Part 3 of the Investment Series
I bought a purse the other day…. a beautiful, stylish Steve Madden piece of arm candy. I saw the purse and I swear I heard cherubs sing in heavenly unison.
Have I ever told you my secret fetish with purses.
Some gals love shoes. I love purses. It was a small indulgence I gave myself.
Sigggghhhhh.
Somewhere between kid two and the all-purpose-diaper-bag, I stopped any indulgences that related to me. Any time I did anything remotely self focused, the mom guilt was almost suffocating.
And in order to minimize the guilt I already had for working, I stopped focusing on everything related to myself and poured non-stop into those around me, particularly my kids.
But here is the issue when we give, give, give. Our tanks empty and there is nothing to refuel us. So all the time I was self-sacrificing, I was ultimately self-harming.
For some reason, we, woman, have told ourselves to sacrifice is noble and to a point, it is. But to completely neglect ourselves is a poor choice; and one that will ultimately affect everyone around us.
Here’s a few practical ways to begin investing in yourself:
-Start out small. Try getting up an hour earlier than your family for quiet time and coffee (always make time for coffee).
-Get your partner involved. My husband learned that when he helps me get some “me” time, “us” time is more frequent!!! (everyone wins)
-Get your friends involved. I remember time out of the house without kids was hard and expensive. Make a schedule with other moms and take turns swapping out the kiddos for a few hours of peace and quiet.
-Reevaluate your priorities. Sometimes the things we invest in are causing us to drown and neglect. I have to run everything through my “life filter” and if it doesn’t fit into what is important to my faith and family, then it goes out the window.
Investing in ourselves and others can be a fine balance and it is one I do not always get right. However, I know I am worth investing in and you are too!
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