This year I promised myself that I would put myself first and so far, it’s been a battle to do so but I am determined to do it. I have always put everyones needs before my own since the day I become a mother. It wasn’t about me anymore right? I put her needs above my own and especially after her father and I broke up and he abandoned her. I had to be both mom and dad so I just pushed back even further.
About a year before I met my husband, I began putting myself first just a smidge. I went to Alta and bought makeup because it made me happy, I went to Starbucks for coffee more than I drank it at home, I shopped for myself for clothes, I would go out to dinner with friends. Small things but made a difference in my life and my outlook on life. I was a young single mom and needed to find myself outside of motherhood. Fast forward to when I met my husband and we got pregnant and married, I lost myself in motherhood again. I was juggling being a mother of two and now a wife. I was working 12+ hour days and just completely drained at the end of the day. I never did pull myself out of the rut and I then got pregnant with Gracelyn and it got even worse. To speed up the story, I basically have put myself in a place worst than last. I hardly ever buy myself something and if I do then I feel immensely guilty. $20 for me? No way. $20 for the kids? Why not! This is what its come to as I write you this.
However, I have decided to put myself first now. I got up the other day, got dressed, brushed my hair and went to go get my nails done and then go Rae Dunn hunting. There’s nothing a good Dunn run can’t fix! It felt so nice to just do something that makes me happy. I love my kids and I love being a mom but I’m also a person and I need that time to recoup and fill my cup up again. I have to do that so that I can then walk back through our homes doors and fill their cups up. You can’t pour from an empty cup mama!
So this year, I will go to the store alone more. I will spend time investing in myself. I will buy myself something and not cry or immediately say that I have to buy the kids something. I will take the time to establish a hair care routine, skin care routine, and also self-tan. I will put Gracelyn and Giovanni into daycare for two days a week and not feel guilty because I am supposed to be home with them 24/7. Its time to fill that cup! I have to do it for myself, my kids, and my marriage.
Good for you for prioritizing yourself this year! Excited to see how you do! 🙌🏻
Love this! Good for you! This will be such a great thing for your kids to see as well! Way to go mama 😍
Great goal to have! I think as Mom’s we aaalways put our kids first and to an extent that is important but it’s also crucial that we fill our cup first! Good luck!
So relatable. This is something I’m working on too
As moms we tend to care and do for everyone around us except ourselves. But self-care is so important and it’s something I have chosen to commit to as well. It gets tough at times but as moms we have to prioritize ourselves. It’s mot selfish it’s self-care. ❤❤
Solid job mama! You have to put your oxygen mask on first and you can’t pour from an empty cup!! Love to see you prioritizing yourself.
So important to focus on yourself! I think this is so awesome and something we should all do!
I am so happy for you that you were able to give more time and focus to yourself. You know sometimes, we need to do it for our own growth and for us to take care and love those people that around us unconditionally. Self-care is so important.
While it is important to be selfless, it is even more important to know how to balance being selfless and also to care for yourself. This entire article sounded like the story of my life. It took me too long to get the place of embracing self love and self care. Thank you for sharing this, a lot of parents can relate.
This is a great goal! It’s so important to take time for ourselves.
Everything starts with you, so put yourself first.
As moms we feel that focusing on ourselves is selfish when we have little ones to care for, but it’s actually VITAL. Good for you and wishing you much success on this journey!
So important to invest in ourselves! This is a great goal to have. I don’t think most of us practice enough self-care.
It’s so hard to put myself first, though I have to say I don’t mind putting my kids first. At least now while they’re little. As they grow up each year I find myself able to devote more time to things for me.
as a mom we naturally take care of ourselves last. excellent reminder!
definitely something that we need to keep reminding ourselves of us as moms.. thanks for the post
This year, I need to do just that. Thanks for sharing.
Totally agree with you that self care “to put myself first”. When we’re happy, the people around us will feel happiness also. A man feels good to see his wife is happy and regards that to be his credit and achievement. He would work even harder to contribute to the family. Same do the children love to see their mommy is happy. If mommy is unhappy, they might regard it as their false or because they’re not adorable.
Proud of you! Self care is so important. I’m excited to follow you to see what changes this makes in your life.
Your article really resonated with me because I finally made the decision to put myself first. It’s time to fill my cup so I have to give to others!