Parenting can be heavy; not in a burdensome sort of way, just lots to keep up with. My post today is about taking time for us as moms, whether you stay at home or work. I don't know about you, but there are days when I look at the clock only to see it is already 2:00 in the afternoon. Granted, we have gotten school done, but nothing else is done and it gets overwhelming.
Two specific things have happened this week that have made me realize, I have not been taking care of myself so my relationships and I have suffered. So in celebration of Spring Break, I am taking time for myself while my children take naps, play or watch tv...I will be drinking lots of water and taking a nap. Just for this week. I have gotten permission from my husband, or in other words, we have talked about it, and we came to the conclusion that I need a break. Spring Break showed up just in the nick of time!
The first thing I realized is the fact that I do not drink water. I always drink tea, coffee, or soda. I mean, I always grab iced tea before iced water. Do you guys do that?
My body was so thirsty. I was so tired all the time, so I just drank more and more sugar and caffeine thinking it would get me through the day .
But I am proud to say, I changed that this week. I only drank water, and I drank a lot of it for two days. My body felt so revived and ready for whatever.
The second thing I did, was slow down. I am a stay at home mom. I have a lot of opportunity for rest, but then everything else seems to fall apart. So, because of guilt I guess, I keep myself on my feet to get stuff done. I never slow down. It seems like, if I slow down...I get behind. By the time 9:00 gets here...I melt into bed, sometimes after an emotional breakdown getting my kids to go to sleep. There is no need for that. God has blessed me with this life full of blessings. I don't need to be so stressed.
By taking the guilt off and slowing down, I am actually able to enjoy my day. Being a stay at home mom has stress of its own. It doesn't have to be more complicated. That is my biggest flaw... ;)
I make everything more complicated than it is.
Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining at all. There are so many other women that work full time jobs. But there is a tenacity that is needed when you are a homeschooling mother with several kids. It is by God's grace that I am able to educate my children at home. I feel I am in the center of His will, and that is a priceless feeling. But we are human. We need time to rest. Even God rested on the seventh day. Point proven, I think.
So (stay at home/working) mamas, slow it down, soak in the life around you. Take care of yourselves. You are worth it!
Scripture for today:
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. (Psalm 116:5-7 NIV)
Lord,
Thank you for the blessing of my family. Please help me to slow down and work towards a goal in the most efficient way with my husband and my children, even if its just getting the laundry done with children tugging on my leg. Help me to have a clear mind, and soak in each moment before they are gone. Help me to see my worth, by looking at myself through your eyes. I love you and I praise you for all you have given me.
Amen
Good thoughts today. I drink only herb teas, but my fav is red rooibus. It has no caffein and is full of anti oxidents. A nurse taught me to fill a 32 oz cup with cold water and put the tea bag inside. I don't use sugar or anything when I do that. When I first started, I used stevia. It got me drinking a lot more liquids in a good way. I could never drink just water, but I am learning to love it now. Try it, if you like a little flavor, it might really get you there. Love the scripture. I need to mark that one in my Bible.
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