October is such a beautiful time of the year, and especially so in North America wherein nature transforms itself right before our very eyes. It is a very inviting time that follows that period of scurrying around that is September. October allows us to breathe.
The good thing about being able to breathe easier is that it gives you a chance to think about things better. Has your life been so rushed lately that you’ve barely had time for anything other than running around “doing” things? I know mine has. September passed by in a blur of activities. Well, my friend, please do not forget to stop every now and then. You and I are not automatons; we are not negligible. In order for us to do what needs to be done, we must remember to take care of ourselves as well.
Often, in our effort to give priority to our family, we make the mistake of forgetting about ourselves. I am not suggesting we should all spend hours in the spa or buy ourselves a whole new wardrobe! For the most part, we do not consider our needs right away because we either feel guilty for doing so or it just doesn’t occur to us.
Let us remember, though, that we cannot take care of our family effectively without being well ourselves. What does this entail? Firstly, we need enough rest and sleep. In fact, even if it seems a luxury most of us need about 7/5 to 8 hours of sleep every night. We need to eat right – mind you, not too much but certainly not just whatever is leftover on your kid’s plate or whatever you can grab on the run. Mealtimes are a natural way for us to stop a moment and take a break. Do not begrudge yourself this time to replenish your energies.
Neither should you feel guilty for finding a need to buy a new item of clothing or make-up or getting a good haircut when it is needed. Are you really doing yourself or your family any favours by not taking care of your appearance? This is not so much for vanity’s sake as it is for your own dignity and self-confidence.
Make time to get together with your friends. You are still an individual with your own ideas and interests – these should not have gone the way of the dustbin when you got married and started your family.
We also need to fully appreciate that we, as human beings, are composed of body and soul. If we make the effort to take care of our bodies, we must also take great care of our souls for it is within this very part of us that our very essence is contained. Some people make every human effort possible to keep to a strict diet, work out at the gym and exercise. A similar and even stronger fervour should be applied to care for our spiritual needs.
That said, if after all your efforts you still find yourself at the end of the day exhausted, spent and perhaps not just a little frustrated – take heart. There will be days like this and you mustn’t be discouraged. At the end of every day, we need to be grateful for what we have in our lives. As Scarlett O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day.” Remember that, breathe and punctuate each breath with a smile. It helps.
Musings from a Mom at Large 