You are worth it.

I had my beautiful second daughter, Liza, 11 weeks ago. This week I started back to work--sad, but true. My first night down was a big accomplishment and it went fairly smoothly so I decided to treat myself to a facial today. I had been scrimping and saving all maternity leave and felt now that I was back in the work force earning some money I could justify a little splurge. It turns out it was the best decision I could have made.

As busy moms, whether you work outside the home or not, it’s a true luxury to have any sort of down time where the focus is on YOU. Whether it’s going to get a mani/pedi, a massage, a facial, or just some time ‘off’ while you stroll the mall aimlessly and window-shop. I have come to find that paying for childcare to do something like this is ENTIRELY WORTH IT! Or, if you’re lucky you have family to help out and that doesn’t add to the cost. Any way you look at it, it’s money well spent because at the end of it you feel recharged. You are more able to give of yourself because your tank has been filled up. Why, as women, we are so guilty and reluctant to take time out for ourselves I’ll never know. Because when we do, it feels dam good! And it is completely necessary. After 11 weeks of sleepless nights, countless diaper changes and doing more loads of laundry than I ever thought possible, it was pure bliss to lie on a comfortable bed and be pampered. While I was lying there, the never ending  ‘to do list’ would pop into my head. So I kept thinking to myself,  ‘BE HERE NOW’.  It helped me savor the moment and realize that taking time for ourselves needs to be a priority. Because, as the saying goes, “When mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”.

So I’m challenging all you ladies out there who haven’t done anything for yourselves in far too long to think about what would help recharge your batteries. Just pick up the phone, set a date and make it happen. You will thank me….and so will your husband and kids. Go on--you’re worth it!