Today’s Mama’s Music Mantra reminds us how important it is to prevent burnout. The song pick: Take It All by Adele. Now turn up those speakers, click play, and read on!
Mantra: “Oh if only, if only you knew,
Everything I do is for you”.
So yesterday I walked from one city to the next. I live on the border of the two cities. But still, it was a pretty epic walk. The sun was shining. The temperature was perfect. The leaves were vibrant shades of gold and hues of red. I sang all the way there. It was a perfect day.
Where was Tiana? She was with her Dada at the park and generally gallivanting around town. Dada doesn’t get to work from home and feels like he doesn’t get enough Dada-daughter time. So yesterday, she spent the day with him and I had a blast on my own. But the best part is, we’ve decided that this is going to be a regular occasion. BOOYA! I am SO taking advantage!
Why am I so excited about this? Well here’s the thing: Tiana makes it too easy for me to live, breathe, and exist just for her. My heart explodes at the sound of her voice, the sight of her chubby legs, the sloppy wet kisses…my god I love this creature of mine. But I have to love me first and I know that regularly having a day without baby is healthy for all parties involved.
Time to bring out the airplane-oxygen-mask metaphor:
Put on your own oxygen mask first, and then help your child.
Makes sense right? How about this?
“Our first and last love is self-love.”-Christian Bovee
There are a handful of quotes that I can spit out here. And they all sound great in theory. But what convinces me most is remembering that nothing is permanent.
Fact.
And when our definition of self relies on external sources, that are, one day, taken away from our mama-grip, we crumble. Not to mention, we have no idea who we are at that point.
Ask Adele. From the sounds of it, she has made the same mistake with a lover.
So lets remix these lyrics shall we?
“Everything I do is for because of you.”
As in, baby is the fire-starter. Now its up to me to fuel my fire.
What do you do to make sure you’re growing and thriving in this world as much as baby is?
4 Responses to You Are the Center of Your Universe, Not Your Children.
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I'm Nat Nanton, founder of Tutu Mama. Becoming a mother has made me commit to living my greatest life. If you can relate to that, you're in the right place.Connect with me
I took a day this weekend and you are so right! I had so much to do at home but instead, I went outside and read, I had a little pampering and time to get centered and remember who I am. Thank you for your post because I am totally there. Trying to figure out how to balance working from home and taking care of my child. It’s been a rough couple of days as I struggle with all that has to be done.
But as mamis we need to take time to ourselves, reconvene and enjoy a little time to be still so that we can continue to be all that we are for our babies! <3
You got it Mami! Such a warrior you are, Sili.
You’re right, Sili is a warrior. I’m so proud to call her my friend. You both have hit the nail on the head- how can you take care of someone else if you never take care of yourself?
It’s definitely a mistake moms from the older generations made a lot. I’m glad the trend has changed for the better. And I’m glad she FF’d you so that we could meet! What a love fest. Haha.