*NOTE TO THE READER: Before you read ahead, please follow these 5 basic instructions...

1. Sit down: Yes, please, you deserve a seat! Put that dish towel down, leave the laundry, quit multi-tasking, and just stop working for a moment!!

2. Put your feet up: I know, I know strange concept. Couch, ottoman, tiny chair meant for a toddler, Lego box, pile of dolls, anything will do.

3. Grab a soft blanket: Why not? We all deserve to be cozy, even if it's just a 'lap blanket' from our children's collection.

4. Take a deep breath and smile: Ignore what's around you because I just need a quick moment of your time... ok, let me re-word that. YOU just need a quick moment of your time!

5. Ignore my cheesy undertone and listen to my sincere request.

________

The world tells us to give and empathize, share and care, welcome and embrace {those around us}. Our hearts tell us the same thing but guess who remains in the corner with the other dust bunnies? YOU! And you're probably embracing those dust bunnies too, like the awesome parent you are!!!

Don't get me wrong, I am not at all saying you should stop doing the above wonderful things, I'm just saying that you can't forget about YOU! ...and those dust bunnies don't need that much love.

Let's be self-centered together. Just once and maybe monthly after that, and then we can progress to weekly and daily.

Try it: Be SELF-CENTERED. This idea is uncomfortable. The word is negative, conceited and egotistical. It carries guilt and shame that offends and lacks admittance. Or so the dictionary and society says. I also enjoy getting your attention with an unexpected word that causes a bit discomfort. Sorry (but you'll be fine, I promise).

All of this sounds bad, but what you're missing is that sometimes you have to spoil yourself a bit. Even when you don't think you should - that's probably when you most definitely should. Stop hugging the sidelines and letting everyone and everything else be in the center all the time. I dare you to selfishly finish all your breakfast while it's hot. You deserve to pee with the door closed, maybe just once today. Please please give yourself a moment to breathe. I know you're not holding your breath (well, most of the time), but I challenge you to step out of the chaos. Find a pantry or a hidden space in your home and deeply inhale and exhale. This is so darn selfish, but you NEED it! ...and you're kind of a super human who probably doesn't say no to challenges. So......... GO!

____

Feel better? Great.

____

Now, I have one last request. Since you're in the center now, this is perfect timing! It will feel weird, kind of silly, awkward, and well slightly egotistical.

Go to the mirror. Give yourself a hug, maybe a wink and say, "I am an awesome parent."

The end! That wasn't too hard, was it? Now, I suppose you have to go back to reality and be the darn selfless person you normally are. But I challenge you to do this again soon! Maybe next month, next week, or tomorrow?!

Good luck! it's not easy being so self-centered.