For the 3rd time today, here I sit. Thoughts running through my head that need to get out! Here goes...
Today I was talking with two friends, both of whom are also mothers, and I thought, "You know, every mother needs 3 things". So, here is what I think every mother needs. Without even one of them, we could go crazy at any moment.
1) An outlet. If you are a mom, what is your outlet? Is it a hobby, like scrapbooking, or quilting, or reading when you get a chance? For me, it is blogging. Writing. Either thoughts or songs. I love to write and it is my outlet. I think it is important to get to have your "outlet" at least a few times a week.
2) A good friend who has been where you are. Or is presently where you are at. A fellow mom who has cleaned up poop, been thrown up on, felt the joy of seeing the first smile or the first step, and just "gets it."
3) Some "time off" every day. Be it 10 minutes, or an hour. In our house, it happens usually after the kids go to bed. That's why routine is so important to us - both boys are IN bed, going to sleep, by 8pm. Yes, they have their late nights where they can't seem to fall asleep, but for the most part it works, and this time is M and I's time together. We talk, we play games sometimes, we watch TV, or we work, but at least it is all time together, and we try to make it quality. There are also many times that he gets home from work and plays with the kids so that I can have a little break. I may just cook dinner alone, or go to the bathroom with the door closed, or have a quick phone conversation, but those moments are my little "moments of grace" (see my previous post about those) :) So, we each need our "moments of grace" every day. Even if it's not for an hour, but 10 minutes. SO important.
I know there are more things that every mother needs, like daily time with God, or a hot (or cold) shower every day, or an amazing husband to help around the house. So, I guess even if we just get ONE of these (six) things, we should be thankful, right? :)
SO glad that you had a great day! Lunch with girl friends is the best, well, right after sleeping in :)
ReplyDeleteI think I've got 4 of your 6 worked out - great post!
so true!! Running is my outlet? And I love the blogs we all share since our kiddos are similar ages...and oh yes, 8pm bedtime is a must in our house too.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you on "taking time to yourself". My twins are now 5. I have always been very bad at taking time for myself. Too much mommy guilt. But now that they are a bit older....I am trying hard to make a point of doing just that.
ReplyDeleteI agree too... with all of it. We also thrive on routine. I love my kids but I also love that time alone with my husband at night.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Please come back and visit anytime.
I enjoyed looking around your blog. I'll certainly be back!
Hey Jaimie! I have been out of town but just catching up on the blogs. Happy Belated Bday! Hang in there with potty training! I can't believe little guy can hold it that long although Lila is probably going to have a strong personality.
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