Taking a break vs filling your cup

I’m a firm believer is taking a break as a mom. Girls night, a good book, a pedicure, even the occasional Netflix binge! What I am starting to realize though, is the difference between taking a break and filling my own cup. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break, but I need more sometimes. What that means for each of us is very personal and different. I love photography, home décor, and baking to name a few. Those things make me feel accomplished and satisfied in a way that Netflix can’t. Sometimes I need to fill my cup in a more meaningful way. Maybe that means listening to an inspirational podcast, reading my scriptures, listening to uplifting music, or choosing to serve someone in need. It doesn’t matter what it is, it just matters that I am feeding my sould. The old saying “if Mama aint happy, aint nobody happy” is SO true! If we as moms don’t take the time to fill our own cups, then how will be able to fill our childs sippy cup? Literally and figuratively! 😉 I get it, we don’t always have time to stop and fill our cups so here are a few things I turn to when I don’t have a lot of time:

I LOVE podcasts because I can listen to them in the car while I drive carpool, while I’m waiting at a sports practice, or even while I’m cooking dinner. One of my personal faves is “The Women with Fire” another is LDS conference talks. They bring peace into my life amidst the chaos of raising a big family. It can be anything that uplifts you and feeds your soul.

Looking through my old Instagram and Facebook pictures always gives me perspective too. The days are long, but the years are short and nothing punches me in the gut like seeing pictures of my big kids as babies!

Then there are those days where you want to quit and run away (Please tell me I’m not the only mom to ever feel that way!) On THOSE days I grab a tissue and take three minutes to hide in my closet and watch this video. Every single time I cry and every single time I remember the words “You are doing terrifically well.”

Mom guilt is real, feelings of failure are hard, questioning your sanity in choosing motherhood is normal, but you are doing terrifically well! Lower your standards, prioritize good, better, and best and be as patient with yourself and you are with your toddler and somehow it all works out in the end…even when it feels like it wont!