Today is Day 26 in the series 31 days to Loving Sensory Parenting. You can read all the posts here.
This may be one of the most important things I write. It’s also one of things I am most guilty at. I don’t make myself a priority. I put everyone’s needs ahead of mine. I take care of everyone else first and myself last. Not only is this not healthy for me but it is detrimental to me as a special needs mom.
I know how hard it is to fit in “me” time. I know how important it is, but it just doesn’t happen.
The truth about making yourself a priority: it does not make you selfish. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the guilt can set in. I can’t do this (insert the thing I want to do right now)… because I feel guilty for it. We give and we give and we give… and then all of a sudden we explode. There’s nothing left to give. We need to make ourselves a priority.
As much as I love a pedicure or a long bath sometimes it’s just not enough. Making myself a priority means asking myself, What do I need most right now? Sometimes for me, that means I need to clean my house. Because, when my house is clean I feel more at peace. I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I’m taking care of my things well (even though Miss Sensory hits it like a tornado and it’s back to messy). Most of the time if I can even just vacuum, it brings me peace.
Sometimes, I need to just get myself a little treat and take 5 minutes to sit down.
So, on the days when you are drained. When there’s nothing left, ask yourself, What do I need most right now?
I guarantee it can be a game changer for you. It will fill you up, even in the simplest of ways. Take care of yourself. Make yourself a priority so that you can keep giving to those around you.
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