Mary Angel

(3/2018) March 2018 and I want to remind you all to take care of yourselves. So many times I see mom friends of mine completely run ragged and not taking care of themselves. They are always doing for others and forgetting that it will catch up to them. When you don’t take care of yourself you cannot take care of your family. So this month I encourage you to take care of yourself mind, body, and spirit.

Sometimes, as moms, we spend so much time tending to our family, friends, and work that we forget to take time for ourselves. I often get so busy that there just aren’t enough hours in a day. This is when I start penciling my own down time into my calendar. I would encourage you to do the same, even if it is just once a week. Take time to read a book, have a cup of coffee (in silence or with a friend), take a walk, or whatever else floats your boat. This little bit of time to recharge could be all that stands between you and insanity. My husband sometimes comes home to find me sitting in the living room, alone, with the television turned off. He would always ask, "Do you want me to turn the T.V. on?" Much to his confusion I would emphatically say no. He eventually came to understand that when I managed to get 10 minutes all to myself I enjoyed the silence. So, whether it is silence or music running through your headphones, just enjoy a little "Me" time.

Taking care of your body can be a little more involved. How many of you will take off work or cancel whatever you have going on to take a sick child to the doctor? How many of you put off your own illness because of lack of time? As moms we are very good at caring for our families but not always the best at caring for ourselves. Please understand I am preaching to myself. I had half of a root canal done 4 years ago and haven’t managed to find the time or money to finish it. When it comes to your body I would encourage you to get to the doctor for yourself when needed and not just when you can make the time. For some of my friends that includes mammograms (and you know who you are!!). Heading to the doctor isn’t the only part of taking care of your body, there is more.

How many times a week do you make dinner for the family but are running children, switching over laundry or paying bills and end up eating a cold meal when everyone is finished? How many times a week do your skip a meal because you just don’t have the time? How many times a week to grab something unhealthy because you are so busy and it is quicker and easier? Might I encourage you to eat a little healthier this month, add some fruit to your on-the-go life style, and maybe (just maybe) sit down and have a family meal together (this will also go a long way in rejuvenating your mind and spirit). Along the same lines as eating well is exercising.

Exercising is probably my biggest struggle. By the time I think to exercise during the day it is close to bed time. The few times when I have decided to exercise late in the evening it ends we me not being able to fall asleep. Now I try to find creative ways to squeeze in extra exercise during the day. Sometimes that means getting a little creative. When I need to run to the basement for something, I run the steps 4 or 5 times before I actually get the item I needed. In the middle of our homeschool day I might announce that it is dance party time and we blast the music and get our groove on (my daughters would be mortified at the thought of any one seeing me get my groove on). Maybe we park at the back of the parking lot for all of our errands or go for a bike ride or a walk. Sometimes we break out the Simply Fit Boards and do schoolwork while twisting. Whatever it is you like to do to get active, just do it.

Finally don’t forget your spirit. This can mean something different for each of us. For me it involves a few things, the first of which would be time with the Lord. When I am praying or involved in a Bible study or even simply attending church, I always have a feeling of peace. All of these things give me a bright outlook, a feeling that everything will work out when I am having a bad day. I can also rejuvenate my spirit by spending time with ladies who build me up. I believe if every mom could have, no matter how small, another woman or women in their lives that they meet with on a regular basis (even if it is once a month or every other month) then their spirit would be built back up from all of the things in this world that tear us down. Don’t get me wrong our husband can do a great job at this, but sometimes it is helpful to interact with women who have a better understanding of our own perspective. To have women in your life, both older and younger, who can understand your struggles, help with your problems, not judge your insecurities, and just go through life with you, is a blessing and a necessary medicine for the well-being of our spirits.

My hope and prayer for each of you is that this month I have encouraged you to take better care of yourselves. I hope that you see the irony that if you don’t take care of yourself then you won’t be able to take care of your loved ones. I also hope I take some of my own advice!

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