This post was supposed to list suggestions for things you could do to pamper yourself. I’d happened upon some cool recipes and ideas.
But, I kept finding myself avoiding sitting at my computer. Then I realized something. I needed to take my own advice. I’m always encouraging others to fill their well.
I’ve also become pretty good at recognizing when I need to fill my own. And, it was time. So, I decided to take a break, come back and go a little deeper with this post.
If we don’t fill up, we won’t have much to give to others. This was a struggle for me. If any of this resonates with you, I hope this post encourages you.
I think it is particularly easy for moms to forget to fill their own well. We give so much of ourselves to keep our homes running like a well-oiled machine and to make sure that everyone is healthy and happy.
But, here are some ways to make sure that your well doesn’t run dry in the process:
- Enjoy your own company.
I don’t know your circumstances and I have no idea how much time you can set aside to be to yourself. But, I encourage you to spend some quality time with yourself. Start where you are. Do what you can. At some point, I forgot how to enjoy myself. The time I did have to myself was spent thinking of all the things that I needed to get done and all the things that weren’t going right. No wonder I was so miserable! Now my alone time is spent either simply enjoying quiet time, thinking of all the things I appreciate, meditating, doing yoga, reading or just listening to some good music. But, hey I also don’t expect perfection. If I find myself constantly drifting, I simply honor what I’m feeling and thinking and allow it to pass instead of fighting it.
Honestly, it’s been a while but I do like to take myself out. Smoothie and Whole Foods trips are my favorites! Hopefully you already know how to enjoy your own company. If not, what are some things you’ll do to start?
- Schedule Goddess Time.
“Goddess Time” is a time to pamper or be pampered. If you aren’t open to going to hair or nail appointments, getting massages or the like, you can pamper yourself, or just buy some clippers for barbers and do your hair. You can search for special bath or facial recipes. I’ve even stumbled upon homemade, detox body wrap recipes. One of my favorite ways to enjoy my Goddess Time is during an Apple Cider Vinegar soak while listening to relaxing music. ACV is great for sore muscles! These are just some ideas. Do what works for you or try something new that you think you’d enjoy.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragers
So, you already know how important your associations are. Most of us do. Yet, many of us continue to allow “energy vampires” to drain us. You already give so much. Don’t allow people to constantly make withdrawals and no deposits. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you at your best; people who respect you and encourage you to take care of yourself. Sometimes we need those beautiful souls to remind us to fill our well. If you are looking around and you don’t have people in your life that fit this description, it’s OK. Love and enjoy yourself. The right people may show up unexpectedly. You can also be proactive. Join an online community or reach out to someone you feel drawn to. Connect with other moms in the BR Moms community.
So, you’ve probably heard some or all of this before, but if you haven’t taken action, I encourage you to do so.
Don’t forget to fill your own well. You’ll have more than enough to give to those you love and you won’t feel depleted.
With Love,
Tiffany Brooks