Will This WAH Mom Ever Find Me Time Again?

Here's a little tip from a mom who knows... don't ever think you don't truly need a little time just for yourself! You're raising kids, working from home (or looking to) and you're no doubt overwhelmed from time to time. This is especially true if you have infants or toddlers, and from what I understand... teenagers. lol

Have you heard it said that you are worthless to anyone depending on you, if you don't first take care of yourself? It's true. Even if that means just taking a shower today... find a way to do it. Get up early, pray you don't wake the baby, then jump in and enjoy.

When my kids were very young I was very much in love with them, but not so much in love with being a mom. At the time I thought it was just me. That somehow I was inadequate or just not cut out for that role, but as my kids grew I did manage to find other mom's reporting similar thoughts and feelings. From those conversations I've discovered two very essential truths of motherhood.

The first one is this... every mom needs some time to herself. When was the last time you went to the bathroom by yourself? I honestly remember going to the potty with my son on my lap, because I was too tired to listen to him cry when I put him down. The first time I was able to go to the restroom and not have an audience felt like a vacation. Before kids who would have thought something so simple could feel so awesome? lol

The second truth is you are not alone! Oh heavens no. Not by a mile. I thought I was some sort of freak show because there were nights I cried myself to sleep. I was constantly tired, trying to balance house and home, children and work... feeling guilty when I was working as my kids were running wild. Feeling guilty when I wasn't working because my bank account was going to tell me about it later. Feeling guilty while sitting at my desktop computer and seeing the overfilled laundry basket waiting for me on the sofa. So much guilt! None of which was healthy... or necessary.

So, today my kids are 6 and 8 and things are much happier for this mom. For starters I find several opportunities to be alone (something I really need). I find time for friends (another essential to my happiness and emotional well-being). I find time for sleep (yes, it does get better). I even find time for work! And then... somewhere at the bottom of it all (and believe me that's where it belongs), I find time for housework. Usually in a mad dash just 1 hour before my husband makes his appearance I put on my tennis shoes and go into crazy cleaning woman mode... so there ya go. I even have time for moderate exercise.

If you can't find me time yet, hang in there. I promise it will come! You will never appreciate it more than after having had children. When you come back to mom time, you'll be refreshed and oh so much nicer! You'll have the patience of a saint and you'll radiate a special kind of warmth you thought you'd lost forever.

Hang in there mommies!