I watched in awe as the woman in line ahead of me cradled her phone against her shoulder, placing groceries on the sticky black conveyor belt, occasionally rocking the cart back and forth to keep her precious cargo sleeping. She grabbed her wallet and paid for her items, all the while balancing her phone, a grande cup of coffee, and a purse the size of a large bread box. When I complimented her on her excellent juggling skills, she tiredly shrugged and sighed, “Some days, all I can think about is sleep and taking a break. It’ll happen. Maybe. Someday.”
As a busy mama-on-the-go, I can totally relate. We moms think we must play the role of martyr mama and burn the candle at both ends until we either succeed or go up in flames trying. Being a mom is hard. It’s tough. And some days it feels more like a 24-hour janitorial job filled with dirty dishes, laundry piles, endless To-Do’s, and very little back-patting praise.
But how can we carve out some sanity within the chaos and recharge our batteries so our little people aren’t left paying the price for one fried mama?
We forget that it’s okay for moms to have a break. And not only is it okay, but it’s necessary. If we want to maintain a healthy balance in our mothering world, we must learn to retreat and step back from time to time. To comprehend the necessity of recharging emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Some days, a mommy break is as close as your teapot. A cup of your favorite tea to smooth the frazzled and worn out edges of your heart. Or maybe your Mommy Time-Out comes in the form of a good book, kept inside your diaper bag, hidden away in your bathroom, or tucked in the laundry basket, simply waiting for your return.
Moms, it’s time to grasp and admit that we can’t be the best moms to our kids when we no longer feel like we are the best mom for our kids. We may think that running on E will impress those around us, but pretty soon we’ll arrive at Reserve, and trust me, that’s a dangerous place to be. It’s hard to give when you feel you have nothing left within your being to give from.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST.”
~ Matthew 11:28
Together, let’s silence the mommy guilt and self-prescribe a little R & R for our souls.
Let’s give ourselves permission to breathe. To exhale all the mayhem and mess of the every day and seek REST. A well-rested mom is a happy mom. And a happy mom, is well, good for the whole family.
If you’re interest in hearing more about the necessity and how-to’s of a healthy mom break, check out: The Masterpiece Mom Podcast – Episode 11: Finding Refreshment in the Midst of the Chaos. Like a hammock for the soul. Enjoy, friends.
Anne-Renee Gumley
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