From the time my son was born I always felt guilty to take any time for myself. I had brought this little baby into the world and I had to focus all of my attention on him all day every day. Anytime I went out with my girlfriends Logan was always with me. Leaving him with a babysitter just wasn’t an option in my mind. He was my baby, I was going to take care of him.
As I started school again and was forced to leave him from time to time I was overcome with guilt. I didn’t want to miss anything, but I knew I had to do this not only for me, but for our family.
When I became a single mother I was completely overwhelmed. I never had any time to myself and I was taking on way more than I could handle. I needed a little me time, but felt too guilty to take it. It took a lot for me to realize that it was ok to take a little break here and there. There was more to who I was than just being a mother. I had forgotten about the things I enjoyed doing before I had had my son. I had to rediscover them and I began scheduling in “Mommy Time.” During Logan’s nap, I would take half an hour to just do something for me, whether it was reading a book, playing the piano, or taking a bubble bath, it didn’t matter as long as it was for me. It helped me relax and I began to feel the stress falling away. Logan was happier because Mommy was happier. I was happier because for that half hour I was focused on me and only me. After that half hour I was able to get back to the everyday tasks that seem never-ending for all single mothers. But I was able to do them with a smile on my face because I had given myself time to recharge.
Don’t feel guilty to take a little time for yourself here and there. Being a single mom can burn you out fast! The better you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of your kids and in the long run that is what we are all striving for.