I always knew that motherhood wouldn’t be a walk in the park. Yet, amidst the sleepless nights caring for a sick child or providing comfort to my kids as they navigate the loss of a favorite pet, I strive to shield them from as much heartache as possible. So, it caught me completely off guard when, just a few days ago, I found myself in tears for no apparent reason.
The chaos of recent weeks at home had reached a breaking point. Each day starts before the sun rises. I jump out of bed at 5 a.m. to tackle a never-ending list: laundry, dishes, packing lunches, cooking breakfast, getting the kids ready for their respective days—one off to school and the other to spend time with Grandma. Once that whirlwind subsides, I rush to get myself ready for work, often leaving the house in a flurry and forgetting something essential, whether it’s my lunch or my phone charger.
Isn’t this just the everyday grind of motherhood?
On this particular day, however, I glanced down at my hands and was struck by the sight of my chipped purple polish, ragged cuticles, and dry skin. I’m not typically one to fuss over my appearance, but the sorry state of my nails was enough to send me into a fit of tears.
After a moment of deep breathing and wiping away my tears, it dawned on me that I had been so engrossed in making sure my kids were content, my husband was supported, and the household was running smoothly that I had completely neglected myself. How did I let something as trivial as chipped nail polish become the tipping point?
Motherhood is undeniably challenging. It’s a universal truth, and every mom out there can attest to the struggles we face daily. We lack a definitive guidebook for this role, but like every other mother, I strive to do my best. Often, I settle for “good enough” and hope my kids overlook my missteps.
As a working mom, I’m expected to be “on” all the time. Each of my roles—mother, wife, employee—intertwines into a complex web, all aimed at keeping our lives afloat: bills paid, meals prepared, laundry done, school projects submitted on time, and ensuring my husband, who works just as hard, feels appreciated.
That chipped nail polish? It served as a stark reminder from the universe that I need to pause, take a breath, and prioritize something just for me. And no, I’m not talking about the usual self-care activities like sleeping alone or enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I mean indulging in something that brings me pure joy. The unexpected tears were surprising, but when I reflect on it, they were long overdue. Much like the safety instructions on an airplane, I need to put on my own oxygen mask before assisting others.
In the days that followed, I left the chipped polish as a gentle nudge to take care of myself. While I was uncertain about what “me time” would entail, it became clear that I needed to carve out some space for myself. One evening, after the kids were tucked in bed, I removed the polish, filled the tub with hot, bubbly water, and soaked in silence for an hour. The warmth eased my weary muscles, and the tranquility restored my spirit. It was the most refreshing moment I had experienced in months, and I promised myself not to wait so long before granting myself the grace I deserve.
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In summary, motherhood is a balancing act where we often forget to take care of ourselves. It’s crucial to recognize when we need a break and to make time for self-care, no matter how small.