Sunday, June 3, 2012
Motivation for Mom: 10 Ways to Take Care of You
Motivation for Mom: 10 Ways to Take Care of You: “I believe moms are trying to care for themselves, but their methods are leaving them unfulfilled .” - Kim Stiles It’s officiall...
10 Ways to Take Care of You
“I believe moms are trying to care for themselves, but their
methods are leaving them unfulfilled.” - Kim Stiles
It’s officially out of
the closet! Motherhood is tough and not always as rewarding as promised.
Thousands of moms vented, argued, and cried on several Oprah Winfrey shows
discussing the controversial subject and poured out their hearts on Oprah.com.
A few women found motherhood a beautiful bonding experience, and some can’t
find any happiness at all. But, the majority agreed, motherhood is exhausting
and thankless...but worth it.
Most of us have bought
into the importance of taking care of ourselves so we can be better mothers.
But no one has yet to discuss how to “take care of ourselves.” What exactly
does “caring for ourselves” mean? Though many moms said they do absolutely
nothing for themselves, others take bubble baths, go to lunch with friends, or
join gyms. These efforts are great, but until you commit the time and energy to
the important things and feelings that affect your daily life (not just
socially and physically), you’ll never achieve the peace you’re searching for.
Many exhausted,
work-at-home moms can’t wait to dash out the door the second their husband
comes home from work. With a credit card in hand, they charge their way into
debt, searching for happiness (or to get back at their husbands for working all
day).
Some “take care of
themselves” with a reward of several Krispy Kreme doughnuts and television.
Shopping and eating are very common methods of “self-care,” and provide
immediate gratification, but ultimately leave you with long term pain. A relaxing bubble bath is no good if you
can’t stop thinking about the millions of things you’ve got to do, places you
need to go, and people you need to call. A night out with your husband isn’t
very enjoyable if you feel guilty about the lack of “quality time” spent with
your kids. A night out with the girls is not as much fun if you feel exhausted,
unattractive, and like a haggard housewife. It’s also hard to enjoy quiet time
if you have no dreams or goals and all your time is focused on the problems of
the day.
I want you to do the
things for yourself that you do every day for your families. What would you do
if your child had no interests or hobbies? Wouldn’t you help him find one and
encourage him to make the time for it? Many moms have no interests outside
their families. What if your husband hated his “job situation”? Wouldn’t you
encourage him to find something better? Many moms feel stuck at home or at work
and feel there’s no opportunity for a better life. Many moms limit television
for their kids and send them outside for exercise but never exercise
themselves. Moms make sure their kids get check-ups but often avoid going
themselves.
We all want to feel
good. And good is often the end result of other feelings we’re searching for,
such as: accomplished, calm, attractive, in control, loved, and like we really
matter. Certain actions we take can give us the feelings that we want and I
want you to schedule and commit to the things that will make you feel good.
Each of the following 10
commitments will give you a particular feeling that can change your life and
make you feel 100% better. But you must schedule the time, or it’ll never
happen.
“If you can drive
yourself crazy, then you can drive yourself happy.”
How well you are taking care of you?
Answer the following questions & use this 1 – 5 scale.
NEVER - 1
YEARLY - 2
MONTHLY - 3
WEEKLY - 4
DAILY - 5
How often do you:
1. Plan or organize?
2. Enjoy quiet time?
3. Pamper yourself?
4. Care for your appearance?
5. Share quality time with each child, doing what they want?
6. Share quality time with your spouse?
7. Spend time with your favorite friends?
8. Work toward a dream or goal?
9. Have fun and laugh?
10. Use your “God-given gift” to help others?
If your score revealed mostly 5’s, then you don’t need this book. If you show 3’s and 4’s, then you’re probably feeling good about the way you’re caring for yourself, but this book will improve your efforts. Mostly 1’s and 2’s will reveal you need to put a lot of effort into caring for yourself, so you can be a happier and better mother.
The 10 Commitments
1. If you want to feel accomplished & in control, you
must schedule time to get organized and plan.
2. If you want to feel emotionally calm, you must
schedule quiet time.
3. If you want to feel refreshed and relaxed, you must
schedule time for pampering.
4. If you want to feel physically fit and attractive, you
must schedule time to exercise & care for your body.
5. If you want to feel like a great mother, you must
schedule quality time with each child.
6. If you want to feel like a great wife, you must
schedule quality time with your spouse.
7. If you want to feel like a fun girl again, you must
schedule time with friends.
8. If you want to feel motivated and accomplished, you
must schedule time to work toward a dream or goal.
9. If you want to feel extremely happy, you must schedule
time for fun.
10. If you want to feel like you really matter, you must
schedule time to use your "God-given gift” to help
others.
To find out ways to implement The 10 Commitments get the e-book "Mothering Yourself" by Kim Stiles available here:
No Kindle or e-reader,, no problem download the Kindle for PC here:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)