As a parent, often we are pulled in several directions at once. It is just the nature of the role we play in our family. I’m married to a great man, who happens to drive a truck for a living. Even though he is as involved as possible in our daily life at home, the bulk of the task falls upon my shoulders. Add to that the fact that I am a Mom, Grandma, homesteader, and homeschooling parent, along with my other roles and it is enough to exhaust me just thinking about it. As we tend to the needs of our family, it is easy to overlook our own needs.
Picture in your mind your family standing near you, all thirsty and with their cups held out to you. As you go to give them water, to satisfy their thirst, you find your pitcher running low. You carefully ration out the water to give each one a portion. While each has a small drink, their thirst is not completely satisfied. You also find that you have nothing left for yourself.
Being a Momma, we easily can find ourself in this situation. We give and give to our family and those around is, yet we neglect to refill our own pitcher. Like the example that I shared, this can lead us to having to ration ourself out to meet the needs of our family. In doing so, we risk not being able to fully meet those needs.
We have to find ways to replenish our reserves. This could be through connecting with our spouse, friends, or even simply carving out time for yourself each day.
One of my favorite times is the evening after the kids are in bed. I sit with my cup of coffee and read, crochet, or write. I recently bought a Bible verse coloring book that I am starting to color in. Another relaxing activity that I enjoy is word search puzzles. It doesn’t have to be anything that requires a lot of time or expense. Sometimes, just having a cup of coffee on the porch and listening to the night sounds and feeling the breeze can feel wonderful.
The whole point is taking time out for myself. By doing so, I am filling my pitcher. I am adding to my reserves so that I can meet the needs of my family.
It is really easy to say that we don’t have the time to fill our own needs. I know. I did it for years. I was so used to being “Mommy on the spot” to my family and those around me that I totally forgot myself in the process. I got exhausted and often felt overwhelmed or depressed. I had to learn how to take time for me. I had to get over thinking that taking time for myself was being selfish. I had to realise that I needed to have my “Momma time” so that I could be a more effective parent and wife.
One rule that I have for myself is that my Momma time is never spent preparing homeschool lessons or housework. It is meant to be a time focused on my needs, not doing other tasks. This to.a has become something important to me know. I don’t see it as a luxury or waste of time. I see the value of it and look forward to it each day.
In taking the Momma time, I am finding that my stress levels are lower, I am more productive, and I enjoy my days better than before. I wish I had learned this decades ago, when I was in my 20’s instead of in my 50’s. It is definitely something that I am trying to teach my daughter now as she grows up.
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