Truth Seeker: Mama needs her own time out!
Speaking of mama guilt...the other day, all I wanted to do was casually stroll down the aisles of our newly renovated Target. White chocolate mocha in my hand. Picking up (and putting down) items that were over $14.99. Getting to stay in the dollar section as long as I wanted.
A moment on my own. I didn't want to say it out loud, but I did. "I just want a Target trip by myself". No kids, no water cup to keep up with, and no crushed goldfish on the floor, because my sweet toddler keeps dropping them (on purpose).
I immediately felt like that mom. You know...the one you judge. Excuse me, the one I've always judged. What mom would say that, right? She must not love her child. She must not have her priorities straight. She doesn't want to spend the afternoon having an impromptu shopping trip with her child?
At that same moment, my brown eyed toddler came running up to me to give me a besito. Then I felt even worse. Why would I want time away from that? What a horrible mom for thinking that.
False. It took me saying it out loud to confirm, that I am not a perfect parent. My child is not a perfect child. I needed a moment on my own to clear my head. To not have to wear the mom hat for a second, and just reset. To be just me. I didn't get that special moment at Target, which my husband and bank account are relieved about that one. But later on that day, I was able to be on my own on a six mile run. No stroller (although I adore my running partner). No raisins and sippy cups being thrown on the path along the way. Just me, peaceful views, and the gorgeous weather. It was a reset...one I needed. It gave me the strength to come back and be a better version of myself, for my child.
Mamas, I'm not saying to be an absent parent. I had one of those, and it typically lands you right into therapy. But what I am saying is to take a moment, to give yourself just a small amount of time, so that you can continue to give to others around you.
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Let's check in...
What are 3 things you could do this week, for yourself, to become recharged?
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Have you had moments where you just want to be away from all responsibility and by yourself? What is going on, around the time these emotions typically pop up? Are you stressed, exhausted or busy?
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Do you ever have guilt for taking time to yourself? Why do you think guilt arises when we do things for ourselves?
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This week I am going to __________, __________, and __________
so that I can invest some time in myself.