The life of a mother.
11 Mar
As mothers, we tend to take care of everyone else before we’ll even think of doing something for ourselves. I’m not entirely sure, but I think stay at home mom’s are even worse, it’s almost like we have something to prove while hubby is out working hard each day. We make sure our husband’s have clean clothes to wear to work. We make sure there is a healthy meal planned and made most nights of the week. We make sure the children are fed, dressed and safe. Then we cart those same children everywhere they need to go; doctor’s, school, playdates, etc. We keep our houses at least relatively clean. In some cases, we make sure the bills are paid on time. After all that is done, if there is any time, we do a little something for ourselves.
I am one of those mothers. I put off taking care of the things I need to make sure that my boys (all three of them) are taken care of. For years I’ve put off going to the eye doctor despite the fact that my vision has been deteriorating steadily for some time now.
I finally couldn’t take it anymore, everything had become blurry. When I finally got around to calling for an appointment I knew it had been a long time since I’d been there when my chart was still under my maiden name.
I knew my vision was bad, but I had no idea just how bad until I went through the exam. What has happened to me? In the six years since I had been there (yeah, that’s right, six years), there had been a dramatic difference and I was now to be in glasses full time.
I’ve been so busy taking care of my family that I let something as vital as my vision start to slip away. Now with my new glasses I have no idea how I was even getting through a day without them. I feel like I’m living in a whole new, brighter world.
The moral of my story? It’s OK to take care of yourself. While taking care of your family is important, if you don’t take care of yourself you’re not doing them any favors.
If you can’t see the words on the page, how are you going to read your kids a book?
If you can’t make it up the steps without getting winded, how are you going to play with your kids at the park?
If you’re too sick to get out of bed, who is going to take care of your family?
If you’re so stressed you’re miserable, you’re not going to be the best mommy you can be.
You’ll be a better wife and mother if you’re taking the time to take care of yourself.
