“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” We’ve all heard the saying, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Let’s take a minute, Mama’s, to check our cup’s status.
As moms it’s so easy to get caught up worrying about everyone but ourselves. If we want to be able to maintain our role, though, we need to make sure we are fit to do so.
Let’s start by asking ourselves some questions:
- When is the last time you had a shower?
- When is the last time you got a haircut, or did your nails?
- When is the last time you had a cup of tea or coffee in silence?
- Heck {let’s be real here} when’s the last time you pooped in silence?
- When is the last time you did something just because YOU enjoy it?
- When’s the last time you read a book or worked out?
- When’s the last time you had a date night with your husband, or a mom’s night out? {I happen to know a pretty cool blog, that puts on some pretty amazing Mom’s Night Out’s…just saying. ?}
- When is the last time you slept as long as you wanted to?
- When is the last time you had sex {oh yeah, I went there!}
- When is the last time you did {insert any activity here}because you know helps fill your cup?
Good, we’ve asked the questions. Now, evaluate your answers and make a plan. The timing will never be perfect, you will still be tired often, and yes, you’ll have to try and squeeze it in. But, I promise you: filling your cup will ALWAYS be worth it.
If your cup is already full, congratulations, you get an imaginary gold star in mommy self care. You might not need the rest of this post but hey, just for fun, check it out because you might get a couple of new ideas. ?
Maybe your cup just needs a few drops, or maybe that sucker is bone dry. The first step to filling it, is trying. You can go with baby steps, or take a giant leap. Start now. Grab a paper and write down 10 things you’d like to do by the end of the month. Like how that felt? Make a list for the next month, or the rest of the year, or the next five years even.
Write down five things that just make you happy: read a book, dance in the rain, kiss your partner, stargaze with your children, bake a cake. There are no wrong answers. Try to do one thing a day.
Don’t, I repeat DO NOT let this become a burden. This is mean to refresh you, so you can be your best you. Plan something fun, and have fun doing it. Go out with friends, request that new book from the library, invest in a good fitting bra, schedule a massage, take a shower and lock the bathroom door, wake up 20 minutes before the kids, or stay up after they are in bed and have a cup of your favorite something and enjoy the quiet that sometimes we forget exists. Put your partner or your neighbor, or your TV on child-watch duty. Call your bestie or a family member and talk an hour away like it’s nothing! Make your favorite meal for dinner one night, even if no one else likes it. Have hot dogs and PB and J on stand-by in case someone doesn’t want to eat it.
Close your eyes, tell yourself you are loved, important and worth it and mean it, as well as believe it. You are so very worth it. To someone, maybe many someones, you are the world.
One more time for the people in the back, there is NO WRONG ANSWER {well, I mean, something illegal is the wrong answer…but other than that, there isn’t one.}
Keep your list handy, refer to it, revise it, and cross it off as needed, and enjoy being able to give your loved ones a happier and “youier” you. ?
What are your favorite things to do to help care for yourself? Let’s connect in the comments!
