Why I got militant about me time

To do list

• Book a boiler service
• Hoover
• Garden
• Fix gate
• Get car washed
• Renew insurance
• Book car in for MOT
• Reply to birthday party invitation
• Get paint samples
• Declutter the hall
• Plan meals
• Empty bins
• Arrange birthday cards and presents
• Arrange a babysitter for that important meeting
• Shopping
• School admin/forms
• Book dentist appointments
• Arrange get together for family

Literally just a few of the things I was able to pluck from my brain within 30 seconds, that I need to do, most urgent, some just needed. And no-one else is going to do any of those things, unless I do them. And I haven’t even started on work admin, or things I want or need to do for myself.

I can’t speak for same sax couples (excuse my misspelling but … filters!), so I won’t try, and I know that there are males of the species out there who run households, but for the great majority of us, it’s just not the case.

As someone who’s been in both a marriage, and been a single parent, I know the buck for a great number of these tasks and responsibilities, stops with the female (in mixed sax couples).

We’re the centre of the household. We’re the default parent. We’re the one who gets the calls and requests from other parents, from school, from healthcare professionals.

Our children ask us first. Our families rely on us doing all the things.

And we silently plough on, with endless to do lists and tasks coming out of our ears, and rarely, if ever, take time to recharge, regroup, or tend to our own needs.

Question – if you DO ever do things for yourself, how do you feel?

You might feel guilt.
You might feel distracted, as if a million things you “should” be doing, are running
round in your head.
You might not even relax or enjoy yourself.
You might be thinking – doing things for myself – what’s that?

THAT right there – is why I started my business.
Because putting everyone else ahead of myself, is who I used to be.
I wore that exhaustion like a badge of honour.
But I was unhappy, resentful, and moody.

And a switch inside me flicked one day.
I said “no more!” – it’s time to start putting myself first.

And self care started coming first.
It would go in my diary (still does).
I got MILITANT about “me time”.

And guess what happened?

I became a better partner, mum and friend.
I feel happier than I ever have done.
And I know that when life slows down a bit, when I’m no longer so “needed” by my family, I won’t be left wondering who the f*** I am. I won’t be suddenly trying to work out what my dreams and goals are. And I won’t be feeling guilty for being a moody mum my child’s whole life.

And honestly, I want that for you, too.

Want to carve out more me time but don’t know where to start? Book a discovery call with me here and we can make a plan!