A Mother’s Day Gift I Give Myself

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In anticipation of Mother’s Day on Sunday I have been asked some sweet questions by my inquisitive kiddos about what I would like for the holiday created in my honor.  Mostly the requests circle back to what the boys would like to do (have a cake, sing Happy Birthday, get a bounce house…you can see that we are in full birthday party attendee season right now and any cause for celebration must mean that someone is having a birthday) but then they sweetly say something about drawing me a picture or obeying “first time, every time, all day long” and I am reminded of the gifts that are my children and that their desire alone to make the day significant is really all I need. 

But there is just one little thing that could make the day special:  Time alone in the quiet of the house before everyone else wakes up.  Unfortunately this is not a gift that can be given to me by anyone other than myself.  You see this isn’t a post about sleep schedules or obedience or what to do with the early risers that come with the summer desert sun.  No, this is, more than anything, a public proclamation that the best Mother’s Day gift is one I give to myself every single day: I force myself to wake up at least an hour before my earliest riser so I can have some personal time to gear up before the day. 

My time alone in the morning is for me.  I have a special seat in our living room with a table beside it that houses a journal, a devotional and a Bible.  I have a basket of warm cozy blankets and the coffee pot is ready to be turned on having been prepped the night before.  I take out my favorite mug and sit.  And for an hour (if I’m lucky) or even 20 minutes that is my time.

I remind myself that there will be whining but that I shouldn’t take it personal.  I remind myself that little people will talk back and not always obey but they aren’t willfully trying to disarm me…they are just, well, little people.  I remind myself that what I am about to do is this day is the most important job in the world and that whether we are intentionally playing a game to boost letter recognition or simply going to the grocery store these companions are my greatest gift and I must treasure these gifts with all that I have in me. 

I remind myself that I will not do it all perfectly so I shouldn’t have perfection as my goal.

I remind myself that there might be times when I am tempted to yell or grow irritated but I should instead pause and put myself in a mommy time out before I talk to them.  I remind myself that while I learn to be a parent each and every day my little friends learn about the entire world and I am their guide.  I may not know all the correct routes or have the fastest most efficient gear but I am with them every step of the way.

I remind myself that the days are long but the years are all too short.

I remind myself that what I am about to do is hard and messy yet also wonderful and glorious all at the same time but it is such a privilege, I will do so with earnest.

As my (first) cup of coffee nears the bottom of the mug and I hear the rousing from the bedroom I know that I am more ready for this day then if I had spent that hour in bed. (Even though there are many mornings when it is most certainly a battle to emerge from the the fluffy goodness that is my down comforter.)  I know I am better because I had my time.

This hour each morning is truly a gift that keeps on giving- to myself and my children- all throughout the year. 

 

How about you?  Do you take time alone for yourself during the day or week even?  What does it look like for you?  I will say that this wasn’t even practical for me until I knew I had two boys that slept through the night so for those of you with infants or babies I would encourage you to find other ways to get your time.  It doesn’t have to be early in the morning…just something.  For you. 

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tracycarson
Tracy Carson is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, a wife to her Prince Charming whom she has been married to for 10 years and a Mom of two precious boys, 5 and 3. Tracy has a passion for helping women feel beautiful inside and out and works hard in her faith based counseling practice, Professional Counseling Associates, (www.pcaaz.com) specializing in the treatment of women’s issues: especially anxiety, development, and eating disorders and counts it a privilege to come alongside of women as they overcome the stress that can come with new life transitions. When Tracy is not in her professional role, you can probably find her out running or trying to figure out how to incorporate the newest fashion trends into her wardrobe. Follow her on twitter @tkcarson