I have extra time for myself while the kids are visiting family for summer vacation . The thing about motherhood is that there’s literally always something to do. My to-do list is always full. There’s something that randomly needs to be repaired. I love writing; it’s literally like therapy for me. However, I have future writing topics that bounce in my head throughout the day which makes it tempting to pull out my computer or phone to start writing.I had it all set for my kid-free break to tackle everything needed here at home, along with tapping into my creative genius full throttle. I sat down on the couch, reflecting on the quietness of the house. The curtains were closed, making the living room extra cozy, and the pillows were finally where they were supposed to be, making the living room look plush, perfect for a nap. I decided, for a moment, to release the need to make myself busy just to say I was doing something. I listened to my tired mind and felt the weight of a body working overtime. I decided that, as a mom, I would rest, regroup, recuperate, and restore myself for my rare time alone, without proving anything to myself or anyone else.
Mind, Body, & Spirit
One thing I’ve learned is that my body whispers wisdom when I need to slow down and rebalance. My body reminds me to calm my thoughts and soothe my worries, stressors, and pressures. There are times my soul yearns for nourishment, crying out for comforting words to uplift my spirit. I’ve juggled mom life as a stay at home mom, divorced mom, and working mom with each having their own set of challenges that require rest in refueling . Family life can be a beautiful challenge and hectic depending on the dynamics. I am grateful to have discovered love again in remarrying, yet following my husband’s recent stroke I am also his caregiver. The school year as an educator brings its own set of unpredictability, but as a teacher and a parent in order to take care of my family it’s essential for me to take time to decompress to have the proper energy to give with love. My special needs daughter has taught me the importance of resilience and flexibility, even in the face of meltdowns and disrupted routines. She will seek solitude in her special area in our home to rest to decompress. When my body starts sending me signals of fatigue, menstrual irregularity, numbness, and lack of concentration, I try to listen in making self-care a non-negotiable.
Rest Ma
We glorify busyness more in society. Mom influencers on social media know the responsibility of keeping various content posted daily while staying up-to-date with the latest trends. I’ve seen some try to clean already cleaned homes just to keep up content. There is always something to clean, fold, and prepare here at home. Many of us as moms don’t give ourselves permission to rest unless it’s a holiday like Mother’s Day, sickness, or injury. The truth is we don’t need permission from anyone to rest. We should schedule resting in our day like we schedule everything on our to-do lists. I initially planned a quick nap, but the nap extended into a full day of deep sleep. Self-care has nothing to do with aesthetics and fancy spas. Resting is all about replenishing your spirit by taking care of yourself, so we as moms can take care of those who depend on us the most. Resting isn’t just about sleeping; it’s also about doing things that put a smile on your face and doing things you enjoy. There are times I really take in on the with catching up on rats doing the girls’ visitations with their father. I sometimes Netflix binge break, meet up with a close girlfriend, and tend to my flowers and plants. I really enjoy my walks on the Augusta Canal, and Savannah River. The best thing though is relaxing on my front porch and reading a good book or devotional. I’m resting, and I pray you learn to rest too, Mom.
Purpose Filled Mommy with Minimarie 