New Year….New You?
How was your new year’s eve?
We chilled at home.
I’m been fighting this marathon cold and today, after being convinced by two friends, finally got myself to the ENT doctor. Turns out I need to be on antibiotic for five days. I’m so grateful I bit the bullet and went.
How often as moms do we treat ourselves as invincible? I somehow thought, as lingering as this cold has been, that it would ultimately go away. But, one of my friends reminded me that in a perfect world, that would be true, but sometimes we need a little help.
These words hit home for me.
We all need help at times, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it or even paying for it. Do you allow yourself to ask for it? Whether it’s from a mate, friend, family member, stranger…etc.
There’s a lot of talk about practicing self care and how important it is. And, I totally agree. But, sometimes self care isn’t just about doing for ourselves. Part of that is giving ourselves permission to reach out. Seek out connections that have meaning to us. To hire poeple (if we can afford to) to help simplify our lives.
For example, we can’t effectively give ourselves a massage. (I like to treat myself periodically, since I have a bad back.)
Sometimes it’s a worthwhile investment to hire a cleaning woman, if your budget allows, and you choose not to spend your time cleaning your home.
I have a friend who cuts her own hair…but I don’t go that route. I don’t have the ability.
Spending quiet time alone can be wonderful and beneficial, but quality time with a friend (s) means a lot too.
Are you someone who suffers in silence or do you pick up the phone and call someone you can share with?
I am the supreme multi-tasker and that lends itself to burnout.
This year, I’d like to really prioritize how I spend my time and money and decide what is most important to me. What will bring happiness and fulfillment and ideally some monetary reward.
I want to appreciate myself. Honor myself. Try to get my needs met. Seek out happiness and fun more.
I’m good at playing roles, but I want to learn to step back and grant myself more balance.
I’m watching Oprah who is talking about this, and I find her very candid and inspiring. She said the “key is putting yourself back on your own to-do list.” I LOVE that.
How about you? Are you on your to-do list?
3 Responses to “New Year….New You?”
Nothing like a wobbly economy to help us prioritize how we spend our money. I had someone remind me recently that altho our economic situation may not be stellar at the moment, that sharing is still important. I like how he used the word sharing vs. donating.
By travelingmom.com on Jan 11, 2009
My goal is to spend more time really listening to my children who are both now teenagers. Interestingly research shows that teens report that their parents don’t listen to them while parents believe they are listening. I’m going to focus on truly hearing what they have to say without advising, reassuring or analyzing.
By Kathy Slattengren on Jan 13, 2009
This is a great New Year's goal to have. I think that many mothers should also share the same goals. Balanced parenthood comes from balanced mothers and fathers! You need to make sure your own life is in order to give the best care to your children. As the wife of an ENT doctor who is often busy, this is a difficult task for me, but I am also trying. Good luck!
By Castle on Apr 13, 2011