Taking Care of You

Dear Weary Mom, you do so much, as a mother. I know of the school schedules, the kids’ appointments, the laundry, the homework, the cooking, the cleaning. You give and give, until it feels like there’s nothing more to give. And then you dig down deep and give some more anyway. But, sweet friend, who is taking care of you?

As moms, it often falls to us to see that our family’s needs are getting met - whether it’s picking up dry cleaning for our husband, spending time calming a child down during a meltdown, keeping up with the yearly check-ups for our kids, or even just keeping up with the dishes.

Sometimes, though, it gets to be too much. We need a break. We need a retreat from the noise of life. We need someone else to step in and remind us that we’re worth taking care of as well.

Dear Friend, you are worth caring for as well. You’re worth the time it takes for you to feel well-rested. Sometimes we need to put our to-do list on the shelf for a bit, and take a break.

Here in my corner of the world, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn weather. Maybe some time outdoors would help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Maybe a trip to a local farm to pick a pumpkin or some beautiful mums would be just the thing to help you breathe deep and soak up life!

Maybe you just need some time away from being a caregiver. How about calling a friend and asking her to meet for coffee? Or a meal? Perhaps you could take a night off - before your body gets sick and forces you to do so. Why not grab a favorite book or movie, a favorite snack, and put your feet up! Laugh again, at all the funny parts of the movie - laugh, out loud! Go ahead!

Maybe you need some deeper help, though. So much of what we do as parents is hard work. Your doctor will be able to help you seek direction if you need medical attention. And, moms, there’s nothing wrong with seeking some extra help. Sometimes we need someone who is outside of our daily routine to look into our lives and speak life into different situations. Make sure you’re keeping up with physically taking care of yourself!

Step back, when viewing your kids’ actions, and try to remember that sometimes (not always, but sometimes) they are acting out of a place of childish behavior. After all, they are children, and there’s a fine line between childishness and disobedience. When you can, keep in mind that they are probably acting out of their childish ways at times. Laugh with them, enjoy their outlook on life.

Mamas, you know this but I’m going to remind you. You’re the glue that holds the house together. When you are feeling well and handling life well, you can pass that strength on to everyone else in your household.

Here are a few simple tips to getting through the day:

1. Start with Jesus - maybe a devotional, maybe a chapter in your Bible, maybe just one verse that you can write down and meditate on each day. Put on some worship music - get your heart into the right place.

2. Laugh a little - be intentional with this. Maybe look up a funny joke that you can share with your kids. How about checking out a book of jokes from the library? Take time to insert yourself into your child’s life and laugh with them.

3. Pray - pray with your child, for your child, and even for your own heart. Let God know if you are needing encouragement, or friendship, or even that you need a break. (He knows anyway, go ahead and tell Him - be open about how your heart is feeling.)

4. Reach Out - remember that you have a lot to offer, but also, don’t hesitate to extend your hand when you are needing. Reach that hand out, sweet friend, so that someone near and dear can grab hold of you.

5. Carve Out Time - each day, take some time for you. Be intentional about this, too, especially if you’re just beginning to take care of yourself. Even 5 minutes, just to sit and close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Maybe in the evenings, after the house is quiet, you could grab some tea and a book (yes, really!) and just read one chapter. Hey, it’s a start! Do this - everyday. This will start to become your favorite time of the day!

And the thing is, the more you start to take care of yourself, the easier it becomes, and the more you believe, deep in your heart, that you are worth it (and you ARE worth it)!

Dear Weary Mom, please make sure you are taking care of you. As moms, we’re so quick to lend a hand, help a friend or family member, clean up a child’s battle wound, speak soothing words over our husbands when they have had a tough day. But moms, make sure you’re taking time for your heart as well!

I’m linking up with friends over at Hope for the Weary Mom - won’t you come join us?

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