“Ladies and gentlemen, we request your full attention as the flight attendants demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft”
"In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. ..."
You've likely heard these words before, but have you ever considered how they pertain to life? Specifically, how they pertain to motherhood?
We as moms have the tendency to be so busy helping everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. And, although this seems like the Christ- like and selfless thing to do, at some point there will be a problem.
You see, as the speech indicates, when we get so caught up in providing oxygen for everyone else, without first taking care of our own need for oxygen, we will eventually pass out and be of no help to anyone.
Just like we as humans desperately need oxygen, we as moms also desperately need something. We need to fill ourselves. We need time to be refreshed. We need that opportunity to stop and breathe.
The truth is many of us are running on empty. We give and give, and help and help, and work, and work, and on it goes. But, eventually we run out of oxygen, and rather than truly being a help, truly being the mom that we desire to be, we begin to slowly suffocate here amidst our motherhood journey.
So, how can we ensure that we don't run out of oxygen?
REGULAR self care.
What refreshes you and fills you up, preparing you to enter back into motherhood joyfully and with a full cup?
This looks different for every person, and you might have to do a little soul searching, but below are 5 recommendations to keep you ALIVE in motherhood:
1. Time in God's Word.
The first and BEST way o fill yourself up is to go directly to the source that satisfies- Jesus Christ. There are other great options to refresh us but when we leave God out of the picture we often end up feeling empty all over again (read more here). Read your favorite passage of Scripture, spend some time thinking about a specific verse or chapter, or grab a devotional book that suits you.
2. Listen to your favorite music.
Music evokes emotions. It causes us to feel. Get alone for a few minutes and turn on your favorite playlist. Again, God- focused music will help you focus on the true source of satisfaction, AND who doesn't need a quick worship session in their bathroom mid-afternoon?
3. Girls Night.
Remove yourself from your "motherhood" environment. Once a week, or once a month, or whatever works for your family. Friends, and laughter, and relaxation can be great medicine for a weary soul.
4. Date Night.
Investing in your marriage relationship can help a myriad of things, including that feeling of suffocating in motherhood. When you have a night to JUST be wife, instead of feeling the tug of war of being mom and wife, you can often walk back into motherhood with a renewed sense of balance. Rather it's a night out or a couple hours of alone time after the kids are in bed, make date night a priority.
5. Alone time.
Sometimes when your heart is overwhelmed, maybe you just need to be alone. For some of us with littles at home, this might look like 20 minutes in the bathroom by ourselves- a soaking bath, time to do your nails, etc; for others it may look like time to grab a coffee, get a pedicure, go window shopping at o your favorite boutique, or read that book you've been dying to pick up.
REMEMBER, at the end of the day, God is our true source of satisfaction. He is the ONE who fills our empty places. No matter which option you choose to utilize to refresh yourself, keep your eyes focused on Him, and breathe.
Jeremiah 31:25 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
What are some other ways you implement self-care? I'd love to hear your ideas! Leave them in the comment section below.
Here's some more great wisdom for your motherhood journey.
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