the sink... Beautiful writing, Mary!!

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