"Me" Time

I spend ample time on my children's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Heck, not just ample I spend almost ALL my time on this. Like most SAHM's and WAM's I neglect my needs and feel guilty when I do things for myself, but as I spend more days, months, years of my life being a mom I realize that it is true wisdom to make sure I'm taking care of myself or I can't take good care of my family very well. I still fight feelings of being selfish when I spend time on me but I just gotta GET OVER IT! And I say that to myself and all moms out there GET OVER IT AND SPEND TIME MEETING YOUR NEEDS TODAY!!! Your (my) family needs you (me) to be there for them 100% and you (I) can't do that if you (I) don't take care of you (me)!

Here is my list of things I need to do to take care of myself. They are in no particular order. Many are things that I have done routinely for myself in the past and hope to make habits of again in the future. I realize that my children's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health depends on mine. It will take time and practice to make these things habits and I make a promise to myself right now to not feel guilty for NOT doing these things. These things are meant to make me feel better not worse.

1. Drink plenty of water.
I just don't like to "drink" period. It's not like I drink soda or something instead of water, I just don't drink anything except coffee on a regular basis. I know this is a really important one! I heard somewhere that one of the best things a person can do first thing in the morning is drink a glass of water. I was in this habit for a while and it really did feel good.

2. Exercise for 30 minutes 3X's a week.
I have had several periods of my life where I have exercised regularly and it makes me feel SO GOOD you think I would make this a HUGE priority. Actually, it is the #2 thing I am trying desperately to find time for right now. For the #1 thing I'm trying to find time for see #4 on this list.

3. Spend 15-30 minutes "putzing" each day.
I'm a "putzer" and I need to putz. I need to allow myself some time everyday to ignore my "to do list", let go and putter around aimlessly doing whatever strikes my fancy. I have to make sure my kids are not around for this as I get very testy when my putzing concentration is broken. So first thing in the morning or after they go to bed.

4. Spend time in prayer and read the Bible everyday.
This also is something I have been in the habit many times in my life and it is my #1 priority right now because it makes just absolutely everything better. It's almost impossible to find a consistent time for this everyday but in the past I have prayed each morning for God to help me carve out time in my day for Him. Seek and ye shall find.................

5. Meditate.
I mostly want to spend time mediating on God's word. A period of time each day 5 minutes or more where I lock out everything in my mind but scriptural truths.

6. Eat a diet low in sugar, high in fiber and protein.
Duh.

7. Eat lots of fruits and veges everyday.
Duh again.

8. Breathe deeply.
I'm a shallow breather, I need to remember to spend time breathing deeper and slower. It needs to be a conscious effort.

9. Go to a spa regularly for some pampering.
My hubby sent me to a spa on my birthday this year. He went all out as he always does for my birthday and spoiled me with a full day of treatment. I kept thinking during my extreme day of pampering that I really should do some of this on a regular basis. You know, every couple of months go for a facial, massage or pedicure. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Last week I actually did this and went for a massage. I found that a little spa-ing goes a long way.

10. Take frequent walks.
I love to walk. It clears my head. I need to do it more often, period.

11. Turn off the TV.
The boob tube just zaps my energy and kills brain cells. I feel better about myself when I spend my time on other things.

12. Sleep at least 7 hours each night.
Gotta just do it!

13. Take at least one relaxing bath a week.
I find the #1 deterrent to this one is keeping my master bathroom clean.

14. Have sex with my husband 2-3 times a week.
Gotta just do it!

15. Go out on a date with my husband 1X a week.
This will make #14 easier.

16. Spend time often with girlfriends and other SAHM's with and without our kids. (Preferably with lots and lots of laughter)
Okay, first I need to FIND some girlfriends. Making friends needs to be a priority.

17. Keep my house decent and sanitary.
And BE HAPPY with decent and sanitary and not beat myself up when my house isn't picture perfect.

18. Have a good cry every once in a while.
It seems like I fight the tears back until I'm at the end of my rope and can't hold them back any longer. I think it would help me stay at the top or at least in the middle of my rope if I allow the tears to flow sometimes and release a little pressure.

19. Learn and practice Tai Chi.
I really, really want to learn Tai Chi, there's a class a our local community center I will take advantage of.

20. Spend time gardening, I hear it's good for the soul.
We have a beautiful backyard at our new house that needs some TLC, it's time to enhance it a bit and plant a few flowers in my soul at the same time.