I thought for years that even the thought of "me time" was selfish. Afterall, I was a wife and mother and they needed to be taken care of. I put myself on the back burner for years. I looked run down, felt run down and  the thought of me, who I was before being a wife and mother was lost. The kids always need something, glasses, clothes, school supplies, that special shirt washed, etc.

I soon realized that by not taking time for myself I was doing none of us any favors. You have to take time for you. Well I had started just reading for 30 minutes a night. I soon let things around the house take that time, until one day, two of children at different times said, " mom why don't you read in your chair anymore?"  I thought to myself, "yeah why don't you". I realized that I was teaching my children that it was ok to stop and take time to relax and unwind. The message I was sending when it was always work, work, work was wearing us all out. I am so glad the kids asked me the question.

Time to unwind doesn't mean leaving the house or spending money. It simply means finding something you love to do and nuturing that so that you don't lose you. I love being a mother more than anything, but the kids are growing up and one day will set sail on their own life adventure. I will never stop being a mother but the things that consume me  will not always be kissing boo boo's, making cupcakes and so much laundry. I have to be "me" too.

Remember to make room for yourself! (a quote from my very wise mother)

Jana

where do you hike?

Erika

Hi Erika!

I love to hike in the Shawnee National Forest!  It's one of the most beautiful places in this general area!  In fact I'm heading there again this weekend.  Go under Arts & Entertainment and look for concerts and festivals.  All the details for the weekend are there.  It will be a blast!  Let me know if you are interested, it will be a great little getaway.   You can go to Ondessonk.com and check the place out.  If you have any questions just let me know.

jana.stlmoms@gmail.com