Stop and Smell the Roses
We have all heard this expression many times in our lives. As we grow older, we come to appreciate this more and more. We begin (hopefully) to see how precious our lives are and how brief. However, during the years of parenting our young children, we often forget to “stop and smell the roses.” We are so busy and tired or frustrated with a certain stage our children are in, waiting for it to pass. Or we are not taking proper care of ourselves, so that we don’t even understand what stopping to smell the roses really means in our daily life!
“What do you mean – smell the roses?! All I smell are dirty diapers!”
I want to tell you that it IS possible. It will take some conscious work on your part – and your partner’s as well. as mothers, we are the nurturers, the givers, the sacrificers and even the CEOs of our families. These primitive instincts serve a purpose, but nurturing, sacrificing and giving can also have detrimental consequences. If we want to teach our children how to take care of themselves, we have to be role models. Otherwise, they will grow up doing the same thing – giving tirelessly and not being able to slow down to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
This is a huge undertaking for some women, especially when we have not been taught to cherish and value ourselves. I am going to offer a few suggestions to help you get started. It is always better to set small, attainable goals. It feels good to reach them, and it reinforces your desire to set more! I can promise that this can dramatically change your daily life and make you a better mom – and more equipped to actually “stop and smell the roses!”
Task #1
Once a month, make a date with a girlfriend (or girlfriends) for dinner. Let your husband take care of the kids (and yes – even put them to sleep!) it is important for you to get out and for him to bond with the kids when you are not around.
Task #2
Drink more water each day and do some form of exercise – even if it’s a short walk. After the kids go to bed at night – work out by yourself! Make that a quiet time for yourself while you are getting your body moving!
Task #3
If you seem to be extraordinarily depressed, down, lack energy or enthusiasm, or feel a lot of anxiety or annoyance, talk with a professional. There are terrific therapists that will help you sort out the “normal” from the “abnormal.” There is no reason for you to not enjoy these years! And, we all have “stuff” to deal with. The more tools we have the better.
Task #4
READ, READ, READ! There are incredible books available on everything, especially on women’s health, relationships, and parenting. Knowledge is power! It will surprise you how much you will learn – and if you apply it – how much peace and empowerment it will bring you as a woman and a mother.
Okay – let’s give these tasks a try first for one month. Take one step at a time. Small, steadfast goals!
Click here to view Jill MacDonald’s profile.
“What do you mean – smell the roses?! All I smell are dirty diapers!”
I want to tell you that it IS possible. It will take some conscious work on your part – and your partner’s as well. as mothers, we are the nurturers, the givers, the sacrificers and even the CEOs of our families. These primitive instincts serve a purpose, but nurturing, sacrificing and giving can also have detrimental consequences. If we want to teach our children how to take care of themselves, we have to be role models. Otherwise, they will grow up doing the same thing – giving tirelessly and not being able to slow down to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
This is a huge undertaking for some women, especially when we have not been taught to cherish and value ourselves. I am going to offer a few suggestions to help you get started. It is always better to set small, attainable goals. It feels good to reach them, and it reinforces your desire to set more! I can promise that this can dramatically change your daily life and make you a better mom – and more equipped to actually “stop and smell the roses!”
Task #1
Once a month, make a date with a girlfriend (or girlfriends) for dinner. Let your husband take care of the kids (and yes – even put them to sleep!) it is important for you to get out and for him to bond with the kids when you are not around.
Task #2
Drink more water each day and do some form of exercise – even if it’s a short walk. After the kids go to bed at night – work out by yourself! Make that a quiet time for yourself while you are getting your body moving!
Task #3
If you seem to be extraordinarily depressed, down, lack energy or enthusiasm, or feel a lot of anxiety or annoyance, talk with a professional. There are terrific therapists that will help you sort out the “normal” from the “abnormal.” There is no reason for you to not enjoy these years! And, we all have “stuff” to deal with. The more tools we have the better.
Task #4
READ, READ, READ! There are incredible books available on everything, especially on women’s health, relationships, and parenting. Knowledge is power! It will surprise you how much you will learn – and if you apply it – how much peace and empowerment it will bring you as a woman and a mother.
Okay – let’s give these tasks a try first for one month. Take one step at a time. Small, steadfast goals!
Click here to view Jill MacDonald’s profile.
