Some moms have this whole mothering thing down, and don’t have trouble with this. Then some of us moms, like me, are still learning lessons. I slowly learned this lesson over the last few years. What am I talking about?
The Important Lesson I Finally Learned about Being a Mother
Ok, here it is. The important lesson I finally learned about being a mother.
It’s ok to make yourself and your health a priority.
Now, to you, that may not seem like an earth shattering observation. To me it is. I have always put my family first over myself. And I know there are many, many mothers out there just like me.
I in no way mean if you are taking care of yourself that you are not putting your family first.
Like I said above, some mothers have it all figured out. Then some of us are so busy taking care of the husband, the kids, the house, homeschooling, church ministry,etc. that we don’t pay any attention to ourselves.
Sound familiar? You try to serve healthy, nutritious meals to your family. Yet you are so busy at meal times and snack times making sure that the kids are eating what they should that you don’t pay attention to what you are eating. You make sure the kids have physical activities to participate in, yet you don’t make sure you have enough time to exercise.
There is a reason the flight attendants tell you that if the plane is crashing to out your own oxygen mask on first.
You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself first!
It is important to make sure you get enough rest.
It is Important to make sure you are physically active.
It is important to make sure you eat the healthy meals you are serving, not just pick at something while you are cooking and cleaning up the kitchen.
So now after years of putting myself last, I am working hard at putting myself first. Making time for exercise, even if that means someone has to wait for something instead of me doing for them right away. My “baby” is 16, so the whole family is capable of waiting. If you have an infant, or toddlers, it’s different. You may have to exercise while they are sleeping instead. You will have to figure out what works for you.
It is of utmost importance for women to get enough rest, exercise, and to eat healthy. Our lives, and the lives of those we love depend on it.
We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves first!
I wish I had learned and applied this lesson years ago!
Debbie Campbell says
This is a very hard lesson to learn. Glad you are working on it!
Linda Manns Linneman says
Being a mother is such a blessing from God. It is a very hard job but is very rewarding. Mommies do need to take care of themselves in order to help anyone else. Great article. Thank you for sharing. Happy Mothers Day
Calvin F. says
Definitely agree with that fact!
molli taylor says
i am learning this after escaping an abusive relationship and learning to recognize the negaticvity i was contributing. it is important to nouriosh yourself!
Linda Manns Linneman says
These are some great tips for all the busy mothers. We do need to take care of ourselves. This is so important. I really appreciate you sharing this with us. God Bless