Moms Have Needs Too

I have been overwhelmed lately with life. Raising kids and taking care of a home is not easy. Then add homeschooling on top of it all. I realized that I spend very little time on myself. As I read a book, "What Every Mom Needs", I was reminded that I have needs too. Somehow my needs get pushed aside because I'm so busy making sure everyone else is happy and that their needs are met. I'm not trying to sound selfish or feeling sorry for myself. I'm just realizing that in order for me to be a happier mom, wife, and person I need to start taking care of myself. That way I can be more attentive and patient with my children. That way I can not be anger or frustrated with people. That way I can plan more fun in my life. My challenge for myself is to take better care of me. Here are some of the things I'd like to do more of: - Spend time with friends
- Exercise more constitently
- Visit the doctor - get a physcial - check my health
- Get a pedicure
- Enjoy a movie with friends or my husband
- Go out to dinner once per month alone with my husband
- Go to the beach or park alone (and walk or journal or read my bible)
- Have unplanned fun (and be okay that it's not preplanned)
- Get a haircut & color weave more often
- Read my bible 15-20 minutes daily (uninterrupted)
- More one-on-one time with each child (mother/child dates)
These are just a few things that I quickly thought of.

The first page of this book I'm reading, read...
           Mom, what do you need most?

A sanity check.
To know that I'm normal.
To know that I'm a good mother.
Acceptance.
Encouragement.
Support.
Time.
Time with my husband.
Time off.
Time alone.
Time with God.
Patience.
More energy.
A break.
A nap.
A housekeeper.
A secretary.
A nanny.
A dishwasher that loads itself and a vacuum that runs by remote control.
A vacation.
Adult conversation.
Friends.
A best friend.
Someone to understand how I feel.
To know that being a mother is important.

As I read this list I began to cry. Yes, this is what I need! All of them is exactly what I need. I've somehow forgotten how to take care of myself these past few years. I want to be completely happy with who I am, how I treat others, and how I honor God. I am glad that I can recognize what I need. Now the next step is just doing it.

One of my favorite places to relax and read is the beach.

Pedicures are great! I am in need of one.