Self Care is NOT selfish!

Sometimes I feel like there's a stigma around self care....Like moms are expected to suspend their needs indefinitely while tending to their babies and children. But how long can you hold your breath before you collapse?  

Self Care is NOT selfish!
Tending to your own needs keeps you healthy--as in, not laid up with an infection, cough or cold.  Taking care of yourself can prevent depression, anxiety, and dramatically reduce stress.  It is also the key to being the best mom you can be:  present, patient, and loving.  (AND teaches your children by example how to take care of themselves.)

The biggest obstacle to self care, ironically, is staring you in the mirror....Or, that dark little voice in your head.  Give yourself a turn to be taken care of.  For some of us, this takes some practice.  You might need baby steps.  Of course, the amount of Self-Care you need and the amount you can do will depend largely on the age and number of your children.

1--Decide that you are worthy of care.

2--Make a plan.  List all the ways you nourish your:
Mind
Body
Spirit
     
3--Schedule it.  Write it in your calendar. Make it happen.
(Yes, you can.  Yes, you can.  Yes....you can.  And you owe it to yourself and your kids!)
  
    Some of my self care includes: my daily shower, prioritizing healthy foods of my choosing, regular Yoga Nidra Meditation, weekly Belly Dance Class, monthly book club gathering....But, what makes you happy/fulfilled might be getting a mani/pedi, lunch with a friend, walk in the woods, yoga, etc.  What fills you up can be completely unique to you.
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           We absolutely have the power to re-define motherhood.  To celebrate, focus and aspire to being well-rounded women, who make time to take care of themselves every day of the year--not just on Mother's Day.  

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