Time to feel beautiful and renewed

There's this mom who is in a mom's group I'm a member of and I have watched her minister to my heart in the last year. You see this mom often has her nails painted, her hair is well taken care of, her skin looks fabulous, and I'm pretty sure she's gone down at least 2 dress sizes since I've met her. Not to mention, she shines the love of Jesus when I talk to her. I'm not going to mention names. I don't want to embarrass her if she by chance reads this so that's that.

Do I think she wakes up this way? No, not at all. It takes effort, sweat, time, and heart. It takes heart to put down the dishes or leave the laundry, even the family to go take time to yourself. You know what, I don't like deserving attitudes in anyone but I will say that my momma friends desperately need to do something for them. Even if it's sitting outside just being still, a bath, a pedicure, crafting, or playing on the floor with 4 stinky dogs because it's just as good for them as you. It's beneficial for your family when you are not stressed out. 

These days with little ones it's hard sometimes to snatch time to yourself, but do it. Stop feeling bad because that's a choice too. I know women tend to say things to each other like, "how do you have time?" You make time. It's taken me far too long to believe this in my heart and apply it to my life!

We take care of our families. We need to take care of ourselves too. I have been so guilty of letting myself go the past 2 years because it takes effort and sometimes I feel like it's pointless to get knock out pretty for my 2 year old and 6 month old. It's not. The 2 year old is watching, and learning how she will take care of herself. She will learn priorities from me, and if I don't take the time to make devotional time, fixing my hair, or drinking a glass of water when I'm thirsty she won't either. They need to see me take care of my body so they do the same. 

I want them to watch me and know what counts. I want them to grow up, which aches, and be confident in themselves and be willing to take a hot shower, read, and make time for fitness. Or just simply spend time with Jesus because they need that time to themselves.

Happy woman is also happy wife, and a better mood is something a man can get used to because husbands don't like coming home to the frumpy grump. It's a good feeling inside when you feel refreshed, and it tends to be contagious. So my challenge to myself this last month has been to take time for myself. Pinterest and Facebook do not count. Reading, crafts, nails, walking, and doggy piles do and my husband has noticed a drastic change in my attitude. He's even had to push a little to remind me it's ok for me to go out for an hour to go grocery shopping alone. Isn't that sad? I'm letting that guilt go. I'm not teaching that to my girls either. 

There are so many different things you can do! Do your nails, so many fun polishes and jamberry nail stickers are precious. Take a bubble bath or even just a shower. Read, there are free books out there or grab your Bible! Go shopping. Eat lunch with a friend. Call your momma and talk to her just because. Exercise. Make the recipe you've been too chicken to try out! Go get your hair done or get a massage. Fix up your backyard. Light your favorite candle. Anything. Just do it and don't feel bad. Even if it takes a few times or many to get where you don't feel the need to guilt yourself for taking care of you.

So my sweet friends, please take time for yourselves because the pay off will make you rich!