Giving Yourself Permission to Recharge

I run through my mental checklist: both kids have been bathed – check. By now, they’re sound asleep – check. The dishes are done - check. I smile to myself realizing that the next hour or so is truly my own. My first thought: bubble bath. The hot water drips down my fingers almost instantly transforming my mood. I drip the bubble bath into the water with close to expert precision and slide gingerly into the tub. The bubbly water smells like lavender, and in the interest of indulgence, I light a few tea candles around the parameter of the bathtub. Now the ambiance of relaxation is complete.   I hear myself exhale deeply and slip deeper into the calming waters.

I don’t know what is it about a bubble bath, but by the time I climb out of the tub, my world has been blissfully altered. I feel composed, tranquil and refreshed. I seek out my most comfortable pajamas and navigate the wine rack looking for something light and tasty. It is too late to drink a glass, but I’m pampering myself so once again I indulge.

Earlier in the day, I felt anxious. I had asked myself, am I giving everything and everybody my best? Do my children feel like my top priority? Does my husband feel supported? It was a one-sided conversation that I have had with myself countless times. It is not that I beat myself up necessary (although I have my moments), but like most moms, I feel that I must be superhuman – able to be everything to my children, my spouse, and my work.

There are times when I actually try to convince myself that a little down time or rejuvenation is not deserved. The imaginary devil on my shoulder makes a forceful case: There is too much to do and too many other priorities to tackle. Then the angel on my other shoulder speaks up, reminding me that when you refuse to take care of yourself, you’re not at your best. You’re not able to be all that you aspire to be because you haven’t given yourself permission to recharge.

As I head to bed I feel light, centered, and balanced. I feel like tomorrow is a new day with endless possibility. I remember that women everywhere fight the same battles. They feel unworthy of rest and relaxation. They feel that taking care of themselves means that they're not taking care of others. They forget that their ability to care for others ends when they neglect themselves. The truth is that they not only need it, they deserve it!

Embrace Your MOMentum

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