When was the last time you did something nice for your kids? No, really, take a moment and think about it. Did you make them pancakes for breakfast? Make their beds? Plan a playdate so that they could see their friends? Take them to the playground so they could run around and have fun? Read them an extra bedtime story? Take them out for ice cream?
Okay now, when was the last time you did something nice for yourself? When did you last take the time to cook yourself a healthy breakfast, pack yourself a great lunch, make a date with a girlfriend, read a good book, or do something active and fun, like take a long, invigorating walk?
And now I ask you: why do we take such good care of our families while we treat ourselves like an afterthought?
Don’t we know -- intellectually at least -- that a happy mama is a better mama? Don’t we know that keeping our physical, mental, and emotional selves healthy and strong is best not just for ourselves but for our families? Don’t we know we deserve it?
Oh, wait, you need a reminder? Got it. Here goes:
You are an important, gorgeous, smart, giving person who deserves great things. You are entitled to take time for yourself. You will be a more effective parent when you are strong and your needs are met. And YOU need to take the initiative to do those things for yourself. Your kids won’t do it. Your partner won’t do it. You must take responsibility for doing something nice for yourself.
This year, I’m encouraging you to make a resolution to yourself. Make 2020 your year.
For me, I find that time to myself every day when I set aside 30 minutes to walk. Even on cold days, even when I don’t feel like it, I lace up my sneakers and head out the door. Regardless of how I feel when I start, by the end of my walk I find myself happier, stronger, freer, and healthier.
And that’s not just me. That’s our bodies, our minds, and our moods at work. Because walking boosts our mood, helps us lose weight, strengthens our immune system, makes us stronger, reduces stress, and so, so many other good things. It is literally the simplest way to improve your health and your well-being.
It works for me and it will work for you. I encourage you to join me at 99 Walks. Through monthly walking challenges, hundreds of women just like you set aside a few minutes each day and walk their way to health and happiness. Together. And at the end of the month, we reward them with a gorgeous, inspirational bracelet as a reminder of their success. Want to join them? Use this link to try two weeks free.
This is it, mamas. 2020 is our year. Let’s crush it together.
xoxo,
Joyce
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