Updated: Aug. 20, 2023
Originally Published: July 19, 2023
Today is dedicated to my own well-being. In an effort to embrace the age-old advice of “If a mother doesn’t prioritize her own health, how can she care for others?” I’m determined to put myself first for once—at least that’s the plan.
My day begins with an early rise, hoping to relish at least a few moments of solitude before the chaos ensues. Instead, I find myself with just five fleeting minutes at 6 a.m., staring absentmindedly at the coffee pot. I had envisioned a peaceful half-hour of quiet reflection, but of course my children have a sixth sense for interrupting tranquility.
The contrast between savoring hot coffee while contemplating vital matters—like my last eyebrow tweezing—and frantically spilling cold coffee on my pajama pants while wondering how much screen time is too much, is stark. Off to a great start, right?
Next, I aim to prepare a wholesome breakfast. Never mind the recent studies questioning breakfast’s importance; my upbringing instilled a firm belief that breakfast is non-negotiable. I feel accomplished as I serve myself a healthy mix of fresh berries and yogurt. Yet, my kids suddenly want to trade their sugary cereal for my nutritious meal. Sure, you can each have some yogurt, and yes, you can share my berries. After all, sharing is caring, right?
Fueled by lukewarm coffee and the remnants of my breakfast, I decide it’s time for a shower—a crucial step in the self-care process. They say being clean and dressed sets the tone for a productive day. Little do they know, I can equally excel in doing nothing while wearing my trusty maxi dress or my old pajamas. As I crank up the TV volume and step into the shower, I finally begin to unwind. Just as I start to relax, a child bursts in.
“I need to pee!”
“Use the other bathroom!”
“But I want to be with you!”
Fine. “Just don’t flush.”
Ah, blissful warmth, until…FLUSH! Just as the soothing water turns into an ice-cold surprise, another child enters, announcing their urgent need to use the bathroom. As I attempt to regain my peace, the shower curtain is pulled aside, and my child asks, “Can I shower with you?”
“No! I thought you were busy! I’m done anyway.”
With the water off, I reach for a towel, only to have the child now firmly seated on the toilet insist I stay. Since I’m focused on self-care, I take the chance to apply some product to my hair and face.
As my makeup routine concludes with the comment, “Wow, you look so nice now, mommy!” I hear the sounds of a skirmish in the living room. I step out only to be summoned back to assist with wiping. Clearly, I need to reevaluate how I delegate chores—it might be easier to ask for help with the laundry instead.
Wrapped in a towel, I enter the living room, where a heated battle for the TV remote is ongoing, and my toddler has managed to escape the baby gate, now dancing on the dining table with a bowl of soggy cereal.
At least my clothes are safe from this mess.
The day continues in this chaotic manner: tending to the kids so that I can tend to myself, only to clean up after their messes. Eventually, I resign myself to a new definition of self-care: feeding them granola bars and fruit snacks until their father gets home, when I can finally enjoy a moment of peace to shave my armpits.
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Summary:
In this humorous reflection on motherhood, the author navigates the challenges of prioritizing self-care amidst the chaos of caring for children. From the struggle of enjoying a quiet cup of coffee to the inevitable interruptions during a shower, the narrative highlights the comedic and often chaotic realities of being a parent. Ultimately, the author learns that self-care can sometimes mean simply surviving the day until help arrives.
Keyphrase: self-care for mothers
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