'Me Time'...It Doesn't Have To Be A Myth.

When we become wives and moms, we often tend to put ourselves on the back burner. We do everything we can to tend to the needs of our family, sometimes at the expense of our own. Think about it, how many times a week do we drive our kids around to either a music lesson, or sports practice and have to sum up the energy to play cheerleader despite dwindling energy levels after a long day? Or hit the nearest clothing store, minutes before it closes, to buy a green t-shirt for school because you just remembered tomorrow is 'Green shirt day' and you don't want little Johnny or Susie to be the odd one out in class? What about the times you've gone to the mall with the intention of buying yourself something nice, but end up in Children's Place, or Baby Gap?

Then, when you finally do get five minutes to sit down and savor the last piece of cake you've been thinking about all day, your kids look at it longingly and all you can do is surrender it to their big eyes, and pouting faces...and settle for a handful of grapes (I guess that is the healthier choice but sometimes...you just want carbs!) Yup! we sacrifice a lot as moms, and as parents in general, so once in a while it's good...nay! necessary to retreat to that thing that refuels, recharges, replenishes, and gives you that lift..that umph! you need to keep you going.

For me, it's my little 30 minute workout sessions and music! Anyone who knows me, knows I love old skool R&B and hip-hop from the 80s, the 90s (especially), and early 2000s (in my opinion, good music died after that era...hahaha). I play it any chance I get. It lets me have a wee nugget of 'me time' without leaving the house.

Nothing like chopping onions to the sounds of Mary J Blige (the eyes don't burn as much..hahaha!), vacuuming to Blackstreet, or doing laundry to the rhythmic sounds of Boyz II Men!! Yes honey! Not to mention break out in the occasional running man. It always puts me in a good mood and takes me on a fun trip down memory lane. Call it a mental vacation.

And when I can, I go out for dinner with my girls and just have a good time. Just to be away for a little while and not hear 'Momma! Momma!' every other minute. Ironically, the conversation always finds its way back to the kids...hahaha! (we just can't help it..#mommies...hahaha!). We need 'me time' as moms. It's not that we don't love being with our kids, it's just that sometimes....we just need to step away from them to recharge...waaaayy away from them...hahaha! Just for a little while.

'Me time' in whatever form is so necessary to a parent, and maybe moreso a mom (call me biased..haha!). A friend of mine told me about her co-worker who, every year, takes a few days off on her own, no kids...no hubby...just her, books, and a beachfront hotel room. (I want to believe she has a bottle(s) of wine too...). Now this lady right here is my hero. Call only if blood is involved!

Now, tell me, what is that thing that refuels you? That gave you joy during your pre kids days? Reading? Painting? Crafting? Shopping? Hiking? Volunteering? Whatever it was/is...do it! Give yourself permission to do you. You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to get away from it all for a little while. It doesn't have to be a week off from the kids (those are long term life goals..hahaha!)...just start small. A few hours here and there. Try locking yourself in your room and either taking a long bath listening to some soft jazz, or binge watching your favorite shows (Or both! Heck..why not?, just don't drop the tablet in the water..lol!) and let dad take care of the kids for a couple of hours. You will be amazed at how just a few hours of 'me time' in silence works wonders for you and makes you a better, less stressed, parent.

So the next time you feel guilty about having or wanting some 'me time', remember this little formula I just made up:

MOMMY + REGULAR ME TIME = A RELAXED, HAPPY, AND PRESENT MOMMY