I made a vow to myself that this was the year I was going to make more time for ME. This would be the year I would lessen my workload and carve out some quality time for myself. As you know, we moms are everything to everyone else so I thought it was about time I made even an EXTRA effort to focus on what makes me happy – putting myself back on the calendar in 2012.
So here are the three things that topped my resolution list this year and I am happy to report that I’ve been sticking to them.
1. Subscribe & read a magazine again – not online, like the real thing. Reading a magazine in my hands actually forces me to relax as I flip through the pages; being away from the computer actually helps me to lessen the noise. It even inspires me to have a cup of coffee or glass of wine (depending on what time it is). For me, it’s like what Pinterest is for some of you addicts – it’s just something I take tons of enjoyment in.
Real Simple is the magazine that tops my list this year and this is the cover from the Summer 2008 issue. Doesn’t it make you want to chill on the couch with a great cup of coffee and just RELAX? {photo credit: Real Simple}
2. Get back into a workout routine. I know this sounds a little crazy, but I am seeking tons of enjoyment by waking up before the kids get up to workout – because I am doing something for ME. I grab my ipod and I listen to tons of awesome music that gets me energized. During the workout, it’s the perfect time to purge any anxiety or nerves from the previous day and start fresh and I’m always pumped on the mornings I have been working out. I’ve added this “workout” time into my routine three days a week and I’ve never felt more excited about hitting the treadmill.
3. Plan a Girl’s Night at least once per month. This is a biggie for me. I’m actually making sure that I plan a night out with some girlfriends at least once a month. It’s ALWAYS on a weeknight so that I am not taking up family time on the weekend, and it’s the perfect chance for me to reconnect with some good friends and dish on motherhood and all things girlie for a little while. We always end up with a bunch of laughs so a couple of hours out with some good friends is always good for the soul. And for this Theta Mom, these outings keep me sane knowing I can share a cocktail and some smiles with those I adore. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So if you had to name three things RIGHT NOW that you should be doing for YOU, what would make your Top 3 in 2012?
I’m with you on #2 and #3. Also at the top of my list would be getting semi-regular massages and finding a cleaning lady.!
I agree with all of your ideas. I already subscribe to a ton of magazines, but very rarely take the time to actually read them. It just seems like there’s not enough time between blogging, kids’ activities, kids, hubby time, housework, etc.
I would have to say the one thing I definitely need to do for myself this year is make sure I take a girl’s weekend. ‘Cause my hubby takes several of his own weekends and even a week last year for himself, but I very rarely plan my own weekends away.
Good for you for putting yourself on the calendar!!
I have had exercise as one of my top three for a while. The problem is getting up early enough. To do it alone I need to wake up at 5:45 am and this has been a struggle 😛
My second goal is to make time for me. To do my nails, take a bubble bath and just generally relax.
Thirdly I am trying my own version of The HAppiness Project. Perhaps not as hardcore at Gretchen Rubin but it is working for me and that is the point
My “me time” resolutions this year are all about getting back to girliness and getting pampered. I’m booking monthly spa days (massage, body scrub, etc), monthly trip to the dermatologist, and monthly hair treatments (protein boost, hair spa). These all really help me relax!
For years, my girlfriends and I have met on the 3rd Saturday of every month for Sushi Night. It’s the best! We’re all busy moms, and if not for these evenings, we would never reconnect. I highly recommend it.
How wonderful that you’re sticking to these resolutions!
My ‘me time’ activities that are a must – frequent breakfast dates with a fellow SAHM sans children (at least once every 2 weeks); monthly manicures/ pedicures and a long, hot shower at least once a week!
I love magazines. The actual magazines you can hold in your hand and flip the pages! It fills me with all sorts of ideas.
I think planning girls night out every month is so cool. I started doing this with some old friends back in September. I can’t tell you how good it feels to go out with them and just laugh and be myself for a night! It’s so fun!
How I miss a GNO! Kudos to you for carving out time for yourself. :>
Hmmm…three things for myself? Protect the time I carve out for writing, take a class with creative focus (and not feel guilty about it), and reinstate our once a year Girlfriend Getaway.
Oh, these are good ones! I really need to focus on that 3rd one – too easily falls off of my radar and so, so very important for happiness!
Great resolutions! Basic and easy to do. I love reading magazines! My husband thinks it’s a waste of money and stupid because I can “get everything online anyway.” It is relaxing to curl up in the corner of my couch/sectional and just flip through and read what interests me. I also do bunco once a month with a bunch of other moms – I’m convinced that every mom should be a part of or start her own mommy bunco group!
Exercise? What’s that?
The gym should be on my list.
Oooh, great goals, I want to read a magazine or a book. I was getting better with books but it has fallen off of my “to do” list again. Sigh.
So awesome. I need more me time, too – lately I have not had as much time to blog as I’d like, and it’s because I’m so much more busy with everything else. Sometimes I am okay with this, but I do miss all that extra time I had to be on the computer, reading my favourite blogs, like yours, you know? I hope to make more time for ME to BLOG!
Number one for me would have to be eating better! Seems this family is always in a rush and this translates into quick and easy meals. Time to put a little more care into the food…for me:)
Reading an actual magazine is such a luxury – I love just going to the newspaper/magazine store just to peruse and pick out a few gems to read while cuddled up in bed!
My three would be:
1- Eat better – make sure to eat all my veggies and not to pass up the side salad (and not slathered with dressing)
2 – Have more patience – Some days are harder than others to keep my cool when things don’t go as planned
3 – Take the leap – and do the things I’ve been talking about doing and not be scared of the outcome, because what’s the worst that could happen, I could succeed!
Agree with the magazine thing – maybe even a book too! Another one would be to plan an evening out alone with my husband. No kids. My dog is a perfectly capable babysitter…