What Does Self-Care Look Like For You?

Self-care looks a little different for everyone. And what’s funny is that my definition of self-care has changed from what I thought it HAD to be, as a Mom, to something completely different. I looked back at my only post regarding self-care as a mom [2015, folks] and I kiddingly talk about skincare routines, time away from kids, and guess what else? Drinking wine. Ick!!! That makes me sick to my stomach. 

I guess I was re-charged on the self-care for mom topic as I participated in a project for work that gave me a platform to speak directly on this topic. And boy, did I have a LOT to share. The project involved Instagram stories, Lansing Moms Collective, Michigan Beef, and a whole lot of me sharing about the holidays, divorce, and skincare. I mean, self-care. 

With my kids in Virginia with their Dad for Christmas, I had almost a week to myself. Can you guess the number of times someone said to me, “take this time to do something for YOU!” I could probably have bought a plane ticket and flown out to Virginia to see the kids on Christmas morning if I had a dollar for every time the topic of self-care came up! Lol. On the topic of self-care though, a few specific examples came to mind as to what self-care looks like for me these days. 

A good old fashioned charcoal mask! That I can either peel or wash off. Because let’s face it. If I’m wearing this mask with the kids home, I’m scaring one or giving another permission to scare their siblings. Or I’m getting this mask all over my couch and sheets and pillows and blankets. Because Michael has definitely hug/tackled me and thinks it’s funny if Mom goes flying! 

Organizing and cleaning bins! And drawers. Yep, I love a good basket and will organize with as many as I can. All things have a bin or a basket in my world…

Cooking something that I LOVE. JUST. FOR. ME. And that usually involves steak, salad mix, and extra veggies. I thought in having children I would be giving life to more little foodies in this world. Well guess what? My foodies at home think popsicles are part of the a breakfast, lunch, and dinner equation. Really no other explanation is needed here. 

Costco deliveries! Well, not just Costco goodies. But accepting help when someone offers it. Like when my friend’s Catherine and Ben go to Costco, they let me know, so I don’t have to make the drive and haul with the kids OR solo. Which I appreciate on both counts- especially since I like the large pack of Diet Coke and the kiddos love the mini frozen pizzas. 

I like to call this post self-care that works for me. For you, it might be time alone at the mall, on a walk, or perhaps a weekend away. For me, I’m learning to just do the little things “solo,” which admittedly is hard. Because wherever I am… I am there too! Get it?! 

Tell me: what does self-care mean to you RIGHT NOW?! 

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