{MMB Thankful Series} :: Mom Time
As a mom, I’m the most thankful for my children’s health and happiness, for the person they have shaped me to be, and for teaching me the true meaning of unconditional, undying love. Our children are our greatest blessings in life. As a mother, I am also thankful for moments spent without those hard-headed, demanding little creatures. I am now more thankful for “me time” than I have ever been in my life!
As a matter of fact, I had no clue what time alone really meant until after I was no longer given that privilege. It is a miracle to be able to go to the restroom by yourself, to not have tiny, dirty little fingers picking through your food—just to be able to eat in peace. And I would pay a great deal of money for days that did not begin with stinky morning breath asking if you’ll get out of the warm, comfy bed to turn on the latest episode of Doc McStuffins.
I’m thankful for naps. They are magical. They are luxurious. I’m not talking about when my children take naps because that’s now non-existent in my life. I’m talking about when I actually get to slumber after work or mid-day on the weekend with no interruptions, when I only hear the sounds of a roaring fan and my congested nasal passages.
I am thankful for uninterrupted long baths and hot showers when the kids are occupied with YouTube videos of Surprise Eggs & children’s cooking shows—the kind of baths where you get to soak, relax, reflect, and at least shave one leg before the kids are no longer occupied. I am thankful for my social media outlets that allow me to rant and rave about “adulting” and parenthood.
I’m also thankful for all forms of electronics. No one wants their children to be TV junkies, but I can’t lie… I love when they’re zoned into Disney Jr. for an hour or two or get sidetracked for a while with their movies on the Kindle. Those breaks are desperately wanted, needed, and appreciated as a mother.
I’m thankful for trips to the nail salon that usually only take place once a month, random one hour shopping sprees (by my lonesome) and for coffee. Coffee, thank you for your dedication to the mission of keeping moms alert and awake since the 15th century. Your support does not go unnoticed.
Lastly, I’m thankful that I no longer feel guilty for needing and wanting breaks.
In the beginning stages of motherhood, I felt like I needed to be the one to do everything for them and that I was doing them an injustice if I were ever away enjoying myself without them. I felt an immense sense of guilt leaving them with other people even if it was just for an hour. It’s important to know that it’s normal for you to be driven crazy by your children and to want to be away from them sometimes. In order to truly enjoy your time with your children, you need to sometimes be away from them to miss them. We always put our children first, as mothers should do, but don’t be afraid to take time for yourself too. You are worth it and you deserve it! You’re a mother but that doesn’t mean you stop being a human, and every human needs time to loosen up.
