I cant remember the last time I had a real night off and I am sure I am not the only one. I will be honest, the hectic routine of rushing back after work to pick up Gabi, cook dinner, feed her, bath her, putting her to bed then after that is done still do the cleaning and pack the lunch boxes... Just writing this makes me want to run for the hills!
Moms need breaks too and we should seriously consider to take these breaks before we...Break! Even though I am a very happy person and Gabi being such a easy toddler, being a single parent gets to you. I am tired, I feel like I need to get away from everyone and everything but just for a few hours just to recharge my batteries.
We get so caught up in raising our kids that we forget to look after ourselves and fall down to the bottom of the priority list. One thing is true and I can relate: A happy mom = A happy Child. My negative moods are mirrored by Gabi and this make things just worse.
Tonight Gabi's father came to visit her so instead of going for a long run or getting started on my daily routine, I got into my car and went shopping and out to my favorite coffee shop. For me shopping is like a quick trip to a therapist. Brought myself a sexy little sparkling dress... for the next night out and ending up at Woolworths coffee shop with my flatmate for our favorite coffee; Grande Honey and nut lattes.
Taking that first sip of my coffee, is like: ahhhhhhh wonderful! I was out for less than 2 hours but my battery was fully recharged. You don't have to be out the whole day or go out with a bang. Just do something that you love, go for a walk, give your best friend or sister a personal phone call, go for a message or just go read a book at the park down the road.
Being a mother is not easy and being a single parent is very hard but you are important too. Look after yourself the same way you care for your kids. You deserve all the time in the world and when you feel on top of the world, you will even be a better parent to your kids.
We get so caught up in raising our kids that we forget to look after ourselves and fall down to the bottom of the priority list. One thing is true and I can relate: A happy mom = A happy Child. My negative moods are mirrored by Gabi and this make things just worse.
Tonight Gabi's father came to visit her so instead of going for a long run or getting started on my daily routine, I got into my car and went shopping and out to my favorite coffee shop. For me shopping is like a quick trip to a therapist. Brought myself a sexy little sparkling dress... for the next night out and ending up at Woolworths coffee shop with my flatmate for our favorite coffee; Grande Honey and nut lattes.
Taking that first sip of my coffee, is like: ahhhhhhh wonderful! I was out for less than 2 hours but my battery was fully recharged. You don't have to be out the whole day or go out with a bang. Just do something that you love, go for a walk, give your best friend or sister a personal phone call, go for a message or just go read a book at the park down the road.
Being a mother is not easy and being a single parent is very hard but you are important too. Look after yourself the same way you care for your kids. You deserve all the time in the world and when you feel on top of the world, you will even be a better parent to your kids.
Get Help
Family and friends are there for a reason. Ask the people around you to help out. Your best friend can babysit while you are out shopping for a few hours or ask a family member to babysit for the night so you can enjoy a night out or even just to relax at home, watching a movie or best, get a good night sleep.
Not just will you feel our old self, but your kids will have a good time too with family and friends. Believe it or not, but your kids also need time away from the daily routine.
Don't let go of your dreams
Remember that your kids are growing up in a blink of an eye and they will leave the house and then its only YOU. While you are raising your kids, hold on to yourself and live the life you want to live. There is nothing wrong to make sacrifices for your kids but make time for the things in your life that you need to make you the best person you want to be. Only you can make your dreams come true, so why not start today. Start small but dream BIG! You can raise your kids and make your dreams come true at the same time.
The following things do not count for "me time"
Things to do for your next "me time"
Well, go pour that glass of wine or put on your trainers and go for a walk or even better, call your best friend and go out for a nice cup of coffee. What I am I doing now? I am drinking a nice cup of tea, painting my nails and writing up more blog posts.
Family and friends are there for a reason. Ask the people around you to help out. Your best friend can babysit while you are out shopping for a few hours or ask a family member to babysit for the night so you can enjoy a night out or even just to relax at home, watching a movie or best, get a good night sleep.
Not just will you feel our old self, but your kids will have a good time too with family and friends. Believe it or not, but your kids also need time away from the daily routine.
Don't let go of your dreams
Remember that your kids are growing up in a blink of an eye and they will leave the house and then its only YOU. While you are raising your kids, hold on to yourself and live the life you want to live. There is nothing wrong to make sacrifices for your kids but make time for the things in your life that you need to make you the best person you want to be. Only you can make your dreams come true, so why not start today. Start small but dream BIG! You can raise your kids and make your dreams come true at the same time.
The following things do not count for "me time"
- Grocery shopping
- Cleaning out the garage or unpacking your wardrobe
- Taking your mother to the dentist
- Anything that includes the kids
Things to do for your next "me time"
- Paint your nails or even better, go for a pedicure
- Watch your favorite TV show or a movie
- Go for coffee with your best friend or even alone
- Have glass of wine while reading your book
- Go sit outside and get some sun on that skin of yours
- Take a looooooong nap
- Take a bubble bath - ALONE!
- Go for a walk
Well, go pour that glass of wine or put on your trainers and go for a walk or even better, call your best friend and go out for a nice cup of coffee. What I am I doing now? I am drinking a nice cup of tea, painting my nails and writing up more blog posts.
THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE - IS IN YOURSELF!!!
