I’d like to think that I’ve been at my current job for quite some time. But really, I’ve only been in this role for about 10.5 years.  Now, 10.5 years may seem like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s really not that long. See, my current job (24/7, 365) is that of a stay-at-home mom. I wasn’t always a stay-at-home mom, I was a kindergarten teacher for seven years, and currently also work one day a week as a substitute teacher as well as run a photography business. Needless to say, my plate stays full. When is there time for ME? And if you’re anything like me, you, too, are asking yourself, When is there time for ME?

 

I didn’t fully understand when first becoming a mother the importance of not losing my SELF. My brain suddenly became programmed to not think of myself and my needs because I had to nurture the little humans running amuck in my home. It wasn’t actually until my second was born (six years ago), that I started to realize how much I need to put myself closer to the top of the priority list (versus down, down, down at the bottom). In order to keep my sanity and be able to take care of my home, my marriage, my children, and the endless amount of to-do’s, I was going to need some “ME” time.

 

“ME” time can mean taking 30 minutes or an hour for yourself, but it can also mean taking a day or a weekend to totally recharge your mind, spirit, and energy!

Go have lunch at your favorite restaurant and catch a movie. This idea is so easy and takes little to no effort at all.

 

If your gym offers yoga, take a class and totally center yourself while there. Think of no one other than you and how much you need to be present in this moment. Afterward, treat yourself to a mani/pedi or maybe even a massage. You can even opt for going home (if the kids are not there) and just soak in the tub with a glass of your favorite drink.

With a plethora of workshops and classes offered all around Collin County take some me time to learn something new. Maybe you want to learn how to embroider, do calligraphy, or decorate a fancy cake. Whatever it is, make sure it’s fun for you and fills your tank with what you need to care for you family.

Take an afternoon to unplug from the social world attached to your hand and peruse the Dallas Museum of Art, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks at Klyde Warren Park, and then go antique shopping in McKinney’s historic downtown (once you head back to Collin County).

Pick one weekend next month and then do it again six months from now where are you stay in one of Dallas’ fancy-shmancy hotels. I’m talking Zaza, Joule, Omni: order room service, people watch in the lobby, read a book you’ve been meaning to get to, or catch up on your favorite TV show and feel zero guilt about any of it.

If you hadn’t already guessed it- this is a splurge! Drive two hours east of Collin County and you’ll end up in Pittsburgh- Pittsburgh, Texas, that is. There you will find a vineyard. In that vineyard you will drink some wine and perhaps stay in a quaint little cottage located right on the property. Stay the night and go back to your family rested and recharged.

 

These are just a few of the “ME” times I have actually done myself. Now, do they happen all the time? No (especially not the expensive ones) but I HAVE put myself at the top of the priority list, and have come to realize that the time I spend away from my home and family and just take for myself has turned out to be the most beneficial for anyone and everyone around me. 

 

So, without guilt and with tons of positive self-talk go on, and have yourself some “ME” time (whatever that may look like for you!).