Dec. 26, 2023
I never anticipated that motherhood would come easily. It has its fair share of challenges, from sleepless nights with a sick child to helping my little ones navigate the heartache of losing a cherished pet. I strive to shield them from emotional turmoil, often taking on the weight of these experiences myself. So, when I unexpectedly broke down in tears a few days ago, I was caught off guard.
The past few weeks at home had been a whirlwind. Mornings start before 5 a.m., filled with tossing in laundry, tackling last night’s dishes, packing lunches, preparing breakfast, dressing the kids, ensuring one catches the school bus while the other is ready for a day with Grandma, all while cleaning the kitchen and managing my own dash to get ready for work. I regularly find myself running late, often forgetting essentials like my lunch or phone charger — and that’s just my morning routine!
This is the relentless rhythm of motherhood, right? But on this particular morning, I glanced at my nails — and truth be told, I’m not one to fuss over appearances. My nails were a disaster, with chipped purple polish, uneven cuticles, and dry skin. The sight of them struck a nerve and sent me into a fit of tears.
After a few deep breaths and wiping away the tears, I started to understand why I was so upset. In my quest to keep my children happy, support my husband, and maintain some semblance of order in our home, I had completely neglected my own well-being. How did I reach a point where something as trivial as chipped nail polish could bring me to tears?
Motherhood is undeniably challenging. No mother has an instruction manual, but like every other parent, I strive daily to do my best. More often than not, I settle for “good enough,” hoping my children won’t notice my missteps. As a working mother, I feel the pressure to be fully present at all times, juggling responsibilities that intertwine into a chaotic web of commitments designed to keep everything afloat — bills paid, food on the table, a clean house, timely school projects, and ensuring my partner feels supported.
That cracked nail polish served as a poignant reminder that I need to pause, breathe, and indulge in something just for me. I’m not talking about the basics, like sleeping or enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I mean truly doing something that brings me joy. The tears I shed were unexpected but, upon reflection, they were well overdue. It’s like the airline safety advice: you have to secure your own oxygen mask before you can help others. I hadn’t been doing that for myself.
Eventually, I left the chipped polish for a few more days, appreciating the reminder it provided. I knew I needed some “me time.” One evening, after the kids were asleep, I removed the old polish, filled the tub with warm, bubbly water, and allowed myself to relax in the calming darkness for an hour. The soothing warmth eased my weary muscles, and the silence was restorative for my spirit. It was the most rejuvenating experience I’d had in months, and I promised myself not to let so much time pass before prioritizing my own self-care again.
If you’re interested in learning more about self-care and well-being during motherhood, check out this resource on at-home insemination. For those seeking guidance on related topics, Make A Mom is a great authority in this field, and Science Daily offers excellent insights into fertility and pregnancy.
In summary, motherhood is a demanding journey that often leads us to prioritize everyone else’s needs over our own. Sometimes, a simple reminder — even one as trivial as a chipped manicure — can encourage us to take a moment for self-care, which is essential for our well-being.