An empty tank gets you nowhere.

I started this site because I was tired. Being a mom has me so tired, yet so happy. If you know, you know.

So many times through the day, I find myself thinking "I don't think I can do this anymore." That thought is often followed by a tiny person yanking at my pants leg, and I quickly become overwhelmed with gratitude. How can I stop that initial thought? What can I do to stay in a place of gratitude?

Lets talk about self-care! This conversation often sounds cliché. We always mention bubble baths, a trip to the nail salon, or a indulging in a tub of ice cream.

I want to talk about what this looks like for me on a daily basis, because it took a long time for me to grasp the idea of true self-care. As a person in long-term recovery, self-care is essentially doing anything that allows me to truly enjoy my life. This can sometimes be a massage or facial, but I'll be honest, as a mom I rarely get time for things like that. I have to incorporate different ways of caring for myself into my daily activities and routines. Some days, this looks like 5 extra minutes in the shower, buying the shoes I don't need, or stopping at Starbucks even if I might be late. I also have found that if I care for my physical health, my mental health will follow suit. For me, exercise is great, but I also have to make appointments, take my medication, and eat fairly healthy. This all looks different for everyone, but as long as we do something each day that allows us to enjoy our new found life, we are caring for ourselves!

Why is this so important? What happens if we don't care for ourselves?

An empty tank gets you nowhere. We can only love others properly if we first love ourselves. Chances are, if you get up earlier, drink plenty of water, or attend an extra meeting this week, you will be more patient and the day will go a bit smoother. After some time of incorporating self-care into your routine, you'll notice that you really do feel better; as do others around you! I encourage you to get creative, be persistent, and know that you are worthy of self-care. Make time for YOU! Your babies will thank you.