Why do women struggle with self-care?
Why do we think if we lay down, take a nap, close off the noise we are neglectful.

Why do we think that if we tell our kids I need some time alone, we are bad moms? If we say to our friends I need some space, we are sorry friends.  If we tell our spouse, not tonight, we are rejecting them. It not about them, it’s about you.

We need to just lay down!

I’ve learned as I have gotten older that if you don’t stop and walk away, take a nap, exercise, simply self-care, you are neglecting your family…yup you certainly are.  You are not giving yourself or your family the best you. We become tired, irritable, short-tempered, emotional, confused and with all that comes frustration and chaos.

We need to learn to be ok with just hitting the pause button on the hustle and bustle of life and reset ourselves and take care of our minds, bodies, and souls.

I now understand when my mom went to lay down during the day, she was saving herself and us from her wrath.  And though there were days we still received her wrath in spite of her naps, imagine if she didn’t just pause her day and lay down.

I now get it!

As I continue to walk through menopause, I find myself needing more time to reboot. Some days it’s voluntary, and other days my mind slows down, or my body just can’t give any more. My spirit is heavy, and I am forced to stop and just lay down.

Now, you might be thinking I can’t lay down, I work a full-time job, I can’t stop, I’m a single mom, who’s going to pick up the slack, help the kids with their homework, buy the groceries, clean the house, do the laundry.  Our list goes on and on.  I know, I do it too.  (Well, I am blessed to have a housekeeper, but I digress).  There has to come a moment when you have to slow down and sit still enough to regain your sanity.

I’ve learned to go to bed early.  I’ve learned the dishes can wait, but my body can’t.
Think about where you place your priorities. Your work, home, kids, spouse- saying yes to everything so as not to be judged.

Start saying yes, to yourself and learn to love yourself, it’s not selfish, it’s called self-care, and everyone will gain from it.  

 I’ve learned the power of no, and I just go lay down!

What can you do to regain control of your mind, body, and soul?  Here are some suggestions: read a book or a magazine,  go for a walk, take yourself out to dinner, take a warm bath, light a candle, sit still and pray, listen to music instead of watching TV, write a letter and forgive.

Lesson:

Take time to quiet your spirit.  Take time to listen to your heart.  Take time to live a generous life.  Goodness and blessing are waiting on the other side for you.

 Walk towards it.

“Til Tuesday