A few months ago I found myself with my head in a pillow and crying my eyes out.  The thought of “no one ever takes care of me” was repeating like a broken record.  A mixture of sadness and anger flooded over me.  I felt like I had nothing left to give and no one to give to me.  I got pretty wrapped up in a pity party and I was the only one invited. 

In my defense, life has recently been a constant pouring out. It has been a season of drought. I think right now we all might be feeling a little dried up.

Overwhelmed.

Hopeless.

Maybe you too have found yourself crying into a pillow because you are just not sure how much more you can give.  Or maybe you have also found yourself saying out loud “I JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF ME TOO!”

No One To Take Care of Me

I have three young children navigating this treacherous ground of school, homework, sports and just life.  My family just moved here a few months ago and there really aren’t a lot of opportunities to make friends.  I now spend more time at home, surrounded by my family, than I ever have.  And I am trying to support my hubby as he learns a new job. The days are a loop of mundane and monotony.  I wake up, do school, cook, clean, break up fights, clean pee off the toilet, work, do more school, cook, do laundry, cook, send everyone to bed just to do it all over again the next day.  I am pouring it all out and I am feeling like I just need someone to take care of me.  

Caring For Yourself

While there is SO much I can not change right now, there are some things I am in control of.  I took some time to really stop and think about what I need right now to stay mentally healthy and in a positive place.  Yes I took the time to take care of myself and find ways to allow others to care for me. I wrote out a list of things that help me stay grounded and are good for my soul.

  1. Wake up early to mediate and do a devotion – I am with people ALL THE TIME! So it is important I have just a little time that is quiet and no one is calling my name!
  2. My phone goes away after dinner – My phone sucks up so much of my energy and time.  I have committed to putting my phone away after dinner. 
  3. Read to my kids every night – Although this is me doing something for my kids, it really is good for me as well.  I love kids stories and I really enjoy watching my kids enjoy a good book!
  4. Shower and get ready for the day – It does wonders for my mindset to make sure I take a little bit of time each day to get ready.
  5. Communicate when I am overwhelmed and need something – It sounds simple but it can be hard for us moms.  I am learning to ask when I need help.  It is ok to say “It’s been a hard day, let’s order food instead of cooking.” Or “I need to get away for an hour and grab a cup of coffee by myself.”
  6. Get away a few hours each month to spend time by myself – I need time away and it is important for my relationships that I do.  It does not have to be long, just as long as I can get some “me time”.
  7. Weekly trip to the beach –  The beach is a place of rest and peace for me and my family.  We make it a priority to go at least once a week.

How About You

First, let’s remember this is a season! Second, let’s find a way to care for ourselves and learn to communicate when we have a need.  How about you?  Have you found a way to care for yourself?  We would love to hear any practices you have established to take care of yourself!

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Cascia Smith
Cascia was born and raised in the Arizona heat. While receiving her Pre-Med degree at HIU in California, a blonde, surfing, skateboarding boy stole her heart. In 2004, she married Chuck and had many adventures living in Arizona, California and Colorado. They now call Simi Valley home and have three wild and curious children - Becker (10), Bodie (7) and Lyla (6). She has been blessed to be a teacher, summer camp staff/program director, SAHM and now the owner of Ventura County Mom Collective. Playing guitar, writing songs, and reading any and every parenting book helps keep her sane and happy! A good cup of coffee or a bubbly La Croix can usually be found in her hand! She tries to live by the motto "I'd rather recover from failure than live with regret.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I try to take a walk every day. It’s good for the mind, body and soul, so I walk every chance I get- which since I moved here is more often than before. I always say some fresh air and exercise will do wonders!

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