I wrote this blog post as part of a movement by Weight Watchers to encourage people to remember that loving yourself starts with taking care of your health everyday. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own.
As a mom, we tend to put the needs of our children (and often spouse) above our own personal needs, desires and goals. Wait? What… that is only me? I kid. I kid. As women we take our role as caretaker and nurturer seriously. This often can lead to an overwhelmed, overworked, over tired mama. Myself included.
This is why I run. I run to find me again. I run to love me. Reminding me… step by step… who Rachel is and refreshing me each step and mile along the way. Funny how as my kids age, so has my desire to run longer and further, but that is beside the point. I am learning to embrace and LOVE my ME time. I am putting the ME back in Mommy.
Weight Watchers Simple Start initiated the challenge to show yourself some love. Find a few minutes a day, for two weeks, to reward yourself, escape to find peace and quiet or just find something to take care of yourself to restore your soul. I embraced this challenge full on. I find myself being constantly on the go and busy… but rarely do I find time to rest, reflect, restore and enjoy.
Rest
Life is busy and finding time to rest is key for a healthy me. I know that I often find time to fit in fitness during my week, but I have to make it a point to find rest. The past week I have been making it a point to spend a few months in my day to just sit and be quiet. To rest and enjoy the moment. Often times this is spent after my workout. I go sit outside, in the sunshine, and just enjoy the much needed quiet.
This helps restore, replenish, and refocus my mind for the task ahead of me. Rest is important… and I love this me time in my day.
Reflect
This week I have been challenging myself to live in the moment. To reflect upon all the good things that God has blessed me with. Choosing to stop and enjoy the moment rather than rush it and stress about the future. I am learning and challenging myself to stop and smell the roses… or in this case, the blooming bushes and tress here in Sacramento.
Pausing. Resting. Reflecting. Taking the time to be in the moment. Enjoy the present.
Restore
Finding time to restore my soul is important to me and my mental and spiritual well being. I have found that when I don’t take time out of my busy day to reflect and focus on Him… my day is totally off. This week I have challenged myself to really find the time for me and to spend time in God’s Word to restore my soul.
Funny how the study and books I have been choosing to read to restore has been a focus on marriage. Perhaps it is all because of the love month or perhaps God is trying to teach me to restore my heart in my marriage. Who knows, but I am enjoying the attention and focus on finding time to refresh, reflect and redefine my marriage in this quiet devotional time.
Enjoy
Fitting in fitness and daily activity is an easy task for my family. We are an active bunch. Every day we find something to do that breaks a sweat and gets our heart pumping. Whether it is me training for my next marathon, or the boys fighting imaginary bad guys… we are a busy bunch.
We have been taking advantage of this sunshine and spring weather by enjoying fun urban hikes in our area. Not going too far from home, we have been able to explore some pretty amazing areas and enjoy each other and God’s creation.
I have really enjoyed this challenge of finding time to love the healthy me. Finding and choosing healthy activities I can do, to love myself (and ultimately those around me). I have found that when I love myself, I can truly love others. This has been a great challenge… and I have great intentions of continuing this challenge of putting me first in choosing healthy (mentally, physically and spiritually) choices.
LyndaS says
That is such a good question. I really need to take some time and read a book that I bought about a month ago. It’s a really good book, but I just haven’t invested the time to read it.
Kristen Jeffery says
Those flowers are gorgeous!!! Makes me think Spring really might come to Ohio!
Ashley says
Me time is so important! My family loves taking in nature and hiking as well. I’m so happy spring is coming so we can get back to it on the regular. Thank you for the awesome suggestions as ways to embrace self love.
Andrea Kruse says
My youngest is now 8 months old and I feel like I am just getting back into doing things that make me happy. I love to create and have gotten started on a few new crafting projects. The soul is often an overlooked part of our happiness… especially as busy, hardworking Moms. Love seeing your smile and talking about time for yourself. You deserve it.