Lessons in Self Care from a Working Mom

There’s an inverse relationship between needing and prioritizing self-care.

As in: the more you need it, the less of it you probably get.

When I was in my early 20’s I had a legit big girl job. I was determined to keep up with my peers, who were older, had more degrees, more experience and way more confidence, and so, I’d wake up at 6am to catch the first set of New York emails, be at the office from 7 to 6 and then go to whatever program we had that night.
As you could imagine, by the end of the first six months, I was buuuuurnnneddd outtttttt.

I desperately needed some self care.

I started leaving the office three days a week to go to a yoga class.

Over the next several years, self care became a solid part of my routine.

A walk with a friend, a yoga class, a good book, a massage, a new venture... I had a pretty good run with self care.

And then, I became a parent.

I barely got enough water. Definitely didn’t get enough sleep. Stayed behind while the rest of my team traveled all over the country having the best time ever without me. *not bitter, just jealous*

Some dreams went out the window, others moved at a snails pace.

BUT THEN, our kids got older!

And glory, hallelujah! I’m starting to do what I want to do again. I’m prioritizing friendships, I’m prioritizing learning, and I’m putting myself out there, because it feels good.

The other night, I got a DM from a new mom. She asked how I’ve done it.

There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors online, and I’m all about lifting the veil.

So here we go:

There have been a lot of long days and long nights.
A lot of skipped workouts and missed parties.
Some of my goals have taken a really long time to accomplish.
Some dreams got put on the back burner or went out the window entirely.

Patience. That’s how.

Sometimes self care is slowing down.
Sometimes it’s speeding up.
Sometimes it’s doing less.
Sometimes it’s doing more.
Sometimes it’s being with others.
Sometimes it’s being with yourself.
Sometimes it’s drinking the water.
Sometimes it’s taking a shower.

It’s realizing now is a season.

Have you been in a slow or fast season? Do you cultivate a practice of self care?
How?