​The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself This Mother’s Day

Can we have a quick honesty moment, you guys? Postpartum adjustments are too real. It takes a lot to get back to the person you were, both physically and emotionally, after pregnancy and child birth. And sometimes you never actually get back there, but instead find yourself appreciating the new version of yourself you’ve become, and the new version of your life. That’s why the best gift you can give yourself this Mother’s Day is the gift of your time.

Whether it’s with a spa day, curling up with a good book or two, sleeping in for hours, buying yourself that new trinket or pair of shoes you’ve been saving for, going to the gym, writing in your journal or going to brunch with your girls, take some time on Mother’s Day to pour back into yourself.

I know how easy it is to want to give to everyone else in our lives first and put our own well-being on the back burner. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of “balancing”, until my body started telling me otherwise. I started suffering from terrible back pain one day, and that pain extended into my neck, shoulders, wrists and knees. The doctor couldn’t find anything physically wrong with me, but still I was in pain for almost two weeks! The minute I decided to rest, and eat really well, I started to feel better. It turns out I was slightly anemic, but mainly I was just exhausted.

I am pledging that this Mother’s Day, and every day, I’m going to make sure to give to myself first, and get the rest, exercise, good food and down time that my body requires. We all need different forms of self-care in different amounts, but we all need it. We all need to give ourselves a little time, love, respect, grace and patience.

Out of all of these, I think the one I’m learning the most these days is grace. I remind myself:

You don’t have to do it all.

Ask for help. Delegate.

Prioritize and then leave what there’s no more room for on the table.

Take care of your health. Exercise, eat well, take vitamins.

And some of the best advice I’ve gotten from others:

“Please, take care of yourself first. I know it's difficult, and we as moms and wives want to take care of everyone else in our family, and too often neglect ourselves. It's ok to focus on you!!! You must.” - My own wonderful Mother

“Don’t try to be superwoman”. - My sweet Mother-in-Law

“You can’t take care of your family if you’re not your best self. You need to be at 100% first before you’re able to give anything to anyone else”. - My great friend and fellow mama, Larissa

The most important thing I want you to remember on this Mother’s Day is: You’re doing an amazing job, Mama. Now take some time to reap the rewards. -xxkb

p.s. Whether you’re a mama or not, what are some of your favorite way to exercise self care?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments!