As I do every Mother’s day, I begin to build up my expectations. However, as with most things as a mom, my expectations are much greater than the outcome will truly be. I imagine breakfast in bed, followed by a day at the spa with a sunset dinner where I’ll be presented with lavish gifts of jewelry and purses. Why do we do this to ourselves? We build up those expectations, only to be let down. It’s not that our family is letting us down; rather our expectations can no longer be met due to the hectic schedule and budget constraint that is family life. But, on a day called Mother’s day…It’s time to change this. I want mothers to help make Mother’s day (and throughout the year) all about you. Only we know what we truly desire, so I will be letting the husbands off the hook.
By taking over special days like Mother’s Day (or any days we designate as “mom’s time or mom’s day off”) we can truly make it all about ourselves. The only gift we need is the gift of time to pamper ourselves. In order to be the best moms we can be, we have to learn to take some time and pamper ourselves, make ourselves happy and relaxed. It’s time to pamper our body, mind and heart because, when we do this, we are better able to take care of our family! Ask your partner for the simple gift of time this year, several hours during the middle of the day to take care of you!
Pampering our Body
We can begin to pamper our bodies with a soak in a tub. It is peaceful and rejuvenating. Draw a hot, steaming bath and add some bubble bath, bath salts or essential oils to make it feel more luxurious. You can also play your favorite music or read your favorite book. How often do we have time to listen to non-children music or read a book of our choice?
Once you get out of the tub, give yourself a manicure and a pedicure. This is why I love Jamberry! It is budget friendly and requires little time, but looks great for weeks. Break out the nail lacquer or nail wraps and give yourself a funky mani and pedi. You can check out all the Jamberry styles on my website: cmartell.jamberry.com/us/en/
The last thing to do for your body is something you normally wouldn’t do. Try something new like yoga or Pilates or go for a walk by yourself.
Pampering our Mind
To pamper your mind, put on some comfortable clothes and read. Get into your jammies and wrap up in a robe or blanket. Sit in your favorite chair and grab that book you’ve had on your nightstand for months.
When you are pampering yourself you don’t have to ask permission on what movie or TV show to watch. Curl up and watch that engaging chick flick or documentary you’ve wanted to watch but didn’t want to bore your spouse with. This day is all about you, so watch what YOU want.
It’s also important to focus on our goals to pamper our minds. Remember those things you are passionate about, but get swept aside for motherhood. Think about that bucket list or create a bucket list. Remember this season of motherhood is short. Think about where you want to be in 5 year, 10 years, 20 years.
Pamper your Heart
One of the best ways to pamper you emotionally is to catch up with an old friend. Take some time to call a girlfriend and giggle. No Facebook or texting allowed, voice to voice contact will make your heart happy!
To complete your day of pampering you’ll want to spend time with people you love. Plan a carry out meal in the house or to try a new restaurant. When we surround ourselves with people we love, we will find we are more relaxed and happy.
I hope that you will find a way to pamper yourself that will make you feel relaxed and happy. Enjoy your time. After all, you deserve not just on Mother’s Day but everyday!
God Bless Mothers!
Philippians 4:19
