taking care of myself

Ever since becoming a Mama, I have had to purpose to take care of myself and find ways to put myself first, which can definitely be a challenge. I think back to who I was before Olivia was born and it's almost a blur. My life became so much more vivid after she came along, because I finally felt like I stepped into living out my purpose - what God created me to do - being a Mom. But before becoming a Mom, I was a wife. And when the days are long and spent in yoga pants and hoodies, I find that stepping into my role as a wife is much harder. That's why I've found it is so important to take care of myself in the midst of all the roles I am blessed to have. And today I wanted to share a few simple ways that I do that. These are all things that I enjoy, that make me feel feminine, sexy, confident, and that make me smile. They are all incredibly simple but make such a world of difference.

Last Wednesday, Dustin surprised me with a date night out for my favorite pad thai. I am a lover of weeknight date nights because restaurants are never crowded, parking lots aren't full, and it is the perfect way to break up the long week. After dinner, he took me shopping. When Olivia turned a year old, I began to realize I rarely bought anything for myself, especially clothing. I found a few pieces that became my staples and lived in them because they were comfortable and functional for busy days caring for a baby and now, chasing around a toddler. Of course I had a few special outfits for weekends and date nights, but really...I rarely treated myself. It was such a welcome surprise when Dustin brought me to my all time favorite store and I got to try on so many fun clothes for spring and summer. I am branching out into brighter clothes {because my closet is basically all b l a c k + g r a y} and having a new outfit makes me feel so feminine. I still don't shop too often but get a few new pieces that I absolutely love every 2-3 months. And that is one way I take care of myself and put myself first.

Another way I do that is by painting my nails. Before having a baby, my nails were always painted. I did them every week - and loved it. After having a baby, I don't think I picked up a bottle of nail polish for over a year. When I realized how little I painted my nails, I started doing it again and had forgotten how much I enjoy it. It's a great nap time activity and when I look at my hands and see my nails are done, it just reminds me that I am a woman and that I took some time to pamper myself.

Aside from new clothes & painted nails, I love to take a weekly yoga class. Every Saturday morning I go to my favorite yoga studio and enjoy an hour long class. This is my "me time" where no one is talking to me, climbing on me, or touching me. Ha. It is the time that I am able to turn off my brain completely and get a great workout on top of it. 

Something else I do to take care of myself is find creative outlets for my energy and free time. I realize free time as a mom is rare, but when I do have it, I don't want to spend it just sitting and wasting it. I'm either napping {because naps are so underrated} or I'm doing something creative, like weaving or card making. Finding a hobby that is all mine {something that my husband and daughter don't participate in} fulfills me. I am able to put my talents and creative mind to work and watch something beautiful come from it. It is so rewarding and reminds me that God created me with unique gifts that I can use to bless others.

Finally, I take care of myself by staying in touch with my close friends on a regular basis. My best friend and I text every single day, no matter what is going on. We are a support system for each other and we encourage each other. As a wife and mom, she understands so much of what I go through and I understand what she faces on a day to day basis. We check in with each other and pray for each other. I know no matter what I need, she is just a text or phone call away. I think it is so important to have those girlfriends that you can talk with regularly, about everything and anything; someone that you can laugh with about the challenges of marriage and parenting. By keeping up my own friendships, I am reminded that I am still "me" even through marriage and motherhood.

What are some ways you put yourself first as a wife & mom?