No Excuses For Letting Yourself Go

Maybe you've been neglecting yourself for a while and you've decided you are ready for an overhaul. Start with the important things...

Do you spend more time surfing or flipping through magazines than you do in quiet meditation and prayer? Honestly, when I feel like I'm just too busy to spend this time, I realize I've found plenty of chances to post on a few forums or on my blog. That's priority one. It renews your mind, and restores your soul.

Priority two is health. Make sure you are getting a nourishing diet that includes as many whole foods as you can get your hands on. You don't have to get dogmatic about it, cultures all over the world eat quite differently, and yet we all manage to be healthy. If you can't meet some of your nutritional needs through a variety of colorful foods, then take some high quality supplements. Nutritional deficiencies contribute to brittle, dull hair, lackluster skin and dark undereye circles. Get as much rest as you can. The healthier you are, the better your appearance will be, and all of those make up camouflages will be unnecessary. Eating good foods results in greater mental clarity (no more foggy postpartum brain) and an overall perkier spring in your step! The kids will think you are so much fun and way cooler if you have the energy to dance and wrestle with them.

Schedule your days so that you can fit yourself in. Time will run away from you if the day is not started with a general plan. Your kids and partner are not likely to remind you to relax with your favorite hobby. No, you can no longer devour an entire novel in one sitting now that you have kids, but certainly you can squeeze in a couple of 15 minute sessions throughout the day. Or reward yourself after getting your household duties done with little breaks in between where you stop and just do whatever you want. I have four kids 6 and under who are home all day, and even I can browse through my favorite decorating books a couple times a day, or read a chapter here and there in my latest library book. If the kids are acting demanding, spend time with them first, filling their tanks up with attention and affection, and they'll probably run off to play.

And seriously, chill out. Keep a picked-up, organized home, but be understanding about the wear and tear that inevitably happens when children are present. If the dishes are washed and you're kept up on laundry, you're doing pretty darn good. Pat yourself on the back, and celebrate your accomplishments. Try not to fret about water spots on the faucet, or getting your vaccum lines disturbed! Decide what level of order and neatness you and your partner need to feel good in your home. And then don't feel guilty if it's different than what your mother in law thinks. It's your home, after all.

Remember what energizes you; your passions - whether they be crafts, reading, ministry, or activism. Remember who you are; what you love, value, and hope for. Talk to your kids about the things you enjoy, and find a way to include them if possible. Create an inspiring atmosphere; surrounding yourself with colors and imagery you find beautiful. Are your walls still white and bare? Unless your goal is stark minimalism, make a decision and do something about it! Don't wait for the perfect circumstances before decorating; you could be enjoying your home now. Decorating does not have to be expensive! Have music playing on the stereo throughout the day. When I have CDs playing, I find that my children talk quieter, instead of all the yelling and squealing.

Get rid of clothing that doesn't flatter you, period. There's no need to let that stuff take up space if you don't feel good in it. Who needs 10 t-shirts that are only used for lounging around the house. It doesn't matter if you shop at a resale store or Banana Republic - get yourself a few items that will mix and match and accentuate the positive aspects of your figure. Even if you never leave the house, you'll feel better if you look better. If you're not a jewelry person, maybe you'd prefer a cute, sparkley barrette for your hair.

Your skin needs attention as well. You don't need an expensive regimen to look your best. You just need a gentle cleanser to start with, and honey mixed with plain yogurt is a good one. Foaming action is unnecessary, and what you don't want to feel is a squeaky clean feeling afterward - that means your skin is stripped of moisture. Exfoliate a couple times a week with a gentle scrub like sugar added to your cleanser. Moisturizers really differ depending on your skin type. Hazelnut or apricot kernel oil may work for some, but others might prefer a creamier lotion. It may take a little experimentation, but don't neglect it altogether!

I've heard (or read) plenty of excuses from moms about why they can't be bothered with taking care of themselves - and usually time or money is the scapegoat. I think it's all a matter of your priorities, because you can do it with little of either!

Marisa Miller operates BusinessInColor.com, a full service design and printing company offering t-shirts, embroidery, graphic design, and business cards. She also writes a personal blog called Real Mom Style - realmomstyle.blogspot.com.

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