To every overworked, overtired, overstressed, over everything mom out there,
Please take this reminder seriously. It.Is.That.Important.

This afternoon my husband took all 3 boys to a movie leaving me with some very rare alone time. My life is nonstop on the go. Instead of using the time to be productive, I did nothing. I didn’t clean. I didn’t stress. I didn’t read emails. I didn’t work. I didn’t write. I didn’t mom. I didn’t do anything but relax. I slept on the couch for 2 1/2 straight uninterrupted hours. Completely at peace. It’s been years since the last time I did that.

Moral of this story? Yes I know I’m spoiled with a husband who lets me do this. But make sure you’re taking care of you. Recognize if you’re burning out. Get some sleep. Get some exercise. Watch a movie. Take some time to do absolutely nothing. If you don’t take care of you, nothing in your life will get the attention it deserves.

I never shut off. Today I shut off with a quiet house, a fire in the fireplace, nature’s real life wind sound machine in the Suburbs of the Windy City and a nice long nap.

Today I took care of me. So tomorrow I can go back to taking care of everyone else.

Sincerely,
Another overworked, overtired, overstressed mom... but now refreshed and rejuvenated!