Mommy Priorities

Recently, I listened to a speaker discussing priorities.  She was my Weight Watchers leader talking to a group of individuals (mostly women) trying to become healthier.  She asked us to list our priorities numbering one to ten.   She then asked where we fit, or if we were even on the list?  She went on to explain that we should at least be in the top three.  Many people didn’t have themselves on the list.  If we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of our families and other commitments?  My family definitely comes first.  Period—no argument.  Extended family and friends are number two.  Work is around three—but can be exchanged with my commitments as Home and School President, Girl Scout co-leader, and other offices that I hold.  I’m down the list some.  Church and other things are before me.

My son has been home this week with the H1N1 flu.  Yeah—I know—even the food safety Nazi has children who get sick!  I thought about this long and hard.  If I didn’t get enough sleep or keep myself healthy, how was I going to be able to take care of a sick child? Or children?  H1N1 is extremely contagious—and I anticipate the other two will have it soon.  So—I am slowly working on getting ME to be in the top three of my priorities.  I want to be healthy and live a long life with my husband.  I want to see my kids grow up and get married.  I want to live long enough to become a problem for THEM!

What does this mean to me?  It means losing some weight.  It means exercising more.  It means carving out some me-time to do something relaxing that I enjoy.  It means keeping me healthy so I can give 100% of myself to those I love.  Sounds easy.  It’s a tough thing to change.  As mothers, others always come first.  I challenge you to make yourself a priority.  Stay healthy.  Do something that makes you happy.  I hear some mothers even have hobbies!  Let me know if you have made any changes to make yourself a priority.  It’s not being selfish—it’s taking care of YOU!