Self-Care

I’ve been a mom for over 13 years now, and I’m just learning to take time for myself. That’s something I’m not accustomed to doing naturally. My mother, worked, came home, dinner/homework, and the same the next day. On weekends, my mom, sister and I were always together…visiting friends, museums, having friends over, etc.. So, she was my model of what a mom looked like.

My mom had the luxury of caring for my sister and I until we were school aged…she was a stay-at-home mom, until my parents divorced when I was 7 years old. Being a SAHM was never an option because my husband is an entrepreneur and I have a 9-to-5 job with benefits and we certainly needed a stable income. Since my beloved son was 4 months old, he’s been in daycare, school and aftercare. I’m grateful for them all and for the care he received.

I just had a rough week last week so by Friday when I got home from my 2-hour commute, I didn’t have anything to give to anyone. My temples, neck and shoulders throbbed. I talked to my son about the importance of excellence and working hard during this part of his life, because later on, he will have all sorts of responsibilities.  It will be a lot harder to do the things you want to do, because you’ve got to do what you have to do. After our brief discussion, I took to my bed. Yesterday, my temples still had that stabbing feeling, so I finally honored myself by taking some Advil and relaxing in bed. That evening I didn’t feel well, so I continued to rest. My husband and son wanted to go to a movie, but my head was still throbbing and I asked if we could go the next day.

I don’t think I’ve ever done that and didn’t try to push myself that evening to do something. I simply slept on and off all day, which is exactly what I must have needed because today, I feel like a new person.

Self-care is one of the kindest and most important things you can do for yourself and those around you. Today, I’m not so tense or hungry (I self medicate with food when I’m stressed out) and I’m in a much better place emotionally, physically and mentally. This is the first time I haven’t felt guilty about taking time for me. Thank you to my sisters that have been supportive of me.