For the past 8 years I have been either pregnant or breastfeeding. I have sacrificed my body, some of my sanity and a lot of my individuality. And that’s okay because in the beginning, motherhood can be all consuming and overwhelming and I needed time to find my footing. Looking back, I would do the same thing over again because I can never get that time back with your children and I am glad that I chose the path that I did but it’s time to prioritize me.
One way or the other, motherhood changes everything. The physical part is pretty much a given but it has forever transformed me emotionally, mentally and spiritually. As I get closer to weaning my last baby (insert crying face emoji here), I realize that I will finally get my body back along with a little more time and freedom for myself. I feel like I am entering a new phase of life and instead of fighting to hang on to the pieces of the old me, it’s time for me to fully stand in the woman I have become over the last 8 years.
I am wiser, much more selfless, more courageous and more full of love than I ever imagined I could be. Hey…If that comes at the expense of extra pounds, more stretch marks and darker circles under my eyes…I’ll take it. I have been grappling with comparing this me with the me that I was before kids and that is just a waste of precious time. I am realizing that the most precious commodity that I have these days is time and I don’t want to waste my time wishing for the me I use to be.
Maybe that is just some new agey babble or you can even call it a midlife crisis or whatever the new term is but things are changing around here and I am all here for it. So this year, as I move toward my 40thbirthday, I am embarking on embracing me as I am in this time of my life. So here is a list of 40 ways to prioritize me starting with this hair makeover…
- Get a hair makeover
- Learn to surf
- Buy a Blanche Devereaux robe
- Attend a yoga retreat
- Go on a wine tasting trip
- Write and publish a book
- take Spanish class
- take a photography class
- take a pottery class
- Meet an idol
- Host an public event for moms
- Take Salsa dance classes
- Take a staycation by myself
- Go on a Girl’s Trip
- Get a professional headshot
- Buy a great swimsuit in my actual size
- Take a cooking class from another culture
- Have a nude photo shoot
- Build a kickass wardrobe
- Find a regular workout routine that is enjoyable
- Take ballet class
- Have a party for myself planned by someone else
- Take a meditation class
- Complete a 30 day physical challenge
- Take a martial arts class
- Buy a nice piece of jewelry
- Speak at a public event
- Get a tattoo
- Watch the sunrise on the beach
- Get monthly massages
- Go to a concert
- Buy nice pajamas
- Buy a great purse
- Buy great jeans
- Get a family portrait
- Take singing lessons
- Get makeup lessons
- Tour a working farm
- Go to an amusement park with friends
- Compete in a Latin Ballroom competition
I will be sharing this journey here and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I encourage you to follow along and come up with your own list of ways to prioritize yourself because mommas we need to put ourselves on the front burner. Share your journey using the hashtag #PrioritizeMe on all social media outlets so we can all follow along.
Elisha Beach is a stay-at-home mom to four kids and four step-kids…Yes, you read that right—eight kids. She is a wife, home cook, taxi driver, herder of children, terrible housekeeper and founder of The Mom Forum.
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