How to Nurture Yourself Too

In Motherhood, selflessness is often worn as a badge. And while we know better, we just don’t know how to break the cycle.  Generational norms perpetuate this paradigm. How many times have you wondered how our mothers survived without any outlet to vent? We get it, they just did it all because they had to, but we would be missing an opportunity to evolve if we didn’t recognize that this mentality is not sustainable. In fact, it is the fastest way to burnout in motherhood and beyond. Even though it is becoming more acceptable to build your village, the stigma still exists that mothers who have any kind of help are mothering less. 

If we can lean into this, then we won’t wait to lose 5lbs before buying new exercise clothing or joining the gym. We won’t wait until next month to schedule a much needed dinner with girlfriends. We will give ourselves permission to do it now.

Motivate yourself to get out there and start exercising. While you are on the treadmill, talk to yourself like you would talk to your child. Thank that body for all that it has created. Don’t spend another moment wishing for your former body that you didn’t even really love then. 

Learn to listen to yourself. Recognize if the thoughts you have are truly your beliefs or a story you’ve picked up about you along the way. If they are not your beliefs, reroute them and reprogram your thinking. 

Give yourself permission to keep discovering. Set time aside to nourish your spirit. Read, journal, meditate...anything to get you away from the past and future and into the present. All you are and all you have is enough. You only have one life to live so make sure it’s the one you want to be living. Below is a quick summary of how to start putting yourself first:

1. Believe You Are Already Enough
Exactly who you are right now is already enough. Your body, your mind, and your spirit are perfectly imperfect. 

2. Give Yourself Permission
Life is about continuously discovering who you are and how you’ve changed. And yes, it’s okay to still want more. 

3. Take Inspired Action
The Phases of Motherhood will keep changing and so will you. Set your intentions, celebrate small victories, and keep evolving.

You can also find this article on Southern Marin Mother’s Club.