As moms, we often put everyone else before ourselves. It just comes naturally. When it’s time to give a gift, we make sure to find just the right thing. I would like for us to put forth that same effort in being good to ourselves and making sure that we receive some good gifts too. I’m not just talking about the holidays – there are gifts we can give ourselves throughout the year. Some are material things, and others are priceless.
Self-Care
Just like we want our kids to be healthy, we should our view our health as just as important. When you schedule those checkups for your kids, don’t forget about yourself. Eating right, exercising, having quiet/prayer time, and getting enough sleep are things that are vitally important. If you don’t “have the time”, then make it. I am by no means an expert on this topic, but my body lets me know when I’m not practicing good self-care, and I’m sure yours does too. Sometimes mommy needs a time out (a good one). Take some time and do something fun, or do nothing at all. Love yourself – and your family – enough to take care of yourself.
Pampering
Whether it’s a massage, pedicure, facial, trip to the hair salon, or even a makeover, let someone else pamper you. Even if you can’t afford these things every week or month, there are ways pampering can be affordable. Beauty and massage schools are a low-cost, instructor supervised option. When someone asks you what you want for your birthday, anniversary, etc., tell them you’d like a gift card to a salon or spa. Save your spare change and use that for a pampering session. It feels so good for someone else to take care of you sometimes, so find a way to make it happen.
Something Just For You
Does your closet need a makeover? Clear out those things that you haven’t worn or used in years and begin replacing them – piece by piece. Has it been ages since you’ve bought music or a book that wasn’t for children? Ladies, when you’re shopping, it’s okay to get something for yourself. We all need new things from time to time, like jewelry, books, music, clothing, makeup, and perfume. Get whatever makes you happy. Again, it doesn’t have to be much – something as small as a new lip gloss, a cheap bouquet of flowers, or a pair of earrings can brighten your day.
Forgiveness
I don’t know about you, but I’m learning how to do this mom thing day by day. We all make mistakes, and as we are instructed to forgive others, we should remember to extend that same love to ourselves. You can’t effectively love or take care of others while carrying the burden of shame or inadequacy. Don’t waste time beating yourself up because you were late dropping your child off at school, burned dinner, yelled at your child when they threw a temper tantrum, or haven’t had quality time with your spouse in a while. Of course, we must recognize what we’ve done wrong, learn from our mistakes, and formulate & execute a plan so that we don’t repeat them. Yet, we can’t improve our future if we’re stuck on the mistakes of our past (or even today). So, forgive yourself and keep trying to be a better you each day.
So, which gift would you like to give yourself first? I hope more than a few things have come to mind. Mom, you give of yourself every day – make an effort to also give to yourself.
