I Need Help! A Survival Guide For Moms of All Ages

I Need Help!  A Survival Guide For Moms of All Ages

By:  Angie Ketcham

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, “I’m tired, and it’s getting late. I think I’ll go to bed.” 

·         She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day’s lunches.

·         Rinsed out the popcorn bowls,

·         Took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening,

·         Checked the cereal box levels,

·         Filled the sugar container,

·         Put spoons and bowls on the table and

·         Started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.

·         She then put some wet clothes in the dryer,

·         Put a load of clothes into the washer,

·         Ironed a shirt and

·         Secured a loose button.

·         She picked up the game pieces left on the table and

·         Put the telephone book back into the drawer.

·         She watered the plants,

·         Emptied a wastebasket and

·         Hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom.

·         She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher,

·         Counted out some cash for the field trip, and

·         Pulled a textbook out from hiding under the chair.

·         She signed a birthday card for a friend,

·         Addressed and stamped the envelope and

·         Wrote a quick note for the grocery store.

·         She put both near her purse.

·         Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser,

·         Put on her Night Solution and age fighting moisturizer,

·         Brushed and flossed her teeth and

·         Filed her nails.

Dad called out, “I thought you were going to bed?”

“I’m on my way,” she said.

·         She put some water into the dog’s dish and

·         Put the cat outside, then

·         Made sure the doors were locked.

·         She looked in on each of the kids and

·         Turned out their bedside lamps,

·         Hung up a shirt,

·         Threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and

·         Had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

·         In her own room, she set the alarm,

·         Laid out clothing for the next day,

·         Straightened up the shoe rack.

·         She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list.

·         She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular, “I’m going to bed.”

-Author Unknown

Sound familiar?  No, not the Dad part (although it’s pretty funny to think about), but the busyness of a mom?  Truth is, I wouldn’t want to miss a minute of all that motherhood has to offer, but, throw in the demands of keeping a job, a clean house, and a happy husband, can lead to a neglected important key to effective mothering:  taking care of myself.  As moms, we must find ways to recharge and renew ourselves so we can keep going on this journey as God intended.

•   I've learned that there are some things I can do to take care of myself while caring for my family.  First, I allow myself small “time-outs” during the day.  When things seem too stressful and I’m overwhelmed, I sneak away for just a short time.  With youngers, this is a little more challenging, but it is possible.  Sometimes walking away even for 3-5 minutes just to close your eyes and breathe, can change your whole outlook on the situation.

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•  I’ve learned to appreciate beauty of life that is given to me; in myself-both inwardly and outwardly, in my daily surroundings, and in the things I do.  Sometimes just taking the time to get dressed (i.e. no pajama bottoms) to my lace up shoes and put a little makeup on, makes me feel better about myself. 

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•  I’ve learned to enjoy activities with my children or my husband where I can express myself creatively.  Coloring with the littles and sewing with the olders are just a few examples that helps beautify my everyday life.  When there’s an opportunity, I take time out for the things I love to do.  For me, that usually includes a friend to talk to (sometimes out, sometimes watching kids), or catching up on facebook, specifically watching the videos that someone has said made them laugh till they cried.  Laughter is good for the soul.  I always share those things with those that can relate also. 

• When money is tight, I will find inexpensive ways to take care of myself; hot baths, mani/pedicure, picnics on the deck, or just spending time in my little garden.  I also have taken up running as an activity to relieve stress and get in shape to feel better.

If you’re a mom, or maybe just a stressed out woman of God, I challenge you to begin investing into yourself so that you can be your best for your family!