Several moms who have posted under that hashtag also recently wrote posts about knowing when you need help or a break, and taking (or maybe, making) time for that. There was a resounding “Yes, we understand and recognize what you’re talking about.” The discussions focused on taking time to breathe, and not feeling guilty about needing a break, and purposely choosing to do things for yourself, as the parent/caregiver from time to time.
Out of this was born “The Year of the Oxygen Mask” with a specific focus on supporting each other to take time to breathe, to do something for yourself. Think about when you fly - parents are told to get their own oxygen first, in case of emergency, so they can help their children. That’s where the analogy comes from for “The Year of the Oxygen Mask”. In caring for ourselves, we’re not talking major things, but just some basic things that we, as parents & caregivers, have neglected for too long.
As a mom to a newly-diagnosed guy (despite knowing something was “off” for years), I need to be reminded to breathe. I need to be reminded to have some fun once in a while. The newness of the diagnosis has worn off, the many extra appointments have come to an end although the regular appointments continue.
So, for my sanity, I’m listing a few things that I *will* do this year in an effort to take care of myself, so that I can be better for my family.
*Drink my coffee while it’s hot
*Sit down for at least 2 meals/day
*Continue to enjoy (and make time for) my new hobby: knitting!
*Make time to read a few short books that I got for Christmas. These will give me short quotes & verses to focus on through the day.
*Listen to more music (this used to be such a huge part of my life - time to reclaim it, even if just in a small fashion)
*Exercise more
*Drink more water
*Try to be in bed by 11pm - preferably a bit earlier, but this is the goal.
*Laugh more
*Do some new things - along with that,
*Make a Bucket List (I know that sounds morbid, but it’s not - it gives me something else to focus on while life is crazy right now!)
*Make a vision board - not sure just what will be on it yet, but have some thoughts (and the actual board!)
*Visit my doctor for my yearly check-up
I know some of these things seem so simple, but they are things that have been neglected at some point, over the past few months. It’s time to focus on a few small things that will help me be the best I can for my family.
You can find this group at http://oxygenmaskproject.com/
and on Facebook search for The Oxygen Mask Project
and on Twitter @oxygenmaskproj
So sit back, take a deep breath, and do something that helps to rejuvenate you, so you can be better focused for your daily tasks. No guilt, just breathe!
Photo Source: Mine
Thank You so much for this post! I too need to remember to breath, to relax and enjoy. It’s hard to do that sometimes, sometimes it even seems I feel like I am just becoming a robot….. home school, activities, therapy, doctor appointment’s, sports, church, and co-op. So I am so thankful when I am reminded that I need to Breathe, to take time and take care of myself! Thank You!
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Thank You so much for this post! I too need to remember to breath, to relax and enjoy. It’s hard to do that sometimes, sometimes it even seems I feel like I am just becoming a robot….. home school, activities, therapy, doctor appointment’s, sports, church, and co-op. So I am so thankful when I am reminded that I need to Breathe, to take time and take care of myself! Thank You!
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Such a good list. Come to think of it, I have to make an appt. for that yearly check up. Ick.
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Great post, it is a reminder to us all that we must not forget to take care of ourselves…. and have some fun at the same time!
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I have just started a blog (funnily enough, about taking *time out*). Would it be ok if I put a link to this blog on my blog?
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I have just started a blog (funnily enough, about taking *time out*). Would it be ok if I put a link to this blog on my blog?
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Hi - @mumstimeout, please feel free to post a link, yes! Congrats on your new blog - I’ll hop over and take a look!
@Lizbeth - yes; ick. But necessary!
@ONeill5 - SO important for us to remember to take care of us! Be sure to catch a break for yourself!
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Hi - @mumstimeout, please feel free to post a link, yes! Congrats on your new blog - I’ll hop over and take a look!
@Lizbeth - yes; ick. But necessary!
@ONeill5 - SO important for us to remember to take care of us! Be sure to catch a break for yourself!
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The Year of the Oxygen Mask is awesome! Thanks for spreading the word about taking a deep breath. Thanks for sharing your self-care list - and your journey with us!
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The Year of the Oxygen Mask is awesome! Thanks for spreading the word about taking a deep breath. Thanks for sharing your self-care list - and your journey with us!
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