As we step into motherhood our habits, thoughts, beliefs, and certain ways of life that were doing ok before can now be magnified when we have kids. Being a mom is also being a caregiver. Helping to nourish, raise, teach and guide our children. It requires a tremendous amount of our time, energy, and patience. It can evoke strong feelings of love, joy, compassion, connection, and blessed feelings. It can also draw out fear, guilt, anger, frustration, and overwhelm. Let’s add in that moms these days have a lot on their plates. Feeling stressed, run down, and burned out can be a challenging day to day reality for moms and their families.
About five years ago I found myself wearing the most hats I’d ever had to date. I was a busy mom to 2 wonderful girls, I was remarried and helping my husband run a successful business, I volunteered, helped care for our house and cottage. I was people pleaser and was really good at saying yes to all sorts of requests. I looked fine on the outside but inside I was a mess. I went nonstop and did a minimal amount of self-care. That’s until I found myself dealing with a severe back seizure and everything stopped. I couldn’t do anything for anyone. This started a whole new path in my life, a new learning of taking care of me and supporting myself in all sorts of ways.
Sometimes we believe that looking after ourselves can be selfish, or the people around us might believe that. I believe when we take the time and energy to regularly build in time to nourish ourselves we then come from a happier, more peaceful place. This translates into happier, more peaceful giving. This happier, more peaceful giving looks different, sounds different, and it feels different to the giver and the receiver. A wonderful win / win situation!
Let’s face it, all of us moms are busy these days so I have a TIP for you while you’re going to the bathroom. While you’re having a seat put your shoulders back, lift your chin and smile (as big as you can). Hold the smile for 17 seconds, this releases happy hormones. Enjoy!
I support moms to help them learn how to support themselves. When moms support themselves by taking the time to re-energize and nourish their minds, bodies, and souls they are more peaceful, happier, and are better able to look after their families. If this is something that you would like for you and your family then let’s have a conversation!