An ESSENTIAL Piece on this Parenting Journey

Last night I made some time to go to a movie and out for dinner. Time to connect with a friend. Time to take care of me. I have to be honest, I don’t do that very often. In fact, I don’t make time for me as often as I should (or as often as I need). But what I know is that on this parenting journey, we NEED to be taking time for to fill ourselves up.
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I know, I know. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time. Your kiddos need you. Your to-do list is a mile long. By the end of the day, you are EX. HAUST. ED! I get it. Trust me, I get it. But here’s the deal…this journey is a long one. And it takes a whole lot of commitment and stamina to keep keepin’ on. The reality, if you are depleted, you do not have the full reserve it takes to pour into your family. To give your kiddos all that they need.

So I challenge you (and I’m challenging myself) to make the commitment to take care of YOU! Little ways or big ways. Something that FILLS you up. Something that gives you a little oomph, a little “I’m so glad I did that”. Find at least one thing to do just for you this week. And next week. And the week after that. You get the idea.

Call a friend. Go out for dinner. Get your nails done. Grab a comfy blanket and watch a favorite show or a new movie. Stop at the library and find one of those “can’t put it down” books and make some time to read. Volunteer for a charity that means something to you. Bring a meal to a neighbor. Do something crafty. Journal. The list is ENDLESS. Jot down your favorites, choose one or two or several, get them on your calendar and MAKE THEM HAPPEN!

You deserve it, but even more importantly, you NEED it! And your kiddos will even benefit – you will be refueled and recharged.
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Ready, set, GO!