Should I be punished for leaving?

I finally had my weekend away and boy that was needed. You may remember how tired I was feeling last month and how I hated to be a mother in that moment!

I received so much nice feedback from that blog post that I wanted to give you an update about how it was and how I am feeling. And I sincerely hope you all have booked YOUR time away! Have you?

I came home and was still a little lost the first few days. I didn’t really want to do anything or to think anything. I was very calm. The kids were their usual self but I stayed calm which benefitted them so much. Whenever their father would raise his voice I would take over in my very calm state and solve the situation in a very calm manner. It was great.

I spent some wonderful days in beautiful surroundings with wonderful friends. We talk so much and solved all the worlds’ crises! It was very therapeutic. We spent time in a spa and had nice food and of course lots of drinks!

It was wonderful.

Unfortunately this feeling doesn’t last. After a few days or weeks we go back to being stressed out and start raising our voices again. It is not our fault, this just happens. We get tired, we lose patience, we forget.

This is why it is so important to regularly take time for you. You don’t have to go away every other weekend although you may be thinking that this is what you need to really feel relaxed after years of stress. It doesn’t have to be excessive. Nobody has time or money for that! But you do need to book in some “me-time” from time to time This can be anything that you like doing. Going for a walk, getting a manicure or just a nice conversation with a friend. Anything you want, but you NEED to do it!

We get so lost in all our daily to-do lists because being a parent is a non-stop job! It never stops! Even when they grow up and move out of the house. It just never stops! This is a good thing. This is (hopefully) why we became parents. But you cannot forget yourself in this process.

While I was away I was worried that the kids would “punish” me after I came back. They normally do that. They act out in each their own way. One kid acts out on not wanting to eat anything and the other stops sleeping. This is the way they silently “punish” me for not being around. I was dreading it, but I learnt something truly valuable. This time around I learnt that they are not acting out on me for not being there, they act out on me feeling guilty for leaving them!

Woaw! What a revelation! This time I came back without any guilt. I came back with a refreshed caring mind. I came back with love. I enjoyed myself to the fullest and was recharged!

And guess what. No “punishment” Great!

This just goes to show how important it is for everyone involved that we take care of ourselves. Taking care of yourself is not only for you, but for your kids and for your partner! The kids love seeing this new energized happy mother! And they really enjoyed some time alone with daddy!

Total win win!

Now it’s your turn! No more excuses! Please go book your weekend away or schedule in some me-time. Do it now! Let me know what you come up with in the comments below!

Are you a mom? Want to learn how to take better care of yourself?

When we become mothers we are so good at taking care of everyone else and we completely forget ourselves and our needs! This is not about being selfish, this is about not pouring from an empty cup.

When we take care of ourselves we become much better moms, partners, daughters, sisters and workers.

Want to meet me?

I am hosting a series of free events to talk about life, health and wellbeing. See more here: www.facebook.com/events/319378295196837