Mud Pies & Minivans: Because You're Worth It...

So, with the new year usually comes the new promises & goals we set for ourselves, maybe a new gym membership too. We decide that this year is going to be different, this year we are going to make time for ourselves, our relationships, & getting our prioritizes in order! Then February rolls around...March...April....May & slowly the goals & changes we started out so passionate about begin to fade away. Now, do I believe we start out with the best intentions of making these things happen & all the enthusiasm in the world? Sure, but I also know that as mommies we tend to put ourselves last on the totem pole of prioritize. Its in our nature, but it does not make it right!

Let me start this off by saying, "Guilty as charged!". I am definitely 1 of those people that put others needs ahead of my own. Its not on purpose, I am not trying to be a martyr, but sometimes by the time I get everyone else's needs all squared away I feel like I simply don't have the energy or time to really consider myself. Like I said, it is not right! What do they say, "If mama ain't happy, then ain't nobody happy", lol. It is kind of true. The life a mommy can be pretty intense & even though we are tough enough to put on a happy face & grin our way through each in every day, things can be a whole lot more pleasant if we actually are happy, confident, & energized rather then faking it!

We have to make time for ourselves. There is nothing like getting a new hair cut or dye job to give our confidence a lil' boost. An occasional mani or pedi are also a nice option for a lil' pampering time. Giving ourselves a lil' boost in the confidence department can also include a mini workout at the gym (or home), making the time to eat healthier, or maybe a new addition to our wardrobes (or lingerie collection). We should never let ourselves feel like we have to try & justify why we "deserve" to take some time or spend a lil' money on ourselves except for the fact that we are worth it! It is also setting a good example for our kids how they should treat us & how they deserve to be treated!!!

As mommies sometimes we also need to give ourselves a lil' time away. It not only helps us rejuvenate as women, mommies, & wives, but it can also helps our kiddos to appreciate us & what we do even more. A night out with the ladies or a date night with the hubby is nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, I guarantee that the majority of moms are not writing down enough of these dates on their calendars. With the "mommy play dates" it is just nice to converse with other women who are going through some of the struggles, triumphs, & changes that we are. It is encouraging to know we are not alone & its also good to just laugh & kick back for a minute with people we care about. For husbands & wives date nights should be mandatory. It is so easy to put the marriage on the back burner, especially when you have really young kiddos, but we have to remember that our kids are not going to stay kids forever. In the end, we will be right back where we started just US. It is important as husband & wife to grow together in the relationship, still be able to laugh, & have real conversations. We should still encourage each other & be best friends when raising the kiddos is all said & done. It is so important to still feel like a WOMAN after having children & date nights are a great place to start!

We are mommies, but not just mommies. This is what we so often forget. Lets set those goals, make those changes, shift those priorities if needed, & see it all through into the next new year!!!

-M&M Momma