Self-Care for Moms Starts in Small Moments

Remembering Yourself…

The truth is, after becoming a mom, you will be forever changed. Yes, some parts of you will still be around, but for the most part, you’ll find yourself rediscovering who you are now. So much of who I was before doesn’t exist anymore; my kids altered me in a way that left me feeling unrecognizable. I know that sounds scary as a first-time mom. Though I grieved a lot of it, I also got really excited about who I was becoming.

As you mother, you’ll realize that trying to balance motherhood and remembering yourself is something you have to consciously put effort into. While most people say the kids always come first, that statement can’t actually work if you aren’t caring for the person who is able to meet their needs first.

It took me a long time to realize that self-care doesn’t have to look like picture-perfect outings with friends, a costly trip to another country, or a solo day away. Self-care can be found in the small pockets of time you set aside during the day to fill up your cup.

For example, we no longer eat our kids’ leftovers; we make breakfast for ourselves, too. With that change came the satisfying joy of buying cute brick sets. While the kids watch TV, I build a set for myself. I’m a creative person and enjoy anything that requires using my hands, crafting, and quieting my anxious mind. Getting to do something that I enjoy fills my cup, and my kids get to see me as more than just a mom.

There’s something healthy about our kids watching us navigate life. It demonstrates that we are human and that, though they are our world, we still have to navigate adulthood alongside them.

I hope you get where I’m coming from and find time to do something that brings you joy, so you can share that feeling with your kids, too.