You need some TLC - summer wind-down and finding "Time for Mommy"

Schools across America have opened their doors for the influx of students eager to see their friends, learn new things, participate in activities, and simply enable them to grown into intelligent, strong, individuals ready to face the future. These students leave behind Moms who have seen them through swimming lessons, camp traumas, rainy day boredom, squabbles, and sheer inertness. Moms who are tired. Moms who are ready for a few moments of quiet. Moms who are need to recharge, relax, and be rejuvenated. And don't forget these are Moms who stand ready to face their kid's homework challenges and crying sessions, after school piano lessons and more swimming or ball or dance activities. Mom's who will bake dozens of cookies and guide many projects through the upcoming months.

Moms who are there for their kiddies and Moms who simply need to take time for themselves so their bucket of "Mommyism" doesn't run out. But how is it done?

First of all you, the Mom or me, the Mom or your neighbor, the Mom needs to take a few moments for themselves in quiet to simply be still.

Have an extra cup of coffee. Or perhaps have that first cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer). Sip it quietly, slowly, curled up in your favorite chair or snuggled under the bed covers. Read quietly for a few moments. Perhaps this is a good time to quietly read God's Word. This doesn't have to be an intense study time. Just a quiet time to read and recharge. 

When you have an extra 30 minutes or so, run a tub full of warm (or hot) water. Toss in a couple of handfuls of bath salts. Pick something that has a scent that makes you feel wonderful to be around - floral, spicy, minty. I've reviewed some really nice bath salts that de-stress, relax, rejuvenate and they have natural essential oils that promote well-being. Grab that new book (not a thriller - this is relax time), and slide down in those warm waters and let your skin, your muscles, and your emotions become like new.

Don't forget part of that "me-time" includes "me-pretty-time." Accomplish this however fits your personality. It doesn't have to be high glamour. It just needs to be an activity that gives you that "I feel pretty" feeling and look. Yesterday, I had a pedicure. Those warm waters swirling around my feel and the oils, scrubs, massage, clippings, scrapings were marvelous. Then I chose a beautiful apple red to give some prettiness to these tired feet of mine. Yes, "I feel pretty." If you can't go get a professional pedicure, do it yourself. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be something that makes you feel pretty, pampered.

So what have you done today or will you do tomorrow to take time for yourself? Will you take a warm bath with bubbles, oils, or salts? Will you have pretty nails to peek at you when you lift your feet onto the footstool for a few moments of reading? Will you buy a special blend of coffee or a special tea that you enjoy as your special treat to sip and enjoy?

Remember...... you are the Mommy and if mommy isn't taken care of, the rest of the family doesn't get taken care of. So grab that little bit of time - just a bit here 'n there - and see what miracles that doesn't do for you and for your family.