This year is going to be about me! There I said it. But why is it that I can’t help feel a twinge of guilt for feeling this way? I am the professional organizer, personal UBER driver, cuddle dispenser, in-house chef, housekeeper, and super mom to five amazing kids. Seriously, things fall apart when I’m not there…lunches are forgotten on the counter, clothes that fit too small are worn to school, and the hubby likes to take the kids out for take-out every chance he gets when I’m tied up at work. Ever since becoming a mom, I’ve tried to balance family life, work life, faith life, social life, and having time for myself. If you’re like me then you know that making time for yourself gets the first cut because there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything. This year, it’s going to be different.
Here are 5 realistic goals that will help me find that balance again.
Love my body and aim to be healthy.
I’ve embraced my mom curves and given up on the fact that I will no longer fit into my college-sized clothing. I just want to be healthy so that I can live a long life with my family. This year I am going to stick to putting in 30 minutes of exercise daily. I’m not ready to commit to a gym membership with my crazy schedule, but a brisk walk around the neighborhood seems more manageable.
Accept help when it is offered.
My kids do weekly chores, and many times I turn down help from family or friends because I don’t want to be a bother to others. Honestly, a part of me thinks sometimes it’s just easier if I do it on my own. That way, it gets done the way I want it to be done. I was pleasantly surprised that my 10 year old offered to help me one day as I was getting the house ready for Christmas. Typically he would ask, I would state what I needed to be done, he would change his mind, and I would be the one to carry out the chore alone. On this particular day I really needed our carpeted stairwell vacuumed. He didn’t give me an excuse and happily vacuumed each step of the two staircases in the house. He even took out all of the trash without one single pout! I realized that I have to have more faith and trust in others.
Look presentable.
The rolled-out-of-bed and top knot look works for teens, college kids, and the absolutely stunning moms only. Trust me, this was a harsh reality for me. I just didn’t have the time in the morning. I help pack lunches for all of my kids, feed them breakfast of some sort, get them to school on time, and get myself to work on time as well. A long time ago it would have taken me at least 1 ½ hours to do my hair and makeup to leave the house. Somewhere along the way I traded that in for extra sleep time. So this year I am making an effort to put makeup on daily and do more than just put my hair in a ponytail. I consulted with makeup artist Jessica Chernikova of JC Lip Bar and Beauty and she showed me how to do a quick 4-minute face. The transformation was remarkable and effortless. I LOVED it. She took the time to explain the uses for each product and whether I needed it or not. She showed me how to apply it and gave me some useful makeup tips for a busy mom. Now I don’t have to duck and hide from someone I know at Target because I look awful. I’m telling you…new year, new me.
Start on that hobby that I always wanted to do but put off.
How many times have you thought to yourself that you wished you knew how to sew, speak another language, read a book, take cooking lessons, etc.? I would love to challenge you to do that one thing that you always wanted to do but didn’t have time. Make the time to do something that makes YOU happy. I really want to learn how to speak Spanish fluently. There was an opportunity last summer but it conflicted with my children’s schedule. I’ve already told myself that I am going to enroll in Spanish classes this summer.
Find time to sit quietly with a cup of coffee or tea and do absolutely NOTHING.
This sounds silly because I could think of 100 other things that I could do then sit around and do nothing but I’m telling you, it’s so worth it! It could be 10-15 minutes before the kids wake up, come home from school or while you’re sitting in the carpool line. You’re giving yourself time to reflect, to start the day without the franticness, and time to mentally rest.
Moms are the glue that holds the family together. That is why it’s so important to take care of you. I am truly looking forward to this year and hope that I stick to my goals.
Do you have any advice to share with our moms who want to make more time for themselves? I would love to hear from you!
