We moms are always talking about “Me Time.” We seem to spend a lot of brain power thinking about it and how to get it. I even recently saw a red carpet reporter whose sole assignment was to ask celebrity moms how they get the all-important Me Time. And, each celebrity had different answers. Pedicures and coffee were favorites. Lunches and going to the gym were mentioned. Basically any activity that doesn’t involve the children can qualify, although if doesn’t involve the children OR the husband, then it is really considered a treat.
And I know why we say this. It’s because being a mom is tiring. And draining. And some days it’s not all that fun or even interesting. Being a mom requires lots of hard work, lots of putting others first, and lots of doing things that you don’t necessarily feel like doing. So, when we have been doing this for a while, when we can’t even go potty by ourselves, we start to crave time to just be alone or to be with friends, minus our kid crew.
Hear me when I say that there is nothing wrong with this. It is okay to go and do things without our kids or our husbands. It’s okay to want to.
But, there is real danger in the Me Time mentality. I mean actual, harm-your-family danger. Because if we aren’t careful our desire for Me Time can cause us to resent our children and our husband, as if they are keeping us from exploring something about ourselves that we can’t while we are mama and Mrs. We can easily come to a point where we are self-centered and self-serving, thinking only of what we need and want. Where do you think the popular divorce mantra “I deserve to be happy” originated? I’ll just bet you it all started with placing overblown importance on Me Time.
The truth is that Me Time is an abstract concept that means not a whole lot of anything. It’s a myth, really, just something we like to say to make ourselves feel, for a moment, that there is more to us than mommy-ing and wife-ing. We use the term as if it means that it is possible to have time that is just ours and no one else’s. As if we can really step away from mothering and separate ourselves from it. The reality is that once you become a mother, the rest of your life is an exercise in willing yourself to focus on whatever is at hand, while some part of your heart and mind is still feeling around in the dark for your children, how they are, what they’re doing, or what they need.
So, we can continue to talk about and seek out Me Time, and we can grab lunch with friends or get a pedicure or go to Starbucks and read a book without pictures for a change. I think all of that is fine and probably advisable, because when we do those things we feel refreshed and energized for the tasks of mothering. But, Me Time isn’t the glorious missing piece in our lives. Life actually isn’t all about us, as some would have us believe. Our time belongs to God, to our children and our husband, AND to us. There is no such thing as Me Time. Maybe we should just call it Time When I’m Not Physically in the Same Room With My Children.
What? It could catch on.
By all means, today you should take a few moments for breathing deeply, drinking a Dr. Pepper on the back porch, or even going to get your nails done. But, if you are in the midst of raising kids right now, your Me Time is here and now, in the moment, sharing space with your people. These are the days you’ll look back on with joy. Don’t wish them away by dreaming of some mythical idea of important time spent by yourself.
Me Time isn’t an essential of living. And, someday, when we’re older and we don’t have children hugging our knees or pre-teens asking for rides to the mall or teenagers trying our patience, we will have lots and lots and lots of Me Time.
And we’ll long for the days when we couldn’t go to the bathroom alone.
That’s the upside down and backwards world of motherhood. Welcome. I think you’re going to like it here.
directedpath
I know that I am a man and have not dealt w/ raising children in the same context of my wonderful wife. I also know that I leave my job on many days when I leave my office & moms don’t get to do that. Many moms work outside of the home & then go home & have to do so much more then.
I do want to make a comment, though. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowd to be alone with the Father. I believe it becomes very important that we all have that opportunity, otherwise we run out of the things that are necessary to be the parent (mom or dad) that God wants us to be.
Thanks again, Melissa for sharing with us a Godly view of motherhood.
Melissa
Thanks for this comment, Brad! And, I agree! I think we all need a break. This post is really more about becoming overly preoccupied with the idea of getting away. Really, even just running to the store alone is good break. I always appreciate your insight! Edit: I just re-read your comment, and you’re right that I didn’t address the importance of being alone with God and spending time in prayer and reading the Bible. You’re right: it’s essential!! Sorry if I initially misunderstood what you were saying. 🙂
Rutabaga
Well done reminder, Melissa. In my experience (kids now 12 and 14), when I feel tempted to grasp for “me time” or hear friends saying such a phrase, we aren’t meaning “time to spend with Jesus” or “time to reflect on our lives with God”… we mean “time to do something I want to do, doggone it!” 😀 And if I stop and look, it’s me experiencing discontentment and selfishness. NICE job on calling us out in such a lovely way. Mr. Challies pointed me here and I’m so glad I clicked the link!
Melissa
I’m so glad you clicked it, too, Rutabaga! I hope you’ll stick around! Thanks for your comment!!
JennG
Thank you for this reminder. I find myself selfishly grasping for “me time” quite a bit. Mostly when my kids are at each other, the dogs are going crazy and I feel overwhelmed by it all. I have realized that I get a little too over protective of my “me time” lately and have stopped to look up and ask GOD for the “stuff” to handle the moment and see it for the blessing it really it. And by “stuff” I mean patience….Someone told me once that if we pray for patience we usually end up getting lots of trials so I just ask for the “right stuff” now whether it be patience, knowledge, air! to get through what ever is going on… But I find my “me time” cravings have gone down and when an opportunity presents itself for me to break away for a couple of hours I’m thankful and take it without feeling guilty. It took my 4 years of being a mom to figure this much out….I still think I have a long way to go 🙂 I agree with you that we can’t just step away because even if I am OK with my time away I’m not really gone….my head is always wondering if the house will still be standing when I get home…hahaha….Thank you…I love how you write and share your heart. God has blessed you with a great gift that way! Have a wonderful day!
Melissa
JennG, I totally identify with everything you’ve said here! And, thank you for your encouragement!
Beth
Melissa, thank you for this! I was having a conversation recently with another mom friend, and we agreed that if we were given a “break”, we don’t even know if it would be worth it or what we would do with it that would be meaningful. Yes, we all need time to think, to recharge and refresh, but the ways I find those things look SO different now than they did 8 years ago when I only had one child. Now my “me time” takes the form of just playing with my kids, enjoying them, getting to know them better. I pray often for the grace to cheerfully pour out my whole life–my time, my energy, my joy–into my kids and husband. I believe He is answering these prayers!
Melissa
I love this, Beth! I pray we can all do the same!
Another JenG
Christians who believe the myth of needing Me Time often quote Jesus going into the wilderness to meet with the Father in prayer. That wasn’t ME Time. That was GOD Time. All moms need time with their Heavenly Father, but that isn’t what people usually mean by it. They mean Starbucks time, or hobby time, or spa time, or book time, or relax time, or have fun time, etc. it isn’t intended to draw strength from the Lord, but rather from relaxing activities. Relaxing activities have their place, but when they are called “essential”, they are elevated to an unbiblical status.
I AM sympathetic with moms of young children. It is a physically and emotionally draining season! We have to make sure our help comes from the Lord, though, and not from what our selfish and worldly culture advises.
Melissa
Thanks for this comment, Another JenG!
KB
I totally agreed with you about the myth of Me Time, right up until the end–“we’ll long for the days when we couldn’t go to the bathroom alone.” Over and over, young moms are told to “enjoy this time because they grow up so fast,” the implication being that “if you think this is hard, just wait until they grow up and they LEAVE you!” (Maybe it’s just me, but that gets old after a while). I think this misses the point, at least partially. Let me explain. The young mother who constantly wishes away the hard years with little ones in constant search of “me time” actually turns into the middle aged woman who looks back and idealizes those years and feels she has “lost herself” now that her kids are grown. It’s a basic problem with contentment. The truth is–parenting is both hard AND wonderful regardless of the age of our kids. It’s not just young moms who struggle with contentment–it’s all of us. Lately, I’ve been asking the Lord to help me be thankful in whatever season of life I find myself. Right now, with 3 small kids, I can be thankful that they love to snuggle and are always safely asleep right down the hall (I use the term “asleep” loosely!) When they’re grown, I hope to remember to be thankful for the ability to go to the bathroom alone and have the living room stay clean for longer than 5 minutes 🙂
Melissa
KB, I understand what you’re saying! And, I think that part of the “upside down and backwards world of motherhood” that I mentioned is that we are almost always longing for things that we can’t have (clean floors now, babies in our arms later). But, I think that’s partially how the experience of motherhood keeps us dependent on God, leaning on Him to help us through the periods of longing. I think we all look back on hard times through rose colored glasses to some degree, and that’s probably what’s happening with mothers of grown children who say such things to us. But, in truth, they’re right. Where we are right now is a great time in life. Other times will be great, too, like when we can keep the living room clean. 🙂 But, I think you are doing a great thing by asking God to help you be thankful wherever you are in life. Thanks so much for reading and for your comment!
amydward
As one whose nest is emptying even as I type this, I am not sure the desire for “me time” ever subsides. I have found that even in my various seasons, my responsibilities as a mom have only shifted and/or expanded as daughters-in-love have been added and are being added, and now our first grandson! Aging parents also keep me busy “mothering” them, too! : )
It is still a voice that women of all ages hear…this voice of grabbing “me time” while we can.
So your post today about this has resonated after having spent time with our “children” today personally and in texts.
It just reminds me that I live in the same town with our children and our parents (in their 70s and 80s) and there just isn’t any rest for the weary. But, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m thankful for the rests I get from time to time and the calls for help, too.
Being available is a blessing.
I’m glad I bumped into your post today via Challies’ blog. I’m looking forward to reading other posts here.
Melissa
Amy, thanks so much for this perspective. I’m so glad that you found my blog! Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment!
KB
In a strange way, your comment made me feel so much better. I have always viewed the upcoming empty nest years as either being “the promised land” (which is over-idealizing it) or as a lonely waste land with so much “me time” that I get sick of it and only focus on how traumatized I am that my kids are grown. Hearing your perspective has given me hope that things will likely continue to be hectic, just in different ways, which is comforting to me in a weird way. Maybe I’m not explaining myself well–but thank you for your perspective!
amydward
Hi KB,
I’m so glad you are encouraged by the comment. I think you hit the nail on the head with those two ends of the spectrum in mid-life, and I used to do the same. If anything, I’m learning in this season to be “graciously flexible”. I have more freedom to say, “No,” to the things that truly do not matter so I have joy in following through on the times I get to say, “Yes.”
Enjoy your season and hunt for all God’s gracious goodness in it. : )
Alyssa
I already thought this was a great post before I got to the “drinking a Dr. Pepper on the back porch” part, but that sealed the deal. 🙂 Thanks for the challenging reminder!
Melissa
Ha ha, Alyssa! A woman after my own heart! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Sarah
I love this. As someone who has always said I *need* Me Time, God has showed me this year just how much I don’t. Any time that I use to have away from my kids has now been zapped up, leaving little Me Time. However, I’ve learned something from it. 1. How to use my time wisely, 2. How to relax with my kids. It’s been a valuable lesson for me.
Melissa
Sarah, I love that concept: relaxing with your kids. Something we all need to learn to do. Thanks so much for your comment!
Marsha
I enjoyed reading your post and definitely understand the trap of “wishing away” your children’s childhood. I substitute at our church’s preschool, and see and hear the relief of the Moms as they drop off their little ones. I am sure that the time between 9:00 and 1:00 flies by for them. I was not fortunate to be home with my son when he was little because I had to work full time, and there was absolutely no time for “me time,” but I do believe that everyone needs a break in order to refresh and to appreciate what one has and to enjoy whatever stage one’s children are experiencing.
My son is both physically and mentally handicapped, and I remember times when he was young when I won spa days and once even won a weekend at the beach, but I was never able to take advantage of those raffle wins because there was no one to keep my son for me. It occurs to me that when you have children who develop normally, you are given more and more “me time” as they grow and become independent, or when they enter school. When one has a 21 year-old son who has never been able to bathe or dress himself, and now has difficulty even feeding himself, one has a different perspective on the opportunities for “me time” when you have normally developing children.
Melissa
Marsha, thank you so much for sharing this perspective. It’s something that I truly don’t think you can fully understand unless you’ve gone through it. But, you are a hero! Thank you for reading!
RWoods
Hi Melissa. First, congratulations on being “freshly pressed!” You’re a great writer, and you make a valid point. Granted, I am not a Christian, so the Jesus references don’t really speak to me, but I have to say that I come from a completely different perspective. Every mom has the right and the need to put herself first every once in a while. If you think about it, when you’re on an airplane, you’re supposed to put your oxygen mask on before you help others. Because if you don’t take care of yourself you won’t be able to care for others. I have six kids and a full-time job, and I know that if I don’t take some time out for myself every day, I will not do a great job at home or at work.
Melissa
Hi, Rachel! Thanks so much for stopping by! I completely agree with you that moms need time to themselves. I guess what I’m trying to say is we have to be careful not to be overly obsessed with the idea of “me time.” Because there are times in motherhood when it just isn’t really do-able, but that doesn’t mean we have to be miserable. We can try to enjoy where we are instead of always longing for time away. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective!
kristinemft
I wonder if part of what you’re suggesting is that “me moments” are perhaps more useful, meaningful, and practical than focus on me-time (even scheduling a pedicure can seem like too much effort at times). A moment to breathe, just be present, and enjoy a moment of focus and peace. Me-time is probably only valuable if it includes that, and scheduled me-time isn’t necessary in order to have a me-moment.
Thought-provoking, and a great reminder to value mindfulness. Thanks!
Melissa
Love this, kristinemft!
kristinemft
Glad to hear it, Melissa! Thanks.
tlehmann
It is wonderful to hear the enthusiasm you put into your family. While I can respect those with a desire to pursue personal endeavors, I believe that if you choose parenting and family, you should strive to embrace it as much as possible. Your writing gives me a lot to think about; keep up the great work!
Melissa
Thanks, tlehmann!
ethericprojection
I enjoyed your post. Easy read and you had me hooked. Well written and composed. In my very humble opinion. I think everything in life has a duality and we can fixate on one side if you choose to. The Key is in Balance. ‘Me Time’ can be a soul inspiring experience that can benefit the thoughts that dictate your current lifestyle. In this case having the hardest job on the planet. Yes your right in the larger sense of existence we are all one and we should share time and experience with each other but its vital we don’t lose our individuality. Distractions like starbucks and a pedicure are a worthwhile and effective tool for short periods of happiness. Yet Meditation in silence allows you to pluck thoughts from the air that you never knew existed in you and help deal with being a Mom and a wife and a friend and a social person etc. Oh and hopefully us parents will be blessed with grandchildren in years to come to cuddle our knees again and remind us why we are here; and sure look at that stage we get to give them back in the evening. :>
Melissa
Thanks for your kind words! I agree with everything you say here! Thanks for stopping by!
ethericprojection
Reblogged this on OutSide The Box.
lindseybell3
Oh, come on. Mothers of young children feel constantly guilty and under pressure about what they’re not doing right. Needing to get away and have “Me Time” is just plain old keeping your sanity sometimes! I don’t think women need to feel like they’re being “self-centered” and “self obsessed” just because they want a break. And please don’t make us feel like we will be old people kicking ourselves because our kids are gone and we were so selfish we were off having a coffee somewhere for an hour.
Melissa
Hi, Lindseybell3! I’m sorry that this is what you took from my post. I completely agree that we need some time to ourselves. I just think we have to becareful not to become fixated on getting special time alone, or we’ll miss out on the good things right in front of us. Thanks for your thoughts!
The Perverted Sage
Reblogged this on The Musings of a Digital Vagabond and commented:
I’m not a mom, but I helped raise a couple of kids who became pretty good adults no thanks to me time syndrome. Awesome blog!
Sasha
Great message! Congrats on being freshly pressed, you deserve to have your message heard!
Melissa
Thanks so much, Sasha!
Jess
Reblogged this on Once Daily- As Needed and commented:
So true.
ditchthebun
I have to say, while I don’t necessarily consider it “Me Time”, an uninterrupted tea or coffee is such a pure luxury. I very rarely get to finish my tea/coffe, mostly because by the time I make it back to it after one interruption or the other it is freezing cold 🙂
Melissa
I know what you mean! 🙂
siegmomblog
Reblogged this on Blissful Pages.
kbcyberteacher
Then when they go to college, you get way more “me time” than you want
Melissa
That’s how I think I’ll feel, too, kbcyberteacher!
kbcyberteacher
It’s really hard, so savor every moment you have
hipsterczar
I’ve always wondered what ‘me time’ really means…
Melissa
I think the term has been thrown around so much it’s lost meaning, if it ever meant much of anything! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
rohitmaiya
I have seen my parents, especially mother slog for us. There are mothers who work outside home and come back and work at home again. They don’t have holidays, sometimes not even sick leave!!!
Today I ask and encourage and sometimes force my mother, parents to go on a holiday, see the beautiful country, visit relatives etc.
Melissa
I’m sure your mother appreciates this!!
rohitmaiya
I think so. I hope so.
bethsgoudie
This is great. I’m not a mother just yet but I think this can apply to us all. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa
Thanks, bethsgoudie!
hkshuckleberry
Great post. Beautifully written. I enjoyed reading it.
I was a stay at home mum for years and I don’t remember there being any ‘me time’ other than in the evenings after my daughters went to bed. I don’t remember thinking about ‘me time’. There was a lot of ‘us time’. My children are all grown up now and I am a grandmother. I have lots of ‘me time’. There are moments when I wish I had less.
Melissa
Thank you, hkshuckleberry! “Us time” is more of my situation, too. 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment!
Mum Makes Games
I thought this was a great post. I think focussing too much on ME time is a wasted concept. Just take a break when you need it. It doesn’t need to be planned, by-yourself/with-the-girls time.
Great post
Melissa
Thanks so much, Mum Makes Games! I agree!
salvadorious
My mom always tells me that she regrets every second she didn’t spend with us when we were younger, because now that my siblings and i are in our twenties, the things that make my mom happy is remembering the moments she spent with us when we were babies, and she doesn’t remember the moments when she sat alone in a room listening to classical music and reading a book, or the relaxing massage she got right before the fancy manicure and pedicure.
Moms are amazing creatures!
Melissa
This is a great point, salvadorious! Thanks for your comment!
vampiresmith23
Reblogged this on vampiresmith23's Blog.
awax1217
My wife has never indicated that she needs me time. If I give her time her mind always goes to the children, now grown, and the grandchildren growing. She is the bomb.
Melissa
Sounds like it, awax1217! It’s great that you know it! 🙂
carolschubauer
I started mama time in the fifties I was twenty years old I had four children by twenty four and my fifth one at thirty my husband worked two jobs and went to school nights for seven years I can say I never obsessed about me time I guess I never had time and it really wasn’t part of the society of the time
Melissa
Carol, thanks so much for this comment! I’m all for time to yourself. Like you said, it’s the obsession with it that gets priorities out of order. Thanks for reading!!
carrythemessage
Great post. And congrats on the FP – well deserved.
I am the dad of two young boys, and I have been guilty of seeking this mythical and mystical “me time”. What I find is that I fritter away the sacred time and then feel guilty that I could have been productive instead! It’s a no win at times for me. But I do have my thing – I run. I bike to work. I have my recharging moments. My wife does yoga. And that covers it. We don’t need long massages, or retreats. We love the time with the boys, and include them in walks or things we enjoy. The idea is that kids are frustrating, tiring and frenetic and it taps us. That may happen now and then, but there are times I get a jolt from them. I may be tired from work and stressed, but when I get home and they ask me to rough house with them or they show me their art work or they just jump on me…I get a shot that no cup of coffee or 15K run could give me.
There is nothing wrong with recharging the batteries. We can find ways to do that. We can make the time. I do find time to recharge when I pray and meditate as well. That is another kind of recharging. Finding solace from within, with the Creator’s love and serenity. Balance is the key, and in the end, when I am on my deathbed, I am not going to say “oh man, I wish I had more me time!” – I am going to count my blessings and remember the time I spent with my family. That is what will stick with me.
Blessings,
Paul
Melissa
Paul, thanks so much for this great comment! I couldn’t agree more!
Carole Parkes
As a 68 year old mother of three sons, I know exactly what you’re talking about with ‘me time’, or at least I did. You are correct when you say you’ll have it in plenty when the children are adults. However, when you are involved with caring for your grandchildren you can strike a happy balance between ‘me time’ and caring.
rosemontreflections
I don’t like those words…”me time”. It just sounds self absorbed and whiny…to me. Generally, when another Mom wants to plan some me time they are wanting to get together and complain or they want to enjoy some consumer pampering.
The thing is, everyone needs me time. Dads and kids too. This is why my family limits outside activities. We can have me time together in our home. Its ok to tell the kids to entertain themselves and its ok if your husband wants to watch a ball game without us “waiting” for them. I like to read, research and garden. I can do this “alone” while my family is here. I can have coffee with the neighbor and tell the kids to go play. They don’t need a helicopter mom 100 % of the time and I’m pretty sure most husbands are fine with exploring their interests without our wifely assistance.
Melissa
Thanks, rosemontreflections! I agree.
Megan L.
Thank you! As a mom I struggled to find balance between ‘me’ and ‘mommy’. I’ve found that when I am meaningful in my actions with my children and include them in projects that are also in my interest I feel more content 🙂
Melissa
Love this, Megan L!
Rosi Piszar
I like this post. Thanks for sharing. I too believe that we need to appreciate our time with our kids. They will one day be grown up and we will miss every bit of it:)
Melissa
Thanks, Rosi!
LBcruiseshipblogger
18 years may seem like forever when looking at a baby, but it passes quickly and all too soon those small children grow up and move away. Some to a nearby home of their own, others to a distant part of their home country or another country far away. Enjoy your kids while you can and the happy memories last forever.
Melissa
Thanks for this, LBcruisehipblogger!
serenamarie1985
Beautifully said.
Melissa
Thank you!
laurajane1290
Every mommy deserve some “me time” as a mother & wife myself. I find that everything I do is for my son, my husband or our home! There needs always come first and always will but I do very much crave “me time” but I must admit my husband will quite often run me a bath light cuddles and leaves me for half an hour or so!.. But that really is the only “me time” I get! But I would change it for the world!
Melissa
laurajane, sounds like your husband does well! 🙂
Jan Wilberg
It seems like we spend a lot of time dying to get pregnant and then once we are begin worrying about how to preserve our identities. Are we all completely taken by surprise by what an all-consuming proposition mothering is? It’s a struggle keeping sight of your own self with so many, usually more urgent, priorities but it can be done. Nice piece, I liked it.
Melissa
Thanks, Jan!
kkondratowski
Thanks for writing this. I shared it on fb. I agree with you completely for myself! However, I also believe some women need to ease into this way of thinking. We all make mistakes in parenting and being a wife, but the more I get to know mothers, the more I realize the lives God has given me, and you, I think, are NOT the norm. A lot of women struggle with parenting, depression, marital communication, career balance, to name a few heavy hitters. Many women cry themselves to sleep because they work long hours to make ends meet. The question this blog makes me ask is: What can we do to help the women around us succeed in this way of thinking? Do you have ideas?
Melissa
Thanks for this thoughtful comment. I think you’re right–I think lots of women struggle in motherhood. A good support system and a relationship with God are a good start. For me, the power of Christ makes all the difference.
jillianbain
Really enjoyed this post! Follow for follow?! 🙂
Melissa
Thanks, Jillian! Sure, that’s a no-brainer! 🙂
connectthelines
As someone new in the parenting world,I appreciate your commitment to your family and to parenting. It is an important commitment. Cheers!
Melissa
Thanks so much, connectthelines!
naptimethoughts
I’ve got a 5 year old and a 2 year old, and so your post, it confuses me. What is this “me time” you speak of?
Kid A goes to full time kindergarten, and kid B still naps. My life got good this year. I’ll report back over the summer…
Melissa
Ha, naptimethoughts! I love your blog name. I can so relate.
Rii the Wordsmith
My goal is to view it the other way – all my time is Me Time. Every moment a gift, every thing I do, every person I’m with, what I want to be doing or who I want to be around. Sometimes I fail, especially at work. And I can’t really talk about being a mom yet because I have six months before I can truly claim being a mother. But that’s how I hope to view time with my child/children, in the future. Time alone, time with my kids – all Me Time. My time, doing something I enjoy. I do understand one requires more energy than the other, but that shouldn’t change how much I can choose to enjoy the activity.
I really appreciated your post – and I’ll bet you’re right about the divorce mantra.
Melissa
Rii, I would have to disagree–you are already a mama. You just haven’t gotten to hold your baby yet! 🙂 Thanks so much for this comment!
Rii the Wordsmith
-^_^- Thanks. Friends nearby have had babies very recently, so I’m way too excited to get to hold mine…but because I’ve never had the high joys or deep frustrations, I feel weird about claiming to truly be a mom.
drakejamie
Interesting point. I think people have to be mindful of the difference between self-care and selfishness. Being a mother is a big job and not to be entered into lightly. Taking the time to properly care for yourself looks different for everyone and should be done appropriately, and with wisdom. Seeing the doctor, meeting a friend to catch up, and taking a nice walk are things a mother should be doing on her own for herself with support from loved ones. Maybe things like manicures, massages, etc could be put on the back burner while the kids are young….. catch my drift? 🙂 Thanks for this important post!!
Melissa
Thanks for this comment! I completely agree–it’s important to take breaks. I’m talking more about becoming obsessed with time apart. Thanks so much for reading!
grace4shell
The days of being alone come way to soon when your children grow up and begin to leave the home. It is much like childbirth, the pain dissolves when you first set eyes on your newborn. The struggles and exhaustion are soon forgotten when they have grown and begin their own lives. You wish for the days to sit with them one more time, reading stories or singing songs!! I so wish someone would have told me that back then 🙂
Melissa
Thank you for this, grace4shell!
grace4shell
🙂