Making Time for Yourself

Do most days seem like a blur, not really knowing if you accomplished anything on your to do list? I can definitely relate... working part time outside of the home, part time on our family business and being a full time mom, wife, cook, cleaner... the list could go on and on. I can only imagine how crazy I would feel if I worked full time outside of the home on top of all the other roles! 

I have been feeling guilty of desiring time to myself and thinking a lot about "self-care" this week. Don't get me wrong, I feel SO blessed to be a wife and mom to some of the greatest humans I know. However, we ALL need time to fill our own cups so that we can be our best selves for our families.

Jesus speaks to this in the story of Him feeding the 5,000. "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not have a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."  Mark 6: 31-32

So how do we do that in a world where everything costs $$ and time seems limited? Here are a few things I have learned over the years that I am being reminded of today:

1. TIME ALONE - it is okay to rest, to be an introvert. No matter what time works best for you, find a few minutes in your day to spend time in prayer and solitude. Maybe ask a trusted friend or family member to watch the kids for a bit so you can run errands or just have an hour alone to recharge. You can pay or maybe offer a return favor in exchange if this is not in your budget.

2. TIME WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY - allow others to help fill your cup. Ask for help, you are NOT alone. You may need a play date to give your kids time to socialize while you get some adult time to talk about your wins and struggles. Enjoy a date night, plan a night out or enjoy a special dessert/movie at home after putting the kids to bed early. 

3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND - Set boundaries to avoid over committing yourself. It is okay to say "no" sometimes. Nap when your littles nap and stick to routine bedtimes to ensure you get enough physical rest. Maybe even initiate an afternoon quiet time with the kids where you get to snuggle up and read books together to ensure your mental rest is achieved throughout the day. There will be times when you struggle to find space for yourself. During those times, lean in to your blessings...instead of focusing on the mountain of dirty laundry, be thankful for the ones that fill those clothes... the full of energy, wild and crazy kids (and spouses) that make your life complete! 

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY - Taking care of our bodies does not have to mean secluding ourselves. Find things that you enjoy doing with your family... maybe a game of pickleball, swimming, playing tag or just taking a family walk. Make meal times fun. Give the kids and/or spouse opportunities to help cook a meal with you, let them decide the main or side dishes certain nights of the week, or make it a time for them to learn their food groups and how each item is important for their growth.

In the Bible verse I mentioned above, the story was just beginning... much like ours. There will be seasons in life where it is easier to find time to ourselves and others where we are recognized by the crowd when attempting to find a quiet place. 😪 

Don't let the busy seasons get you discouraged though, because we are promised time to fulfill our own needs. We just sometimes need help seeing the opportunities available and hearing that it is OK and NECESSARY! So take a break, re-read your favorite book, or just take a hot bath while listening to your favorite music at the end of a long day. Whatever your self-care looks like, make a little time for YOU this week.

Blessings,

Nicole Mattison

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