Taking care of mommy!

Summer is here, and with the hustle and bustle of outdoor activities, social events and family vacations, it’s no wonder we sometimes forget our basic needs like plucking our eyebrows ; (. As we navigate through these events I urge us to keep in mind one very important theme. YOURSELF.

As moms and specially mothers of multiples, we are givers and providers and can tend to leave ourselves last on the priority list. I want us to reflect and think about one activity that belongs to US and US only. Last week there was an article (Yahoo) about a longitudinal study on happiness, it was a 70+ year old study done on Harvard sophomores that traced characteristics of happiness, they found three:

1. Have your own outlet (an activity or interest that belongs to you alone)
2. Don’t take yourself too seriously (sense of humor played a major role in the study)
3. Happiness must be shared (although it entails a lot of work to share your life with a partner, the outcome is fully beneficial, even leads to longevity)

Number one for me is a must, having not had my own outlet when I had my first child, I really entered into a mini crisis as he got older and my identity was no longer main mommy role. Also, for our general happiness and sanity, I think all individuals need something that belongs to them alone. So this week make it a goal to reinvent or rediscover something about yourself and commit to something that belongs to you alone. here are some tips:

• Try something new, something you always wanted to do but didn’t think you could (tennis, crochet, painting, singing etc)
• Look up bible studies or groups in your local church
• Consider dancing, it’s fun and great cardio, therapeutic and can be enjoyed with partner
• Consider a sport even if you are not sporty
• Consider volunteering (most churches provide childcare for this)
• Look up free classes at the local community college
• Be part of a group
• Join a gym
• Write a blog,
• You have a gift for craft? Start selling it on the internet (Yahoo small business)
• Join a book club

I know some of us have girls night and those are super fun, but it should be an activity that you can participate in regularly, at least once a week, one that your spouse or children are not obligated to attend and something that belongs to you or your interests.

Good luck ladies and God Bless!

Marilyn