Happy Friday! I have something a little different planned for today’s post. You guys know how big of a proponent I am for self-care and feeling good about how we look. It’s the basis of what this blog was started on. It’s not only what I preach but it’s what I try to live every day. When I got stuck in my mom rut, the only thing that led me out was dedication to taking care of and feeling good about myself so that I could be the best possible mom for my family.
The irony in all of that is I’m failing miserably right now.
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind. The launch of my first style challenge has exceeded my wildest expectations in the best way possible. At the same time, I’ve been trying to keep up with my regular blogging schedule and responsibilities, which normally fills my days on it’s own. It’s a lot of work, but fun work. I call that “good stress”.
Then there’s the bad stress. My power steering went out on my car and Craig is out of town for work again. I’ve been coordinating car repairs while being a “single mom” and trying to keep up with everything else.
Let’s just say that my self care is in the crapper.
I haven’t worked out all week, laundry is piling up to the sky, we’ve had fast food or take out for dinner almost every night and now I have a compressed nerve in my neck. My body is screaming at me to slow down but my life is not having it.
Here’s how I’m coping with my self care epic fail. Maybe it will help you too.
1. Cut yourself some slack. I’ve worn my yoga pants almost all day every day this week. Do you know what? No one died. We all have seasons of life where it’s not going to work to get dressed and put on makeup every day. When you’re in one of those seasons, acknowledge it as temporary and give yourself permission to be where you are. Judging has NEVER made anything better. Remember, this too shall pass.
2. Enlist some help. I have a house cleaner come in once a month and what a difference it’s made. Her monthly visit fell on Wednesday of this week. Divine timing! I immediately felt like my life had regained some order just from having a clean house. Ask yourself what’s outside your zone of genius (or zone of motivation) and hire help for it. Free yourself up to do what really matters. If you don’t have the resources to pay for help, ask family or friends if they can step in for free once in awhile or barter services with them.
3. Make time for you. One evening this week, I made time to meet my girlfriends for dinner. Even though this is something I wouldn’t normally do when Craig is out of town, I knew I needed to go. My daughters got a little whiny when I told them I was going but ultimately my need for “me time” won out over mom guilt. When I got home, I felt recharged and still had quality time with them before bed.
4. Refer back to what works. OK, I know how crazy this sounds, but I re-read my own book! One night before bed, I pulled up my copy of Get Pretty, Kick Butt! on my Kindle and skimmed through a few chapters. Sometimes I need a reminder of what it takes to structure my days properly. In the season of life that I wrote that book, I had a really good handle on what was working best for me. It serves as a guidepost when I need to get back to basics. If you have a good book or guide that works for you, refer back to it often.
5. Take a deep breath and be thankful. There is so much good about this season of life. Even though it’s really hectic, there’s good to be found in every moment. Craig is out of town because he is valued and has a stable, secure job. I’m harried from running around because I have the ultimate privilege of serving my family. My blog is busy because I’m blessed to have readers who enjoy it. My car might need repairs but at least it’s paid off! Each night before I fall asleep, I say a prayer of thanks for all of these incredible blessings.
Craig comes home today and I’ve “mostly” got a handle on everything around here. Heck, I may even find time to put on makeup today and try to look pretty too!
It’s Your Turn: What tips do you have for making life work when you’re in a busy season? I’d love to hear them!
STYLE CHALLENGE INSPIRATION
There is something seriously magical going on in our Spring Style Me Challenge Facebook group. This challenge is worth it just for that community. I wanted to share with you a few quotes pulled from it these past few days:
I ABSOLUTELY love this challenge! One of the best parts of this list is how affordable it is! Each person can choose to spend as much or as little as they want on clothing items. I love that we will style clothes that can be from Target or Saks-and look absolutely gorgeous! Thank you!
Today was a breakthrough for me; I felt so good, confident and stylish, and yet still so comfortable–in my outfit and in my own skin. I wasn’t hiding under baggy clothes, wasn’t tugging on something that didn’t fit well, and wasn’t wearing something that didn’t feel like ME. What a difference! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU all!
Looking at the clothes in my closet a whole different way…not something I would of even thought of a week ago….thank you for “challenging” me to go outside my “comfort level”!
I’m getting so many good ideas here and learning so much from what you’ve shared, I’ve started a little folder of pics/ideas to take shopping. Feel like I know what I’m looking for and shopping smarter. Thanks, to all of you!
It’s nice to have a group of positive women encouraging each other. It’s very refreshing in our world-I’m feeling good about my body and clothing choices instead of feeling like I don’t measure up. Thanks ladies and Alison.
The courage and confidence displayed by the challengers has been incredibly inspiring. Feeling great about what you’re wearing and how you look is absolutely a game-changer. I love seeing how style crosses all borders. We have women in the group from their late 20’s to late 50’s and from all walks of life. It’s a universal language that we’re speaking in this challenge. I’ve never been involved in any group that’s been more supportive, encouraging or uplifting. My heart is bursting with joy!
If you want to get in on this amazing experience, there’s still time. Late registration for the Spring Style Me Challenge ends at midnight tonight. The first outfit will be released Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. CT. You can register now and get your shopping list immediately so you’ll have the weekend to shop and get your pieces in place by Sunday evening. Most of the challengers already had a lot of the pieces in their closets. Click HERE to join us!
Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back on Monday with my Daily Style Diary recap. See you then!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday.
