5 Ways to Move Yourself
to the Front Burner
|by Bess O’Connor
We mothers mean well. We’re used to
thinking of others and putting their needs
first. Is my husband happy and satisfied in
our marriage? Are the kids getting their
fair share of my attention? Am I planning
enough family activities? Are my home
cooked meals healthy and delicious?
We are famous for putting everyone else
first. And ourselves, well, we’ll get around to
a massage for Mother’s Day, maybe. There’s
something terribly wrong with this picture.
Yes, it is our duty to be the nurturer and
caretaker of the family. But we also have
a duty to look after ourselves. This does
not mean taking anything away from the
growth and success of the family that needs
our care – it insures it.
Putting yourself first does not have to
equate with putting anyone else last. By taking care of ourselves, physically, emotionally, and mentally, we become better mothers,
better wives and overall better people.
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Balance is the key.
You know the saying; “You can’t love someone else if you don’t love yourself.” It’s a
cliché, but one that deserves some thought.
What are the messages we are sending our
children if we leave our happiness and
health for very last (if at all)? What advice
will you give your kids when they grow up
about self-care? Actions speak louder than
words – walk the talk.
I learned this lesson the hard way. With a
husband and 3 kids under the age of 6, I
was constantly catering to the needs of others and letting my own fall by the wayside.
It took a toll on my health and happiness
and left me searching for a solution.
By the time my fourth baby arrived, I knew
I had to do something different.
Here are a few things I discovered that still
that work for me today: