Take care of YOU first
A friend of mine (who is a hair dresser) trimmed up my hair for me. I thought she was going to stab me with the scissors when I told her I used Suave shampoo and conditioner. When she was finished, she gave me a tip to style my bangs. My first thought was "Style my bangs!?" I can't remember the last time I 'styled' my hair. I don't even blow it dry. When I wake up in the morning I smooth down with my hands whatever is sticking straight up and out the door I go.
Most times I do my make up at long stop lights if I do it at all. My wardrobe over the last 20 years of Mommyhood has been jeans and t-shirts 90% of the time. I rarely stop to look in the mirror- usually afraid of what I'll see looking back at me. I pulled out a pair of red sandals the other day and realized my mom bought them for me from the Chadwick's catalog. I can't remember the last time I even saw one of their catalogs. It had to have been over 10 years ago. I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a pair of shoes, or a nice shirt, or a dress.
I get free samples of facial creams and use them a bit but never buy the full versions. I'm getting older and need to be searching for whatever creams will keep the wrinkles away. I've sat around and let myself gain a lot of weight. I know I'll never be the 103 that I was when I got married but as I've said in my Real Fit Mom blog, 153 is an unhealthy weight for my size and build.
I spend so much time running my family of six that I haven't stopped and to care for me. I take an hour long bath in my large garden tub for an hour every night. But that's it. That's really the only thing I do for me. I'm realizing, since entering my 40's, which despite what you may think is not as bad as it sounds, that I need to take better care of myself. My kids don't need to suck everything from me anymore. I can buy a good face cream for myself- if you know of good ones please let me know! I can spend a few dollars more and buy better shampoo and conditioner and take time to work out and eat better. I can buy a nice shirt or dress now that kids are finished throwing up and pooping on me- hopefully.
This won't just benefit me but also my kids and husband- a happy mommy/wife, happy life!
Remember to take a little time for yourself. Treat yourself to something new, even if it's just a new shirt from Target or a healthy snack from Publix or even a new book. Take care of you.