Take Time to Nurture Yourself

One of the nicest things I’ve found about entering the “mature” time of my life is having more time to nurture myself. During the child-raising years, we are constantly bombarded by our families’ needs. From little Susie’s nightmares to Johnny’s diaper rash; from Jenny’s boyfriend issues to Mike’s sports career – there is just very little time to take care of Mom’s needs.

Now that I’m not juggling three kids’ social, scholastic and extracurricular activities, I actually have some time to stoke my furnace and add some fuel to my soul. I can finish a book in less than six months or give myself a facial. My all-time favorite? A long soak in the tub with my favorite essential oil, candles and soothing music – and with no interruptions by arguing teenagers or cranky toddlers.

If you are really blessed, as I am, your wonderful husband or partner will offer to get this all ready for you! He may have an ulterior motive – such as a romantic interlude before sleeping – but that’s OK. The children live somewhere else, so you have all the privacy you want. I still have one older teen at home, but he’s happy to give Mom and Dad all the privacy we need.

After all those years of raising a family, living for your kids and wearing the many hats a mother wears, a woman really needs to take some time to renew her spirit. I personally take time each morning to have “quiet time” – to read my Bible and pray, to write in my Gratitude Journal, and to organize my priorities for the day. It’s amazing how much clearer my head and calmer my soul after my “quiet time.” And if you aren’t a praying woman, you could read a motivational or inspirational book and meditate on whatever moves you. Quiet contemplation, meditation, prayer – whatever you want to call it – it seems to relax and de-stress the soul. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need that.

So be sure to take some time to nurture yourself. After all this time, you deserve it.

Wendy Johnston of Freedom Marketing Group LLC specializes in educating people about natural health and wellness.

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