Embracing Self-Care: A Community Blogging Project

 

Many moms feel guilty when it comes to doing things for themselves. Sometimes we believe it is selfish to take time away from the family. Even if it is to exercise or take a shower!

I used to have this guilt, but much of that has melted away over the past few months.

You see, after running myself ragged, I experienced the consequence of neglecting my own health. And it was not pretty.

Not pretty at all.

In fact, it landed me in bed for ten days with Shingles!

Did pushing aside taking care of myself help anyone?

No!

In fact it made me less able to tale care of those I love.

If you are currently burdened with a load of guilt when it comes to taking care of yourself, I hope you will think carefully about what taking care of you truly means and how not taking care of you affects your family.

Neglecting our own health (mental, spiritual, or physical) does not help our families.

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In fact, it hurts them.

It makes us less effective mothers. Less joyful wives.

And dare I say, we might even grow resentful or adopt the martyr attitude. This doesn't help anyone. (Did I say that already?)

Yes, we are to take care of our families. Of course. There's no disputing that. But we must take care of ourselves too.

I won't even hint at the fact that it is easy, because, my friends, it's far from that. Perhaps it's not as hard as we sometimes make it. Or maybe it is! (Let's discuss.)

I know for myself, there are many times I have the all or nothing mentality; I believe if I can't do anything on a grand scale, then I won't do it at all. If I can't do exactly what I think I should or have envisioned, then I let it slide.

But, I'm learning to be a little more flexible. To adjust my plans. To go with the flow.

To get help.

To simplify.

To meet my needs as well as those of my family.

Self care is not selfish.

I don't even think that argument needs to be made. Truly.

Self care is vital.

Vital.

Announcing Embracing Self-Care: A Community Blogging Project 

Over the next month, I will be sharing thoughts (and practical suggestions) about self care. I will be joined by some of my dearest blogging friends:

Nicole from Gidget Goes Home
Beth from Red and Honey
Erin from The Humbled Homemaker
Krissa from More than Mundane
Mindy from This Crazy Wonderful Life
Leigh Ann from Intentional By Grace
Emily from Live Renewed

Every Wednesday there will be a new post (on my blog and also on theirs) about a specific area of self care.

We will be covering:

• Week 1 – Know Thyself 
  We'll be talking about our own personal needs and how that may be different for each individual
• Week 2 – Health and Spirituality
  How does our spiritual and physical health (or lake thereof) affect us
• Week 3 – Peace in the Home
  What steps do you need to take (or have already taken) to make your home a more peaceful place. This could be on the way you decorate, decluttering, organizing, setting up routines. Anything!
• Week 4 – Taking some R & R
  This week we will discuss ways to unwind and relax. What restores you?

An Invitation to Join us

If you have a blog, you are invited to write posts on the topics above and link up each week. If not, then I hope you will share your thoughts in the comments.

It's our desire that this series be a blessing to you as we all work together to encourage one another to take care of ourselves.

Be sure to follow our Pinterest board where we will be pinning posts to encourage and motivate you all month long (and beyond).

How do you feel about self care?

Read the next post in this series: Know Thyself.