"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
I did something I rarely do a couple of days back…I splurged on… get ready for this one… Myself! Yep, that's right, on little ole me! Well, let me correct that, I did not actually purchase the item for myself. It was my anniversary, hubby & I… 21 years! So, as usual, he waited until the night before & said he needed to go out and do some "shopping". I knew he meant anniversary shopping. Usually I just tell him I don't want/need anything and not to bother. But this time, this time was different. Earlier that day, I had found a sample of perfume that had been mailed to me, one of my "freebies", I'm a freebie freak! 🙂 I opened up the teeny-tiny package & swept the little moist towelette onto my arms and then took a sniff. It smelled wonderful!!! I made a mental note of the name & threw away the packaging.
So instead of giving him my usual, "Don't bother, I don't need anything" answer – I busted out with, "Hey! I smelled a really good perfume today and I'd really like to have it!" I think he was taken aback for a few seconds. He asked me what it was (Dolce & Gabbana, The One) and headed out to the mall. He gave it to me the next day!
As I opened up my perfume, I got to thinking…why do we, as moms, always put ourselves last? I do it all the time. I buy my boys the cutest clothes, buy hubby nice looking duds, but never buy anything new for myself. And it's not just clothes. Let's say I make breakfast and I burn some of the bacon…that bacon immediately goes on my plate. Same for burnt toast, crispy pancakes, charred hamburgers…you name it! If I cooked it and I burned it, then I'm the one who's gonna end up eating it!
I can't really see my hubby doing the same! I picture him burning a burger and then giving it to our oldest! And then snickering as our oldest bites into his burger. Moms are different, we want the best for our children, our families, and we are willing to suffer in order to get it.
My mom was the same way, she would buy for us before buying for herself.
Another example, we went on vacation a couple of weeks back. I had shopped around and gotten us all the best deals on just about everything, flight, accommodations and meals! I'm very frugal and quite the bargain hunter! 🙂 Right before we left, I decided to get a pedicure. I found a place nearby and went ahead and got my toes did! When I got home, I tried to remember the last time I'd had a pedicure. It was 2008, while visiting family in Texas! 2008! Pedicures do not cost that much, I could easily get one per month, but I don't. I spend my money on my boys…
Moms matter too, we need to take time for ourselves, we need to pamper ourselves. I am going to make an honest effort to do more little things for myself. Having a pedicure once a month will not break the bank, and it will be some "Me" time…something I am definitely lacking in my life. I am with my lil guy 24/7…I love him with all my heart, but I need some "Me" time, time to myself, so I can re-energize my Mommy Powers! 😉
All you moms out there, please take time for yourself- you matter, we ALL matter. Pamper yourself, buy that new dress, or perfume. That pair of earrings you've had your eyes on would look great on you! Go ahead & do it ! From now on, let's not just take care of our families, let's take care of ourselves too! 😉
Never stop using your Mommy Powers!
MP
