Question: “I know I need "me time" but I feel selfish, especially if I don't have an activity planned for the kids to do while I'm spending time doing something for me.”

Karen’s Answer: I think we all struggle with this concept of “me time,” but it’s important that as women we don’t forget about us. Being a mom is a very servant-oriented job and it’s very easy to get lost in the shuffle.  It’s important for every mom to make herself a priority, because trust me ladies, your children will grow up and fly out of the nest…and you don’t want to be a shell of a person when they do leave.

When I lived in Virginia and my children were small, I would go and get my nails done every two weeks, without missing! It’s funny, we were looking at old pictures the other day and one of my children commented on how great my nails looked.  I told them that those nails were my sanity run every two weeks.  It was wonderful to sit there, listen to all the nail salon gossip and just veg out for an hour.  It was wonderful! Did I feel guilty? Yes, did I stop? No

If you are finding that you are really, really struggling with guilt, I would go back and listen to the first podcast we did on “How Do I Overcome Mommy Guilt?’

Question: “How did you fit in "me time"? I know lots of women get up really early to have a quiet time or work out, but to be honest - I really struggle with waking up in the morning. Any tips?”

Karen’s Answer: I honestly struggled too.  I would usually forget about quiet time until night time and then I’d fall asleep while saying my prayers.  I struggled so much until a friend of mine said, “God understands the season of life you are in, and as long as you are keeping him on your radar and trying to carve out time, he gets it.”  That gave me a sense of hope, hope that I wasn’t on his bad list. (there is no such list, but that’s what I thought at the time)

Then I found in Isaiah a verse that is in keeping with this way of thinking. Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” This verse is so reassuring to me, that my heavenly father understands the crazy life of a mom, and he will gently guide me.

Question: “How did "me time" look for you when you had 4 little ones and a husband who traveled?”

Karen’s Answer: I had to push past the “guilt” and realize if I was going to survive all the travel I had to pour into myself while Greg was gone.  So, some weeks that looked like dinner and a movie with a girlfriend or doing my nails. Sometimes it would be getting a sitter and going to the grocery store by myself just to have some peace and quiet.  I would also trade off with friends—you watch my children, then I’ll watch yours.  Honestly it’s amazing what 2 hours away from the children can do for one’s sanity.

Resources Mentioned on This Episode: 

Moments with God | 365 Devotions

Says Who | Part 1 DVD

We hope you got to experience a little "Me Time" listening to our show this week! Thank you!

If you have a question about motherhood I want to hear it, so make sure you visit birdsonawiremoms.com/askkaren and tune in each week to see if we cover your question.

Remember, if you enjoyed this podcast, make sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review! 

Have a great week!