Being a mom is one of the greatest gifts on the planet. Finding balance as a woman – most of us with a great deal on our plate – is one of life’s greatest challenges. Especially during the summer months when kids are home from school and they want your full attention. (Does this sound familiar? “Mom, I need a ride to the mall!” “Mom, I’m hungry!” “Mom, when are we going to do something FUN?”
During this time there are camps, vacations and lots of gatherings with family and friends. My children are now adults but summer for me was huge. I was a working mom, but had a very strong intention to spend as much quality time as possible with my children. Take note of that word: ‘QUALITY’ …. At the end of summer I often felt exhausted and depleted. What I realized is that I forgot me. I forgot to schedule time with friends, create a spa day or just spend time reading.
Here are some things to think about:
– No matter how much you want to be there for your children, if you are in ‘burnout mode’ you are not fun
– Exhaustion creates cranky moms
– Your vitality brings up the “joy” vibration in your family
– A rested mind and body is more engaged
In my book “I Choose Me: The Art of Being a Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work” addresses the need for women to learn and administer profound self-care and self-love. We model for our families and we educate them on how to treat us.
My book is for any woman who wants to live a bigger life. It is for you if you are feeling a call to bring your voice to the world, your community, your relationships or your career. The women we admire today got to where they are because they have a vision; they activated creativity, up-leveled their skillsets and dared to be bold. They are not the exception. They are the example.
Here are some questions you might want to contemplate before entering ‘summer mode’ at your house:
- At the end of the day, am I too tired to be fully engaged with my children?
- What is on my calendar that is just for me?
- Who have I enlisted to support me so that I have some free time to rejuvenate?
- Have I invited my closest girlfriends to join me for “ME/US” time?
I encourage you to ask and answer these questions. You are here to live a beautiful and fulfilled life …the same you want for you children. Teach them through modeling behavior that self-care is a gift and not a selfish act. When we are fulfilled, less exhausted and strive for ‘me’ time, the quality memories with our children take on a more meaningful tone.
Local author, Cynthia James, debuts her new book, “I Choose Me: The Art of Being a Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work” on Tuesday., May 31 outside the Tattered Cover Book Store at Denver Union Station from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Ms. James will be hosting a book signing and several contributors to her book will be in attendance. In addition to the Tattered Cover Book Store, the book is available on Amazon June 1st.
Author: Mile High Mamas
