"me" time

When I attended an FGD a few months ago, we were asked to enumerate our activities from morning to sun-down. I realized then that since I became a mom I never really had time for myself. Most of my activities include attending to my baby's needs, work, household chores, etc. I never had the time to do the things I love to do like post an entry to this blog, read a book while sipping a cup of coffee, shopping for myself (I always shop for my baby), etc.

Last Saturday in our CFC household, this topic was once again discussed. Now that I'm a mother, I feel guilty when I leave my baby to watch a movie with my hubby (and have some quality time together), I shop expensive things and clothes for her (Mishka) but I feel guilty if I buy even a cheap blouse for myself and when I get home it's okay not to rest at once even if I'm dead tired from work just so I could cook, play with her, read her a book and finally sing a song for her before she goes to sleep. I'm not complaining because I love doing things for my family. However, that topic made me realize that hey, I also need some soul nourishment, I also need to pamper myself once in awhile, I should also reward myself every now & then and I need some "me" time to get in touch with who I am every so often.

In reality, once we have a family of our own, our top priority is our family and work. I even feel guilty because our service to God through CFC lessened when we started a family (but I'm sure He understands because we also serve Him through our family and work). However, we also need to prioritize ourselves because we cannot fully give our love and service to others if we do not love ourselves first. Remember, we cannot give what we do not have. We must also not feel guilty when we say that "learning to love ourselves is the greatest love of all" because if we do so, we are loving God (since we are made in His own image and likeness) and we could give more love to others.

So, learn to love yourself, give in to some of your guilty pleasures... have some "me" time to recharge your restless soul. I'm trying...